Any type of relocation process can be extremely stressful. Not only are you starting a new chapter of life somewhere new, but you’ve got to pack up all your belongings to take with you.
You’ve already got enough on your plate; you’re constantly on the phone to ensure small details are taken care of. Plus, you need to spend as much time as possible with loved ones before you leave. So perhaps packing is better left in the hands of professionals.
Do movers pack for you though? Read on to find out the answer to this question and more.
Do Movers Pack for You?
There’s no simple “yes” or “no” answer here since every moving company is different. Some may choose to focus solely on transporting your things from point A to point B, while others go above and beyond for their customers.
Moving companies that are in the latter category will definitely pack for you. They’ll usually bundle these services with transportation, storage, and unpacking to lessen your stress. This will make the service cost higher, but ultimately, it’ll make your life much easier.
What to Expect
Just because professional movers will pack your items doesn’t necessarily mean you can leave everything as they are. For a smooth and efficient process, you’ll have to prepare the house before the big day.
While every moving company will have its own steps to follow, here’s a general look at what you can expect.
Declutter and Organize
Chances are, you won’t want to bring everything to your new residence. So even though you’re not packing your own belongings, you should still declutter and organize to save both time and effort.
Go through your items and decide what you want to:
- Keep
- Donate
- Sell
- Throw away
You should also be aware that movers typically won’t pack certain items. They include:
- Hazardous materials
- Perishables
- Valuables (cash, jewelry, important documents, etc.)
If you’re planning on bringing any of the above things, then you’ll have to set them aside and move them yourself. The earlier you do this, the better, as you’ll have more time to make arrangements.
Create an Inventory
Now that you know exactly what you want packed, you should create an inventory. Not only should this be words on paper, but also photos or videos.
This might seem tedious, but it can help you keep track of everything during the chaos of a move. Plus, if anything gets damaged, it’ll be easy to produce evidence and add weight to your insurance claims.
Label Important Items
Not all belongings are equal in your eyes; you’ll probably want access to some faster than others. Movers aren’t mind readers though, so you need to clearly communicate your needs.
You can do this by marking essential items. Label boxes or rooms with things you’ll need immediately after the move, such as:
- Toiletries
- Clothes
- Kitchen essentials
You can request that these items be packed last so that when they arrive at your new house, they’re unpacked first. This allows you to utilize your belongings up until the last minute at your old place, and then immediately at your new one.
Plan for Special Items
Do you have high-value or fragile things? Then set them aside.
Yes, professional movers know how to pack various items, but you may have special instructions for your particular objects. Putting them aside means you’ll have a chance to speak with the movers before they potentially damage your treasured possessions.
If you’re feeling really antsy about it, then consider moving these items yourself.
Communicate With the Movers
On the note of speaking with the movers, it’s essential that you prove clear instructions. Let them know if there are specific items or rooms you want to prioritize or handle with care.
You should also discuss packing and labelling. Confirm how they’ll label boxes and categorize items to ensure that unpacking goes smoothly.
Prepare Your Home
You don’t want the movers to navigate an obstacle course. Not only is this inconvenient, but it also puts your belongings more at risk for damage. Make sure the hallways and doorways are free from obstacles so movers can easily navigate the space.
In addition, you should make arrangements for your pets and children to stay in a safe area away from the movers.
Pack Your Personal Things
You’ll want to bring the essentials so you have immediate access to them in the new house. Fill a bag with items like:
- Medications
- Toiletries
- Documents
- A change of clothes
Plus, you should always move valuables yourself. Never put things like jewelry, passports, and important paperwork in the care of others.
Prepare Your Electronics
Disconnect and organize all cables on your electronics. Pack the associated remotes and accessories somewhere safe.
Before the movers take everything, take photos of the setup. That way, you can easily reconnect your electronics in your new house.
Unpacking in Your New Home
We mentioned earlier that some moving companies have comprehensive services. On top of packing, transporting, and storing your belongings, they may unpack boxes for you too.
If these services are included, then you’ll want to direct the movers to place the boxes in the right rooms first. You might’ve already placed labels, but it’s good to clarify exactly where you want your things.
After they’ve unpacked your belongings, you can direct the movers to place them in their correct spots. They can even reassemble furniture for you, meaning you won’t have to lift a finger.
Benefit From Movers’ Packing Services
So do movers pack for you? The answer is that it depends on the company that you pick.
In your search for help, you’ll find anything from movers who only transport your belongings to ones who have comprehensive moving services, including packing. If you opt for the latter movers, then do note that you’ll have to prepare your belongings
Are you moving soon and would like professional packing help and additional assistance? Then request your free moving estimate from Safeway Moving today. We are a BBB-accredited company with consistent 5-star ratings!