When moving, the need to hire a professional packing service might be the way to go. Keep in mind that there are lots of options available, from packing your entire household to packing selected items only. So, before you hire or even decide to hire, you'll need to weigh your time and energy versus the cost involved in hiring professionals.
For me, if I have to choose between hiring professional packers or professional unpackers, I'd pick the unpackers. This is completely a personal choice, one I make simply because I can't seem to justify the cost of packers, while I can justify unpackers since, for me, I really don't like unpacking and never seem to find the time to do it. Also, after a move, I'm usually tired and, at the same time, excited to be in a new city or community that I don't want to spend the time needed to settle in.
Again, this is completely personal and if cost is not an issue, then consider hiring professionals on both ends - packing and unpacking. There are many companies out there that can provide a full service, from packing up your household to unpacking and setting up your new home.
So, for those who are thinking of hiring a packing service, here are some options available.
Full Packing Services
First, the company will send out a surveyor to assess the details of your move. They'll list each item that needs to be packed, including furniture, cupboard contents and kitchen drawers. This is not only a way of costing out your move, but also will help the service find out what's of value and may need extra special care.Valuables, including paperwork, artwork and jewelry will be discussed during the household survey, determining how these items should be handled. Usually, items that can be taken with you on move day, as opposed to being loaded in the moving truck, will be packed separately by the company and set aside for you to take with you.
All furniture is dissembled, properly wrapped and secured using padding and protective packing. Items are removed from walls and carpets are rolled and ready to move. Boxes are labeled and sorted according to room and placement.
The company will also provide you with a time estimate on how long it'll take them to pack your goods and the cost involved - usually, they can do it in a day. Depending on your timeframe and how much stuff you have will also determine the price. If you're in a rush to move, more staff will be needed to get your home packed. Ask upfront about time, resources and packing supply costs. Make sure you arrange for babysitters or petsitters to ensure that children and pets are kept busy elsewhere.
So, should you hire a full service? As mentioned earlier, this is a decision you need to make based on time versus cost. A packing service could add a couple of thousand dollars to your moving budget. However, if you need to take two weeks off work in order to get the house packed and organized, it may be worth the price. Packing takes a lot of time, and you need to add in the preparation that comes with packing, too, such as purchasing packing supplies, organizing before you pack. Remember, when you pack yourself you'll need to first pack items that you won't need over the next few weeks - this takes time to plan and the inconvenience of living without things can take it's toll, too.
Most packing services can pack your home in one day. This saves not only time, but the hassle of living with and out of boxes.
Packing Specialty Items
If you're on a budget or you want to lower the cost of your move, many packing services offer packing of specialty items, particularly fragiles, artwork, mirrors or other breakables or valuables only. The company will come to your home to do an assessment then provide you with a quote. They'll also talk to you about how they'll protect the items, too. If you're worried about some of your fragiles, this is a great option to try.Other items you may want to consider hiring a professional packer for are chandeliers, antiques, china, vases, valuable artwork and fragile furniture pieces. For instance, we always have a professional packer protect a handmade rocker that we cherish. Because it's made without any metal fasteners, it's quite fragile and susceptible to climate changes. It's worth it to pay an extra charge to ensure it's safe arrival.
Appliances
As mentioned in the article, How To Prepare Major Appliances for Your Move, many moving companies will suggest that you hire a professional to prepare and move large appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers. If appliances are not properly prepared, the moving company will not take responsibility if they don't work in your new home.
