What You Need to Know About Full-Service Moving

What is full-service moving?

Full-service moving is a hands-off option where professionals handle most of the work for your move, including transporting your belongings to your new home. Sounds pretty good, right? Well, that depends on your moving budget.

With full-service companies, they take care of loading, transporting and unloading your belongings. Many also offer packing and unpacking. This is different from DIY moving options like U-Pack®, where you save money by handling the moving labor yourself.

Full-service moving can be convenient, but it's also one of the most expensive ways to move. Before you decide, take a look at how it works and see how U-Pack can provide the services you need at a much lower price. 

What’s it like to use a full-service mover? 

Full-service movers, also known as traditional moving companies or van lines, usually provide an all-in-one experience.

That means they:

• Pack (and unpack, when available)
• Load and unload
• Transport your belongings

Many providers include packing supplies in their rates. Some may also offer extra services, such as furniture disassembly/reassembly or specialty item handling, like piano moving.

How full-service moving companies work

Hiring a full-service moving company can be more complicated than using a self-move solution because of the extra steps involved. 

Plan for this 7-step process:

1. Schedule an in-home visit for a quote

Most traditional moving companies require an in-home visit before providing a quote. A company representative will need to look at your belongings to estimate their weight. The more your things weigh, the higher the rate. 

The rep might also add fees to the estimate for factors that could make loading difficult, like narrow hallways or doors, multiple staircases or oversized furniture.

2. Sign the contract and pay the deposit

It’s important to ask if the contract is binding (the rate won’t change) or nonbinding (the price could be adjusted) if the weight estimate is incorrect. Learn more about reading moving quotes.

Once you agree to a rate and scope of work, you’ll sign the contract and make a deposit. Deposit amounts and policies will vary by company.

3. Get ready for moving day

You have to be prepared for movers in order to keep things running smoothly, even if the company is doing most of the work. An organized space is best for everyone.

Here’s what to do before the crew arrives:

• Sort belongings into the correct room. If packing is included in your contract, movers will pack and label items by their current room. If you want things to end up in a different room at your new home, relocate them before packing begins.
• Disassemble large furniture (if not included in your contract). Breaking down bed frames, shelving or other oversized items can save time.
• Secure valuables and personal items. Movers typically won’t pack items like jewelry, cash or important paperwork. Plan to move these yourself for peace of mind.

4. Be available during packing and loading

The movers will load your belongings and secure everything inside the moving equipment. It’s important to be available (but not in the way) to answer any questions while they work.

5. Wait for your shipment

Your shipment's travel time will depend on the distance and route. Since household goods shipments are sometimes combined on the same trailer, there may be overnight stops and deliveries before your belongings arrive. Check your contract for an estimated arrival date and ask if that date is guaranteed.

6. Prepare for unloading

Once the equipment arrives at your new home, the movers will unload and place items where you direct them. It’s helpful to put signs on each room to help guide them to the right spot.

The crew will also reassemble any furniture that was disassembled before the move (if this is included in your contract). 

If you opted for unpacking services, the workers will take items out of the boxes and haul away the packing materials. Most companies won’t organize your belongings or put them away in cabinets, closets or drawers.

7. Complete the inspection and payment

Inspect your belongings immediately and report any damage to the company in accordance with their claims policy. When satisfied with the move, you’ll pay the final bill (minus any deposits).

FAQs about full-service moving

Here are some answers to common questions. For specifics, please ask the company you’re considering.

Do I have to get an in-home estimate to use a full-service mover?

Most full-service companies require an in-home visit to estimate the weight of your belongings and assess the difficulty of the move. Some companies may allow a live virtual walkthrough or a video upload instead.

Are packing and unpacking included?

Some providers offer packing and/or unpacking as part of their standard package, while others offer one or the other as an additional service. 

Are packing materials included?

Most traditional movers that offer packing provide the materials. 

How much does a full-service move cost?

The cost of moving companies can vary widely between providers. Rates are usually based on your moving date, the weight of your belongings and the distance. Typically, full-service movers are more expensive than DIY options. 

Do I have to pay a deposit?

Most movers require a deposit when you sign the contract. Amounts and policies vary by company.

What should I consider before hiring a full-service mover?

Traditional movers can be convenient, but they also have downsides. 

Pros:

• Heavy lifting is handled.
• Packing, loading and unloading times can be shorter.

Cons:

• Because the company sets the timeline for packing, loading and delivery, there is less flexibility. 
• Costs are typically higher than DIY options (like U-Pack).
• In-home consultations are required to get a quote, and if the estimate is off, you could pay more than expected.
• Lack of privacy with crews handling your things for packing.
• The risk of loss or mix-ups is higher in companies that transport multiple household shipments in the same equipment.

How does U-Pack compare to full-service moving?

Did you know that you can get the help you want and skip the hefty price tag by moving with U-Pack? It’s true! 

Our customizable and flexible solutions are a great alternative to full-service movers, like Atlas®, Bekins® and Two Men and a Truck®.

We’re a DIY moving solution, but we can refer you to local moving labor for as much or as little help as you need with packing, loading and unloading. This means you can have a full-service experience where needed, while saving elsewhere. 

Compare U-Pack rates to your full-service moving quote

Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant or request a free, no-obligation quote online — no in-home visit is required. Be sure to let us know if you need a referral for affordable moving labor!

Let us know in the comments if you have questions!

Atlas® is a registered trademark of Atlas Van Lines, Inc. Two Men and a Truck® is a registered trademark of Two Men and a Truck International, Inc. Bekins Van Lines® is a registered trademark of Bekins Van Lines, Inc. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third party.