Congratulations on your new home (or apartment)! Now that the most exciting part is out of the way, it’s time to get to work. While your mind may already be jumping to planning the move, don’t forget about the crucial first step in the process: packing.
Did you know that most moving companies offer packing services? The national average for professional packing services is $60-$80 per hour. Let’s break down everything that goes into that number in the article below.
Factors that Influence Packing Services Cost
There are various factors that influence packing services costs. See a breakdown of each below:
Weight:
- Although a small influence, weight can still alter the cost of packing services in two ways. First, heavier objects may require more supplies, thus increasing your total charge. Second, heavier items may take longer to pack, thereby increasing labor costs.
Home Size:
- This is the most significant factor influencing the cost of packing services. For instance, packing a one-bedroom apartment can cost as little as $300, whereas a 4-bedroom house can cost up to $2,000.
Location and Distance:
- An additional factor in packing services cost is location. Local moves are typically priced per hour, whereas long-distance moves are charged a flat-rate fee. Additionally, you may have to pay a fee based on the time it takes the packers to travel from the warehouse to your location. Be sure to confirm this with your professional packing provider.
Moving Boxes:
- Some moving companies will charge for materials. If you have boxes, they will use those, but they will also provide any materials you don’t have, including packing blankets, packing paper, tape, bubble wrap, etc. Note that any supplies needed will be an additional charge.
Fragile Items:
- Items of significant value, such as artwork or fragile antiques, will come with a higher charge due to increased time spent handling and the special materials that may be required to safely pack your items.
Timing:
- Depending on the time of year you move, you may be able to get some discounts. The moving off-season runs from October to April, and packing services on Mondays to Thursdays are typically cheaper than services provided on weekends.
How Much Do Packers Charge per Hour?
Hiring a Tasker is a great way to offload the stress of moving and safely pack your items. The average hourly cost of hiring a Tasker ranges anywhere from $35 per hour to $40 per hour. Book a Tasker today!
Hiring Packers vs. DIY
So should you hire packers or take the load on yourself? Below are some factors to consider:
Packing Speed:
- Professional packers can save you time. Instead of packing taking days or even weeks, packing services can have your job done in as little as one to two days.
Efficiency:
- Not only do professional packers do the work for you, but they’ll also bring the supplies. They deal with moves all day, so they know what to look out for and how to pack in fewer boxes.
Safety Measures:
- Arguably the most important reason to hire packers, their job is to make sure items are packed as safe as possible. Plus, most professional packers absorb the liability for broken items. Packers are also trained on how to properly lift heavy objects, preventing any harm happening to yourself.
How to Find Packing Services
There are various ways to find packing services. You can check local moving companies and even some professional van lines. We first recommend you get several quotes and do a little research on the moving company. For instance, some moving companies specialize in office moves, while others specialize in home moving.
Another easy way to hire packers is to book a Tasker. Not only do you get a personal touch while someone is touching your personal things, but reviews for each packer are listed in an easy-to-read, side-by-side form on our website or app.
Tips to Save Money on Packing Services
Of course, there are ways to reduce the cost of the packing job. Check out some of our tips below:
- Source boxes for free: There are a multitude of stores that have boxes they will give away for free. Check liquor stores, grocery stores, big box stores, and pharmacies. Sometimes you can even find free boxes at recycling centers, on Craigslist, or Facebook marketplace.
- Declutter: Why move something you’re going to get rid of anyway? Go through your things, and as a rule of thumb, anything you don’t use every two weeks is a good item to toss or donate (unless it has sentimental value, of course). You can even hire a Tasker to handle the donation drop-off for you.
- Pack some of your items yourself: If you can’t afford packers for your entire home, pack some of your items yourself. You can always save heavy, fragile, or difficult to move items for the professional packers to handle.
Packing Services Cost FAQs
How long do Taskers take?
- Timing depends on the size of the house. For instance, packing a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically takes two to five hours, and packing a four-bedroom house can take anywhere from four to 12 hours (but likely around six hours at the most).
Do you tip packers and movers?
- Yes, you should plan to tip packers and movers. A typical tip for packers includes anywhere from $4 to $8 per person per hour. Of course, you can always tip more for a job well done.
What is the average cost of packing a house?
- As discussed, there are various factors that go into the price of packing a house. A rule of thumb, however, is that packing a 4-bedroom house can cost anywhere from $750 – $1650, although some sources would price the higher range at $1200.
Does packing include loading and unloading?
- Packing does not include loading or unloading. However, many moving companies provide the full suite of moving services. You can also book a Tasker for help loading and unloading as well.
Outsourcing packing is a great way to make your move go even smoother. Not only do you save time, but you gain peace of mind that all of your possessions will make it to your new home or apartment safely. By hiring a Tasker to take care of the packing for you, you can focus on other more important issues–like making sure you have WiFi on day one in your new home.
