What Full-Service Movers Do and What to Expect

Full-service movers handle packing, loading, transport, unloading, and unpacking—you stay out of the physical work entirely

A fully involved moving company (often called full-service) takes responsibility for nearly every step of your move. They arrive at your current home, pack your belongings into boxes and wrapping materials, load everything onto their truck, drive it to your new address, unload it, and often unwrap and place items in the rooms you specify. You direct them on what goes where, but you do not pack boxes or lift furniture yourself.

This approach costs more than hiring movers for transport only, but it trades money for time and physical strain. The trade-off matters most if you have a large household, fragile collections, mobility limitations, a tight timeline, or a job that does not allow you to take moving days off.

Key Takeaways

• Full-service movers pack, load, transport, unload, and often unpack—you coordinate and direct placement but do not do the physical work.
• The cost depends on the distance, the volume of your belongings, and what materials and labor the company includes; get written quotes from at least three movers before deciding.
• Movers typically charge by the hour for local moves or by weight and distance for long-distance moves, and you pay for packing materials separately or as part of a package.
• Your belongings are covered under the mover's liability insurance, but the coverage limits are often low; ask about additional coverage options before signing.
• Scheduling a move during off-peak times (weekdays, fall or winter, mid-month) usually costs less than peak season (weekends, summer, month-end).

What full-service movers include and what they charge extra for

A full-service package typically includes labor for packing, loading, transport, unloading, and basic unpacking. The movers bring boxes, tape, and wrapping paper; they disassemble furniture and reassemble it at your new home; and they protect floors and doorways with cardboard and plastic. What varies by company is whether they charge for packing materials as part of the hourly or flat rate, or whether you pay separately.

Most companies charge extra for specialty items: pianos, pool tables, fine art, wine collections, or antiques that need custom crating. Moving plants, hazardous materials (paint, propane, cleaning chemicals), and perishables is often not allowed at all. Ask the company upfront what falls outside their standard service and what the additional cost would be.

For local moves, movers typically charge by the hour plus a travel fee. For long-distance moves, they charge based on the weight of your household goods and the distance traveled. Some companies offer a binding estimate (the price does not change unless you add items) or a non-binding estimate (the final bill may be higher). A binding estimate protects you from surprise costs; a non-binding one is usually lower but riskier.

How to get accurate quotes and compare companies

Contact at least three moving companies and ask each one to visit your home for an in-person estimate. A phone or online estimate is faster but often inaccurate because the company cannot see the volume of your belongings, the layout of your home, or obstacles like narrow hallways or stairs. An in-person visit takes 30 to 60 minutes and costs nothing.

During the estimate, tell the mover exactly what you are taking and what you are leaving behind. Point out fragile items, heavy furniture, and anything that might need special handling. Ask whether the quote includes packing materials, whether they charge by the hour or by weight, what their cancellation policy is, and what happens if the move takes longer than estimated.

Request the quote in writing and compare the three side by side. The lowest price is not always the best choice—a company that seems too cheap may cut corners or add hidden fees later. Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau, and ask each company for references from recent moves in your area.

Insurance and liability: what is covered if something breaks

By law, movers carry basic liability insurance that covers damage to your belongings during the move. However, the coverage limit is often low—typically 60 cents per pound per item. If a mover damages a $2,000 television, the company may only pay $60 (if the TV weighs 100 pounds). This is called "released value" coverage and is included in the base price.

Most moving companies offer full-value protection as an add-on. Under this option, if something is damaged or lost, the company either repairs it, replaces it, or pays you the full replacement cost. Full-value protection costs extra—usually 1 to 3 percent of your total move cost—but it protects high-value items. Ask the mover for the exact terms: some companies will repair rather than replace, and some have a deductible.

Before the move, take photos and video of your belongings, especially anything valuable or fragile. Keep a detailed inventory list. If something is damaged, document it immediately and file a claim with the moving company within the time frame they specify (often 30 to 60 days). Keep all receipts and repair estimates to support your claim.

Timing and scheduling: when to book and what to expect on moving day

Book a full-service mover at least four to six weeks in advance, especially if you are moving during peak season (May through September, weekends, or the end of the month). During off-peak times (October through April, weekdays, mid-month), you may find availability with shorter notice and lower prices.

On moving day, plan to be home when the movers arrive. They will need access to all rooms, closets, and storage areas. Have a clear path from the front door to each room, and move any cars out of the driveway so the moving truck has space. If you live in an apartment or condo, reserve the elevator and notify building management of the move date.

A typical local move takes one to three days depending on the size of your household. Long-distance moves may take a week or more because the truck makes multiple stops. The movers will give you an estimated delivery window when you book, but delays can happen due to traffic, weather, or other jobs on the truck. Ask the company how they will notify you if the delivery date changes.

What to do before the movers arrive

Sort through your belongings and decide what you are taking, what you are selling, and what you are donating. Movers charge by volume or weight, so removing items you do not need lowers your cost. Discard or recycle hazardous materials (paint, batteries, cleaning supplies) yourself—movers cannot transport these.

Defrost your refrigerator and freezer at least 24 hours before the move, and empty and clean it. Drain gas from lawn mowers and other equipment. Back up important files and documents to an external drive or cloud storage. Notify your utility companies, post office, banks, and insurance providers of your move date so services are not interrupted.

Create a detailed inventory of what is being moved and share it with the moving company. Label boxes clearly with the room they belong in and a brief description of contents. Keep a few essential items with you (medications, important documents, phone chargers, a change of clothes) rather than packing them on the truck.

Red flags and how to avoid scams or poor service

Be cautious of movers who give only a phone or online estimate without seeing your home, quote a price that is significantly lower than competitors, or ask for full payment upfront before the move. Legitimate movers ask for a deposit (usually 25 to 50 percent) and collect the balance on delivery or shortly after.

Verify that the company is licensed and insured. Ask for their Department of Transportation (DOT) number and check it on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. Read online reviews carefully—a company with mostly five-star reviews and no negative feedback is sometimes suspicious. Real companies have a mix of reviews.

Do not sign a blank bill of lading (the contract that lists your items and the agreed price). Make sure every detail is filled in: the pickup and delivery dates, the estimated cost, what is included, and what costs extra. Keep a copy for your records and photograph the condition of your belongings before the movers load them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a full-service move cost?

Cost varies widely based on distance, volume, and the company. A local move for a one-bedroom apartment might cost $2,000 to $5,000. A long-distance move for a three-bedroom house could range from $8,000 to $15,000 or more. Get written quotes from multiple companies to compare.

Can I pack some boxes myself and have the movers pack the rest?

Yes. Many companies offer partial packing services where you pack items you feel comfortable with and the movers handle the rest. This usually costs less than full packing but more than transport-only. Discuss this option when you get your estimate.

What if I need to change my move date?

Contact the moving company as soon as possible. Most allow date changes if you give notice, though you may lose your deposit or be charged a rescheduling fee if you cancel close to the move date. Check your contract for the cancellation and rescheduling policy.

Do movers disassemble and reassemble furniture?

Most full-service movers disassemble large furniture like beds, dressers, and dining tables, and reassemble them at your new home. Some charge extra for reassembly or for items that are particularly complex. Confirm this is included in your quote before you book.

What should I do if something arrives damaged?

Document the damage with photos immediately and notify the moving company in writing within the time frame specified in your contract (usually 30 to 60 days). File a claim and provide receipts or repair estimates. If you have full-value protection, the company should cover the repair or replacement cost.