Should I Pack My Own Boxes for the Movers?

We have many customers ask if they need to pack their own boxes before our movers arrive. The answer is most definitely no.  We are a full service moving company with professionally trained packers.  Our movers are experts when it comes to packing things carefully, safely, and efficiently.  Still some customers prefer to do some or all of their packing themselves.  Here are some things to consider when deciding to pack items yourself:

Time

Packing and moving yourself can be a pain.  It is often quoted as one of the most stressful endeavors that a person can undertake in their lifetime.  So when customers choose to pack their own boxes it often takes them hours and hours to pack items, only to feel like they haven't made a dent in their house worth of possessions.  Our packers are fast and efficient while never sacrificing quality.  They can get work done in a fraction of the time that it would take a typical customer to do themselves.  Our customers are often shocked (in a good way) at how quickly their house gets packed up on move day.

Damage

Let's face it, if you don't pack boxes everyday you likely won't do as a good of a job as a professional. Furthermore, if you pack your own boxes and the contents are damaged, the mover's will not be able to compensate you for the damages.  Packing your own boxes will limit the movers' liability in regards to the contents of the box.  If a box is packed by a customer and the contents are damaged during transit then the mover is typically not responsible for the damaged items.  

Cost Savings

Many customers assume that they can receive considerable cost savings if they pack their own boxes.  This all depends on the move type and the circumstances.  Local moves are charged by the hour so customers can receive some savings by doing some of this work themselves.  Interstate moves are charged by the pound and the savings are oftentimes not worth the extra time and stress.  Our movers are fast and effective and so the time spent packing is often made up for by having more efficiently packed and loaded boxes.  Speak with your move coordinator about your particular move to see if you could experience any real savings.

Safety

Every homeowner fears having their valuables stolen while being packed.  That's a pretty natural fear when a stranger is coming into your house to handle your valuables. We mitigate that risk by background checking all of our employees.  We make sure that each of our employees are trained professionally and are safe to be in your home.  We do not hire employees that can't pass a background check and random drug tests.

In summary, there are some things to consider when deciding how much work you want to perform yourself.  It is best to speak to a move coordinator directly about your move before making any decisions.  We are happy to provide options for customers in order to cater their move for their needs.