Relocating is expensive, so it’s natural to want to cut costs where you can. One way many people try to save money is by taking on as much of the move themselves as possible—often, that means handling the packing.
It makes sense, right? Packing your own things ensures they’re packed exactly how you want, without strangers handling your personal items. Plus, it’s a huge way to save money—after all, packing on your own can save hundreds of dollars.
However, as much as it sounds like a smart move, self-packing can come with some serious challenges. It takes time, effort, and even more energy, and there’s always the risk of not packing things securely enough, which could result in damages.
So, when does it actually make sense to hire professional packers? Let’s break it down.
Benefits of Hiring Professional Packers
Hiring packers isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your things and reducing stress. Here’s how professional packing services can help:
Safety First
When it comes to your valuables, packing them right is a must. Professional packers are trained to handle all types of items—fragile, bulky, and everything in between. They’ll use high-quality packing materials to ensure your things are well-protected. They also know exactly how to secure your belongings to avoid any damage during transport.
Convenience
Packing can be a long, tedious process—especially when you have a whole house to pack. Hiring professional packers means they’ll do all the hard work for you. From wrapping fragile items and securing furniture to labeling boxes and disassembling large items, the pros handle everything. You can stay hands-off and let them work their magic, and since they’ll finish the job much faster, you won’t be stuck living surrounded by boxes for weeks leading up to your move.
Stress Relief
Moving is stressful enough without the added worry of whether your things will be packed safely. Professional packers take that burden off your shoulders. They’ll pack your items quickly and securely, and since many moving companies offer insurance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered in case of any damage. You won’t need to rush last-minute packing either—the pros will have everything ready by moving day.
The Cost of Hiring Packers
Of course, all of this comes at a price. The average cost for packing services is about $80 per hour per packer locally, with a two-bedroom home costing anywhere from $500 to $600 for the packing alone when moving long-distance.
So, is it worth the extra expense?
In many cases, yes. Here’s why:
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You’ll save on supplies: Professional packers know how to maximize space in boxes, which can reduce the number of boxes you need. This means fewer packing materials and less clutter to deal with.
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Avoid last-minute packing: If you try to pack at the last minute, the movers might refuse to load improperly packed boxes. That could lead to extra costs if you need to hire movers to re-pack everything or pay for the lost time.
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Your items are more likely to survive the move: With professional packing, your belongings are more likely to reach your new home intact. If any damage occurs, the insurance offered by movers usually covers the costs.
When Should You Hire Packers?
Hiring packers is a personal decision, but there are some situations when it’s especially beneficial:
1. You’re on a tight timeline
Packing takes time, and if you’re moving on short notice, it might be impossible to pack everything yourself. Professional packers can complete the job in a fraction of the time, giving you more freedom to focus on other aspects of the move.
2. You have fragile or specialty items
Some things require special attention—glassware, art, electronics, and large or heavy furniture are all items that need careful packing. Professional packers have experience with these items and know how to protect them.
3. You’re moving a lot
If you have a ton of things, packing them all efficiently can be overwhelming. Hiring professionals can help you pack up faster and more effectively than trying to do it on your own.
4. You’re moving long-distance
Long-distance moves come with added risks: items will be traveling a long way, possibly exposed to different temperatures, bumps, and vibrations. Packing them well is essential, and hiring professionals ensures everything is packed with the utmost care.
5. You can’t rely on friends or family
Sometimes your go-to helpers are unavailable, leaving you to tackle everything alone. In this case, professional packers can save you from stressing over how to get everything packed in time.
6. You don’t trust your packing skills
Let’s face it—not everyone is a packing expert. If you’re unsure about your packing techniques or don’t have the right materials, hiring a professional may be worth it to avoid damaging your items.
7. Money isn’t an issue
If you’ve got the budget for it, why not let the experts handle it? Hiring packers takes a huge weight off your shoulders and gives you peace of mind.
Is It Worth It?
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal situation. If you’re short on time, have fragile items, or want to avoid stress, paying for packing services is definitely worth it. If you’re able to spare the time and feel confident in your packing skills, doing it yourself can save you money.
In most cases, though, the added expense of professional packing is an investment in the safety of your items and your overall well-being during what can be an extremely hectic process.