What You Need to Know About Full-Service Moving

What makes full-service movers appealing?

Planning a long-distance move can feel like juggling when considering all the tasks involved. There’s renting moving equipment, packing, loading, unloading, unpacking and figuring out how to get to the new home. So, when a full-service mover promises to handle everything except your personal travel, it can sound like a dream.

But is it actually worth the cost?

Let’s review how full-service moving works and learn about an alternative solution that is just as easy with a lower price tag.

How does a full-service moving company work?

Full-service movers typically handle the whole process from packing to unpacking. These services often come at a premium price, typically 2-3 times more than a DIY moving solution like U-Pack®.

Here’s an overview of the full-service moving process:

Schedule an in-home visit for a quote

Most full-service moving companies require an in-home consultation before providing a quote. During this visit, a company representative will view your belongings and estimate their weight. 

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

Sign the contract and pay the deposit

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

Services usually include:

• Packing and unpacking (including packing materials)
• Loading and unloading
• Shipping the belongings
• Extra services like furniture disassembly/reassembly or specialty item handling

Prepare for moving day

It’s essential to be prepared for movers to keep things running smoothly, even if the company will handle everything. The crew can work more efficiently in an organized space.

Here are some things you may want to take care of before a full-service company arrives:

• Get belongings in 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, move 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.

Be available during packing and loading

The movers will load packed boxes and furniture from inside your home and secure everything inside the moving equipment. It’s important to be available (but not in the way) to answer any questions during the process.

Note: Some full-service movers haul shipments from multiple households in the same equipment, so proper labeling is essential.

Wait for transit

The moving company will drive everything to your new home. The timeline will vary based on the distance traveled and may include overnight stops and other deliveries. Check your contract for an estimated arrival date.

Set up the new home for unloading and unpacking

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 the crew to the right spot.

The crew will also reassemble any furniture that had to be disassembled before the move (if this is included in your contract). If you opted for unpacking services, the movers 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.

Complete the inspection and payment

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

Why many people think twice about full-service moving

Full-service moving can sound convenient, but it often comes with trade-offs. The company sets the timeline for packing, loading and delivery, so you may have less flexibility. Costs are also higher than DIY-style services (like U-Pack), and quotes can be tricky since they’re usually based on in-home consultations. If the estimate is off, you could pay more than expected.

Other factors to consider are control and privacy. With a crew handling every item, you won’t have complete oversight of how your belongings are packed and labeled. And because many full-service movers combine multiple households into one truck, the risk of loss or mix-ups is higher.

Is a convenient and affordable move possible without full-service?

Moving with U-Pack is a better way to relocate to another state, get all the services you want and skip the hefty price tag.

While U-Pack is a DIY moving service, 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 get a full-service experience where you want it, but can save costs in other areas. Our customizable and flexible moving solutions are comparable to full-service companies, including Atlas®, Bekins®  and Two Men and a Truck®.

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. 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.