Posted on July 2, 2021
Not every company will offer packing services, but if you are getting ready for a move, it is good to know that many moving companies will pack for you, making your move even less stressful. Today, to give you more insight into this service we want to give you the inside scoop on what this is all about and what moving companies are willing (and unwilling) to pack for you.
Packing yourself
If you decide you’d like to forgo the packing services and do it yourself, you need to remember that a moving company is expecting you to have your belongings boxed and ready to load into the truck. While most companies will help with minor things like easy disassembly of furniture (e.g. a bed frame), you need to remember that if you require excessive help you will incur extra charges.
It’s also important to consider liability during your move. If a moving company does not pack your boxes, they are not responsible for anything that breaks inside those boxes. So if you are packing yourself you should consider their-party moving insurance. That way if anything happens during the move, you are covered.
Hiring a moving company to pack for you
There are different types of packing services moving companies offer. You should make specific requests when you get your quote to ensure that the company you hire will offer the services you require. Some of these services may include:
- Basic packing. This varies by company but could include: putting your household items in boxes, wrapping your furniture in blankets or plastic wrap, and minor disassembly (like taking the legs off your table).
- Furniture disassembly. If your home entertainment center needs to be taken apart for transport, your movers will need to come prepared. Be sure to specify what you expect them to tackle when it comes to disassembling your furniture.
- Electronics disassembly. Not all packing teams are ready to take apart your sound system! Wiring electronics requires a certain skillset, so be sure your movers are up to the job.
- Packing fragile antiques or art. This type of packing likely requires building a custom crate. If you plan to send any large, fragile items to the truck, ask your moving company to give you a quote that includes custom crating. Sometimes it makes more sense to bring art to a local gallery or art dealer to be packed for transportation. But sometimes a moving company has the trained staff who can build a crate that will keep your prized artwork safe!
Things moving companies likely won’t pack
It’s also important to remember that moving companies must abide by state and local rules when helping you with your move. So there are things that they will not pack for you and there are even things that they won’t move for you. If you think you have anything unusual to move, it’s best to be upfront and let your moving company know ahead of time so you can discuss it.
Here are some common things moving companies are not allowed to move:
- Hazardous Materials. This category includes fire extinguishers, paint, and paint thinner, pesticides and insecticides, motor oil, charcoal, kerosene, matches, and bleach. A good rule of thumb is to look at it like this: If it shouldn’t be thrown into the garbage, your movers shouldn’t transport it.
- Explosives and Corrosives. Think fireworks, propellants, or ammunition. For corrosives, any type of acid, including acid-based batteries, is a no-go.
- Some heavy equipment. Anything that has used gas or other flammable fuel in the past is questionable, as it still likely has residue.
- Perishables. If you still have food left in your refrigerator, your movers will not transport it in – even in a cooler. You’ll need to do that yourself, as they can’t be responsible for food that may go bad.
- Pets. You’d think we wouldn’t have to include this one, right? But you need to make arrangements to transport your pets to your new home. They cannot ride with your moving boxes!
- Weapons. It makes sense that your moving company would not transport your guns, but the transport of swords, knives, and archery equipment also needs to be discussed with your movers. They may be willing to move it, but not necessarily.
You also need to think about what you want and don’t want them to move. Keep your important documents and precious personal effects with you and transport them yourself. Although you hope that nothing goes awry during your move, it’s best not to risk it.
Ready to plan your upcoming move? Click this link and Clutch Moving Company would be happy to give you an estimate and show you how stress-free they can make your moving day.