If you’re planning a move and thinking about hiring professional movers, there’s one question that comes up a lot: Do movers actually pack everything—or is that wishful thinking?
The short answer: it depends on what kind of moving services you hire.
At TrueMover, a trusted moving company located in Northern Virginia and servicing families nationwide, we’ve seen it all—from full-service moves where we pack every last drawer to DIY hybrids where clients handle the personal stuff and we do the heavy lifting. If you’re wondering what professional movers will and won’t pack, here’s your straightforward guide.
What’s Typically Included in Full-Service Packing
If you book a full-service move, your movers will:
- Bring packing materials (boxes, tape, packing paper, bubble wrap)
- Pack your household goods room by room
- Label and organize boxes for easier unpacking
- Disassemble large furniture if needed
- Load, transport, and unload your items at your new home
Yes, that means your dishes, books, clothes, lamps, and even the miscellaneous junk drawer—all fair game.
What Movers Usually Don’t Pack
There are a few categories of items professional movers won’t (or shouldn’t) pack, either for safety, legal, or liability reasons. These include:
- Hazardous materials: Paint, propane tanks, aerosols, cleaning chemicals, fireworks
- Perishables: Frozen food, open containers, anything that could spoil
- Valuables: Jewelry, cash, important documents, family heirlooms (these are better kept with you)
- Live plants and pets: Movers won’t pack these, and most moving trucks aren’t climate-controlled for living things
If you’re unsure whether something is packable, just ask. A good moving company will walk you through the do’s and don’ts well before moving day.
What About Partial Packing Services?
Not ready to hand over the whole house? No problem. Many moving services (including ours) offer custom or partial packing. For example:
- You pack clothing and personal items
- We pack fragile or bulky items like the kitchen, mirrors, artwork, or electronics
This can save time and reduce stress while keeping costs down if you’re watching your budget.
This option is like recruiting your friends to come over and help you pack everything up. More hands make quick work, but without risking those friendships as no one actually wants to help someone move.
How to Prep for a Packing Crew
If you’ve booked packing services, here are a few quick things you can do to make moving day smoother:
- Declutter in advance: Don’t pay to move things you don’t want.
- Separate “do not pack” items: Medications, keys, school supplies, and anything you’ll need immediately should be set aside.
- Label rooms or zones clearly: It helps your movers pack and label boxes more accurately.
Is It Worth It?
Packing is one of the most time-consuming (and exhausting) parts of moving. If you’re short on time, overwhelmed by the task, or just want professionals to handle it with care, a full-service move can be well worth the investment.
At TrueMover, we tailor our moving services to your needs—so whether you want the full white-glove treatment or just a little help with the breakables, we’ve got your back.
Let’s Pack Smart—Together
Need help figuring out which packing option is right for you? Reach out to TrueMover today. We’ll give you a clear breakdown of what’s included, what to expect, and how we can make your move as stress-free as possible.
Contact us now for a free quote—and let’s get packing!
