Packing is either done right or it becomes an expensive disaster—broken dishes, crushed artwork, and lost items are the real costs of cutting corners. Most people hire packing services to save time and protect belongings, but choosing the wrong provider means paying twice: once for mediocre work, again for replacements. Here's exactly what separates reliable packing services from the rest.
Check Insurance and Liability Coverage
This is the first box to tick, and it's non-negotiable. Legitimate packing services carry liability insurance covering damage, theft, or loss during the packing process. Ask for a certificate of insurance and verify it's current—don't accept verbal promises. Typical coverage ranges from $100,000 to $1 million depending on the company size, but confirm the limits match your belongings' value.
Some providers offer additional valuation options for high-value items like art, antiques, or electronics. If you own anything worth more than $5,000, ask specifically about special handling and whether it requires separate insurance riders.
Review Track Record and Credentials
Check online reviews across Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. Look specifically for comments about:
- How carefully fragile items were handled
- Whether all items arrived undamaged
- If the crew showed up on time and completed the job when quoted
- Communication clarity before and after the move
Local moving associations (like the American Moving & Storage Association) sometimes certify members, which signals adherence to professional standards. A company with 200+ reviews averaging 4.7+ stars is a reasonable benchmark; below 4.3 stars usually indicates consistent problems.
Call at least two references who've used the service in the past three months. Ask if they'd hire the same crew again.
Understand Pricing Structure
Packing services typically charge by the hour or by the room. Hourly rates range from $50–$150 per person depending on location and experience level. Full-apartment packing (1-2 bedroom) usually costs $800–$2,500; larger homes run $3,000–$6,000 or more.
Get written quotes from at least three providers. The quote should itemize:
- Labor costs (crew size and estimated hours)
- Materials (boxes, tape, padding, packing paper)
- Any travel fees or long-distance surcharges
- Insurance and liability charges (if applicable)
Unusually low quotes often mean corner-cutting—cheap materials, rushed work, or hidden fees later. If one bid is 40% less than others, ask why before accepting.
Verify Material Quality
Poor packing materials fail when you need them most. Ask what the service uses:
- Boxes: New or quality recycled (avoid flattened, damaged cardboard)
- Padding: Bubble wrap, kraft paper, or foam sheets (clarify which for fragile items)
- Tape: Heavy-duty packaging tape, not standard office tape
- Specialty items: Wardrobe boxes for clothes, dish packs for ceramics, mattress covers
Some services include materials in their hourly rate; others charge separately ($100–$300 depending on volume). Either way, get specifics before the crew arrives. If you have antique furniture or fine art, confirm they use museum-quality materials and specialized techniques.
Check Licensing and Credentials
Licensed moving companies are regulated by state transportation departments. Ask for the USDOT number (for interstate moves) or your state's equivalent. You can verify licensing status through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database.
Even local-only packing services should carry business licenses from their city or county. This requires them to maintain liability standards and respond to complaints through official channels.
Assess Availability and Timeline
Confirm the service can handle your move date, especially during peak season (May–September). Ask:
- How far in advance do you need to book?
- Can they complete packing in one day, or will it take multiple days?
- What happens if packing takes longer than estimated?
- Will the same crew handle unpacking, or is it a separate team?
Most professional services require 1–3 weeks' notice for large jobs. If your move is in two weeks and they're already booked, you'll need to find another option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I pack some items myself to save money? Many services charge hourly for the entire job, so partial packing doesn't always reduce costs—it just means you do labor-intensive work yourself. Ask if they offer "full packing" versus "consolidation packing" (where you pre-pack items and they arrange and secure them).
Q: How are fragile items handled differently? Professional packers use custom dish packs with cell dividers, wrap each item individually, and box fragile items separately with clear labels. Ask if the service offers specialized crating for truly valuable pieces.
Q: Can I hire a packing service for unpacking only? Yes, most services offer unpacking separately, typically at similar hourly rates ($50–$150 per person). Some charge flat rates for unpacking entire homes ($500–$1,500).
Use Mercoly to compare and review trusted packing services in your area, read verified customer feedback, and book with confidence.