Moving is stressful in general, but packing undoubtedly tops the list when it comes to the most demanding tasks. In fact, 47% of people say packing is the hardest part of moving, according to our Hidden Health Toll of Moving study. That’s why more families consider hiring movers who not only transport belongings but also handle the packing from start to finish. This extra service means professionals arrive, get everything safely packed, and load it onto the truck for you.
On average, expect to pay around $3,000 for movers to pack and move a typical two-bedroom home. In the sections below, we break down what that price includes, how packing services are billed, where add-ons show up, and how to decide whether movers packing and moving is the right fit for your household and budget.
Table of Contents
What Does ‘Pack and Move’ Include?
When you hire movers to pack and move, “packing” is usually an add-on to the base moving service. If you choose it, a professional crew will come in, pack your belongings, and prepare everything for loading. You can also request partial packing for just certain areas, like the kitchen or fragile items, while you handle the rest.
Customers typically choose one of these base moving setups:
- Full-service moving: The movers supply the truck, driver, and labor, and can add packing and unpacking for an extra charge.
- Labor-only moving: You provide the truck or container, and movers handle the heavy lifting. Packing help can be added, but it is billed separately.
Note: Packing supplies are not always included by default. Some companies sell boxes and materials or allow you to provide your own. Be sure to check how your quote handles supplies
Average Cost of Packing and Moving
In 2025, the cost of having movers to pack and move your belongings will fall between $1,600 and $4,000 for a standard 2-bedroom home. Packers typically charge between $25–$40 per hour per worker, which averages about $80/hour for the crew. The cost of having movers both pack and move your home depends on several factors: your home size, how much needs to be packed, and the type of moving service you choose. When combined with moving labor costs, the result is a wide but predictable range of total expenses.
Below is a snapshot of what you might expect for packing alone, packing plus full-service movers, and packing plus labor-only movers. For the labor-only option, remember that you’ll also need to rent a truck or container, which adds to the total.
| Home Size | Packing Only | Packing + Full-Service Movers | Packing + Labor-Only Movers* |
| Studio | ~$300–$400 | ~$1,200–$1,500 | ~$700–$800 + cost of truck rental |
| 1 Bedroom | ~$400–$600 | ~$1,500–$2,300 | ~$1,000–$1,200 + cost of truck rental |
| 2 Bedrooms | ~$650–$1,000 | ~$2,700–$4,000 | ~$1,600–$2,000 + cost of truck rental |
| 3 Bedrooms | ~$850–$1,100 | ~$3,500–$8,500 | ~$2,300–$3,000 + cost of truck rental |
| 4 Bedrooms | ~$1,200–$1,800 | ~$8,000–$16,000+ | ~$3,000–$4,500 + cost of truck rental |
*Labor-only movers pack, load, and unload your belongings, but you’ll need to arrange and pay for the truck or container.
Most companies structure pricing in two ways:
- Hourly rates, common for local jobs or labor-only crews, where you’re billed for time plus supplies.
- Flat rates, more typical with full-service moving, where labor, transportation, and mileage are bundled into one estimate.
Hidden Costs and Fees of Moving and Packing
Even with a solid estimate, most moves come with extra charges you’ll want to plan for. Some of the most common include:
- Packing materials. You typically have to provide your own boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. If you buy them from the moving company, they’re often priced separately, and specialty cartons can add up quickly.
- Travel time. Many companies bill for the time it takes the crew to drive to and from your home.
- Special items. Pianos, antiques, or fragile artwork may need custom crating or extra care, which usually carries an additional fee.
- Stairs or long walks. If movers have to carry items up several flights or down a long driveway, expect that to be reflected in the final price.
- Unpacking services. Some movers will also put your belongings away at your new place, but that convenience typically costs more.
Cost Breakdown: Packing vs. Moving
When you’re looking at the price tag for professional help, it’s useful to separate packing costs from moving costs. Together, they make up the total — but each side is calculated differently.
Packing Costs
Packing services are usually billed by the hour. The national average is about $80 per hour per packer, though rates can dip closer to $25–$40 per worker in smaller markets. Or become considerably more expensive in high-cost-of-living areas. Most companies require at least two packers for a minimum of two hours. That means you can expect to pay around $300–$400 for a small apartment and closer to $850–$1,800+ for a larger home, depending on home size, number of rooms, number of family members, and packing complexity.
“Hiring movers to do both the packing and moving isn’t the absolute cheapest option, but for some people it’s the right move… Older adults, or anyone who can’t lift much, often find it worth the cost simply for the safety factor.”
Supplies are another part of the equation. Boxes, tape, and bubble wrap can add anywhere from $100-$150 for a one-bedroom apartment to $400+ for a four-bedroom house. Specialty materials — dish packs, wardrobe boxes, or custom crates — are often itemized separately. If you also want unpacking services at your destination, that’s usually quoted separately and as an hourly expense.
Moving Costs
Moving costs vary depending on whether you book labor-only movers, rent your own truck, or hire a full-service moving company.
- Labor-only movers. These crews typically charge between $80 and $120 per hour for two movers, not including the cost of the truck. If you rent a moving truck yourself, budget another $100–$150 for a local day rental, plus fuel. Long-distance truck rentals can run anywhere from $1,000 to $4,500 depending on distance and truck size.
- Full-service movers. For a local move, the average cost is about $933 for a two- to three-bedroom home, with everything included. Long-distance full-service moves range much higher, from $3,000 for a smaller move to $16,000+ for a large cross-country household.
- Flat-rate vs. hourly billing. Local moves and labor-only jobs are usually billed hourly, while long-distance and full-service moving companies provide flat-rate quotes based on mileage, weight, and volume.
Packing vs. Moving Costs: How They Add Up
When you look at the numbers side by side, packing usually takes up a smaller part of the budget. The bigger costs come from the moving crew, the truck, and the miles between your old and new home.
For instance, having professionals pack a three-bedroom house often falls in the $850 to $1,100 range, while the move itself can reach $3,500 to $8,500 depending on how far you’re going and which service you choose.
Looking at all your options between packing and movers makes it easier to see where your money goes and whether it makes sense to hire help for every step, split the work with movers, or do more on your own to save.
Factors That Affect Packing and Moving Costs
Every move is different, and so is the price tag that comes with it. Even if you’re comparing similar services, a few key details can make your bill higher or lower. Here are the main factors to keep in mind when budgeting for packing and moving.
Size of your home
The bigger the home, the more rooms, closets, and furniture there are to pack up and move. A studio apartment might only take a few hours for two movers, while a four-bedroom house could require a larger crew and a full day’s work.
Distance of the move
How far you’re going is one of the largest cost drivers. Local moves are usually billed hourly, while long-distance and cross-country moves are quoted as a flat rate that accounts for mileage, fuel, and driver time. The farther you travel, the higher your costs will be.
Volume of belongings
Movers often calculate quotes based on the total weight or cubic feet of your shipment. More belongings mean more boxes to pack, heavier loads to carry, and more space needed in the truck or container. That’s why downsizing before a move is one of the simplest ways to save money.
Packing complexity
Not all items can be packed at the same speed. Fragile dishware, antiques, electronics, and bulky furniture require extra care, specialized materials, or even custom crating. These slowdowns and added supplies push the cost higher.
Time of year
Summer is the busiest moving season, which means higher demand and higher rates. If your schedule is flexible, booking in the fall or winter—or even mid-month instead of at the end of the month—can help you get a better price.
Packing supplies
Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and specialty cartons aren’t free. You typically have to provide them yourself, although some movers will sell their own and itemize them on your bill. Either way, the cost of supplies for a typical household can range from about $100 for a one-bedroom to over $400 for a large home.
By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll have a clearer idea of why quotes vary and what you can control to keep expenses in check.
Cost-Saving Tips for Packing and Moving
Hiring movers to pack and transport your home is a big help, but it doesn’t have to drain your budget. A few small choices can meaningfully lower your bill without sacrificing peace of mind.
- Decluttering before the move: Every item you leave behind is one less thing to wrap, box, or load. Many families save by holding a yard sale or donating bulky items like old dressers and spare mattresses. The payoff is twofold: fewer packing hours and a lighter truck, which matters when movers calculate cost by weight.
- Packing the easy stuff yourself: Movers work best when they’re focused on fragile pieces and heavy furniture. If you box up clothing, toys, or books ahead of time, the crew spends less time on site, which directly lowers your hourly bill. Even an afternoon of pre-packing can shave hundreds off the total.
- Sourcing your own supplies: Moving companies often charge premium rates for boxes and bubble wrap. Grocery stores, local Facebook groups, and community recycling centers are all good places to score free or cheap boxes. Using your own supplies for everyday items lets you reserve professional-grade packing materials for valuables that truly need them.
- Adjusting your move date: Rates climb when everyone else is moving. Summer weekends and month-end dates book up fast and come with higher price tags. If your timeline allows, consider a weekday in the middle of the month or a fall or winter move. Movers tend to be more flexible on price during slower periods.
- Getting multiple quotes: The same job can be priced very differently across companies. Comparing at least three quotes not only gives you leverage to negotiate, but it also helps you spot red flags like unusually low offers that may hide surprise fees.
- Limiting specialty packing: Crating for artwork, antiques, or instruments is important for protection, but using it sparingly keeps costs in check. A good rule of thumb: reserve custom packing for items that would be difficult or expensive to replace. If it’s practical to move certain fragile items in your own vehicle, that can sometimes be the safer and more affordable option.
Saving money on packing and moving is about knowing where your dollars make the most impact. With a bit of prep, you can keep costs reasonable and still enjoy the relief of professional help.
Pros and Cons: Movers vs. DIY Packing and Moving
Deciding whether to pack everything yourself or bring in professionals is one of the biggest choices you’ll make during a move. Each option comes with trade-offs in time, money, and peace of mind.
“The national average is about $80 per hour per packer, though rates can dip closer to $25–$40 per worker in smaller markets. Or become considerably more expensive in high-cost-of-living areas”
Movers who handle the packing take a huge burden off your shoulders. They show up with boxes, tape, and the know-how to wrap even the trickiest items. The job is usually finished in a fraction of the time it would take you. The main drawback is the cost, and some people don’t love giving up control over how their things are boxed.
Doing the packing yourself is easier on your budget and gives you full say in how items are handled. On the flip side, it takes a lot of time and energy, and the risk of damage is higher if you’re not used to packing fragile or bulky items. You’ll also have to hunt down supplies and helpers.
Here’s a side-by-side look to make the decision easier:
| Option |
What You Gain |
What to Watch Out For |
| Movers pack + move |
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| DIY pack + move |
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Who is Moving and Packing Best For?
Hiring movers to do both the packing and moving isn’t the absolute cheapest option, but for some people it’s the right move. If you’re working long hours, looking after kids, or caring for a parent or partner, the last thing you want is a weekend swallowed up by boxes. Movers can come in, pack everything fast, and take that burden off your shoulders.
It’s also a good fit for households with lots of fragile or heavy belongings. Professionals know how to deal with glass tables, antiques, or oversized furniture that can be tricky and risky to move on your own. Older adults, or anyone who can’t lift much, often find it worth the cost simply for the safety factor.
If your place is small, or you’ve got the time to chip away at packing over a couple of weekends, you might not need packing help. It just comes down to what matters most for your situation: keeping costs low or cutting back on stress when life is already demanding enough.
How to Estimate Your Pack and Move Cost
Figuring out what you’ll pay for movers to pack and move isn’t always simple, but you can get close if you look at a few key details.
Start with the size of your home. A small apartment may only need a couple of packers for a few hours, while a larger house could take several movers most of the day. The number of boxes and heavy pieces you have makes a big difference.
Distance matters too. Local jobs are usually billed by the hour. Long-distance moves are often quoted as a flat rate that covers fuel, mileage, and the driver’s time. Extra services, like custom crating or unpacking, add to the total. On the other hand, packing some of your own things can bring costs down.
The easiest way to get real, accurate numbers is to use HireAHelper’s cost tools. You plug in your move details and see instant estimates from trusted movers in your area. It’s a fast way to compare options and set a budget that feels right for your situation.
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