How much do packing services cost?
Professional packing services often cost $600 - $2,500 to pack a 2- to 3-bedroom home. Hourly packing labor often runs about $60 - $80+ per packer per hour, depending on market, materials, and scope.
The quote should make clear whether boxes, tape, paper, wardrobe cartons, mattress bags, fragile-item packing, disassembly, labeling, and unpacking are included.
Packing services cost by scope
Partial packing
$300 - $1,200How to tellMovers pack kitchens, fragile items, closets, artwork, or only the rooms you choose
The fixUse this when you can handle basic boxes but want fragile areas done professionally
Full-home packing
$600 - $2,500+How to tellThe packing crew boxes most or all household items before move day
The fixConfirm room count, materials, labeling system, and whether packing happens same day or before
Fragile or specialty packing
$100 - $1,000+ extraHow to tellChina, glassware, artwork, lamps, electronics, antiques, or collectibles need extra care
The fixAsk whether custom crating or declared value coverage is needed
Packing materials
$100 - $800+How to tellBoxes, wardrobe cartons, paper, tape, pads, mirror boxes, and mattress bags are supplied
The fixCompare material markups and whether unused materials are refundable
Unpacking and setup
$300 - $1,500+How to tellYou want boxes opened, items placed, packing trash removed, or closets/kitchen set up
The fixDefine the level of unpacking so the crew does not guess
Before hiring packers
- Declutter first. Paying professionals to pack items you will throw away is one of the easiest moving-cost mistakes.
- Group items by room and label anything that should not be packed.
- Separate valuables, documents, medications, chargers, keys, and items you will personally carry.
- Ask whether fragile packing, materials, labeling, and unpacking are included or separate.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call a moving, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- You are short on time before move day
- The home has many fragile, valuable, or awkward items
- You need packing tied to mover liability or valuation coverage
- You are moving long distance and want boxes packed consistently
- You need unpacking help after a large move
Repair or replace?
Self-packing saves money when you have time and can source materials. Professional packing is usually worth comparing when fragile items, time pressure, long-distance transport, or insurance questions matter.
Need a cleaner scope before you call around?
Use the moving checklist to compare the same work, questions, cleanup, and warranty before choosing a local company.
Related questions
Do movers include packing?
Not usually unless you request it. Many moving estimates include basic furniture protection but not boxing household goods.
Can I hire packers without hiring movers?
Sometimes. Some moving companies and labor services offer packing-only help, but availability and liability vary.
Should I pack valuables myself?
Yes for documents, jewelry, cash, medications, passports, laptops, chargers, keys, and anything you cannot risk losing track of.