What Is Full Service Moving
Full service moving is a comprehensive relocation solution where professional movers manage every physical aspect of a move. This option handles the process from start to finish, beginning with the provision of all packing materials and ending with the disposal of empty boxes at the new residence. The primary goal is to minimize the physical and logistical burden on the homeowner by delegating tasks like packing, furniture disassembly, loading, transportation, and unpacking to a professional crew.
This method differs from standard moving, where the customer usually packs their own boxes and the movers only handle the heavy lifting and transport. In a full-service arrangement, the team arrives with boxes, tape, and protective wrap to secure every item in the household. Discipled Movers provides this level of assistance to ensure items reach their destination safely while the client focuses on other aspects of their transition. This article explains the specific services included in these packages and how to determine if they fit a particular budget or timeline. To understand the value of these packages, one must look at the specific tasks handled by the crew.
Standard Features of Full Service Relocations
Professional teams provide all necessary supplies, including specialty boxes for wardrobes, mirrors, and electronics. Using professional-grade materials often prevents damage that occurs when using second-hand or low-quality boxes. A report from Move.org indicates that full-service options are popular for long distance relocations where the risk of item shifting is high.
Packing involves more than just placing items in boxes. Professionals use specific techniques for fragile items, such as double-walling boxes for china or using acid-free paper for delicate finishes. They also handle the disassembly of large furniture pieces. This includes taking apart bed frames, removing legs from dining tables, and disconnecting shelving units. Disassembling these items makes them easier to wrap in moving blankets and protects them from scratches during transit.
Loading and unloading are handled with specialized equipment like ramps, dollies, and straps. Movers strategically stack the truck to maximize space and ensure stability. Once at the new home, the crew places every box in its designated room based on labels. They also reassemble all the furniture they took apart at the origin. This ensures that the home is functional as soon as the movers depart.
Market Trends and Service Costs
As the complexity of modern households increases, the demand for professional moving assistance remains steady for people seeking to reduce the stress of relocation. According to data from Forbes Home, the average cost of a professional move can vary based on distance and the volume of goods. Full-service moves sit at the higher end of the price range because they account for labor hours spent packing and the cost of materials.
Service Level Comparison
| Service Feature | DIY Moving | Standard Moving | Full Service Moving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing Supplies | Customer buys | Customer buys | Company provides |
| Packing Labor | Customer performs | Customer performs | Company performs |
| Furniture Protection | Customer wraps | Company wraps | Company wraps |
| Loading/Unloading | Customer performs | Company performs | Company performs |
| Transportation | Customer drives | Company drives | Company drives |
| Unpacking | Customer performs | Customer performs | Company performs |
| Furniture Assembly | Customer performs | Often optional | Standard inclusion |
Things to Consider Before Making a Decision
Selecting this level of service requires evaluating several factors beyond just the price tag. Time is often the biggest motivator. A professional crew can pack a three-bedroom house in a single day, whereas an individual might spend weeks doing the same task during their off-hours. If the timeline for a move is short, professional packing is often the only way to meet the deadline.
Physical health and ability are also significant considerations. Moving heavy furniture and spending hours bending over boxes can lead to injury for those not accustomed to physical labor. If a residence has multiple flights of stairs or narrow hallways, professional experience becomes even more helpful for navigating tight spaces without damaging the property.
The value and fragility of the inventory also influence the choice. High-value items like artwork, antiques, or complex electronics benefit from professional packing techniques. Many companies offer specialized crating for items that cannot fit into standard boxes. This level of care provides a layer of protection that is difficult to achieve with DIY methods.
Bonus Tip: Create a “No-Pack” zone. Designate one closet or corner for items that must stay with the residents, such as passports, medications, and basic toiletries. This prevents the movers from accidentally packing items needed immediately upon arrival.
Inventory Management and Liability
During a full-service move, the company creates a detailed inventory of all items being transported. This list acts as a manifest to ensure everything that leaves the old house arrives at the new one. This systematic approach reduces the chance of items being misplaced during the transition.
Insurance and liability are other frequent topics of discussion. Most professional movers provide basic valuation coverage, but for a full-service move, many clients opt for full-value protection. A guide from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration explains the difference between released value and full-value protection, which is a major factor in understanding how items are covered during a move.
Bonus Tip: Take photographs of electronic connections before the movers disconnect them. This makes it much easier to set up televisions and computer systems in the new home without guessing where each cable belongs.
Detailed Breakdown of the Unpacking Stage
The unpacking phase is what truly sets this service apart. Instead of living among stacks of boxes for months, the crew removes items from the boxes and places them on flat surfaces like countertops and tables. This allows the residents to put things away in drawers and cabinets quickly rather than searching through tape and cardboard for a single plate.
Once the boxes are empty, the moving crew hauls away all the debris. This includes the hundreds of pounds of cardboard and packing paper used during the process. This service alone saves the resident multiple trips to recycling centers or the hassle of coordinating extra trash pickups with the city.
Moving Logistics and Safety
Professional movers follow safety protocols to protect both the items and the property. They use floor runners to prevent scratches on hardwood and corner protectors to avoid scuffing walls. This level of care is a standard part of the full-service package. It prevents the hidden costs of home repairs that often follow a DIY move.
The transportation phase is managed by licensed drivers who understand how to handle large box trucks or tractor trailers in residential areas. Managing the logistics of a large vehicle in tight neighborhoods or through heavy traffic is a skill that many DIY movers find difficult to replicate. Professional drivers are trained to navigate these routes while keeping the cargo stable.
Questions People Often Ask
Can movers pack jewelry and small valuables?
Most companies recommend that clients transport jewelry, heirlooms, and small high-value items themselves. While movers can pack these items, the sentimental and financial value often makes personal transport the safer choice for peace of mind.
Do I need to be present the whole time?
A responsible adult must be present at both the origin and destination. This person needs to sign the bill of lading and the inventory sheet. They also provide direction on which items stay and which go, and where furniture should be placed in the new house.
How do movers handle hazardous materials?
Professional movers cannot transport hazardous materials like paint thinner, propane tanks, or certain cleaning chemicals. A list of prohibited items is usually provided by the company ahead of time. Residents should plan to dispose of these items or move them in a personal vehicle if it is safe to do so.
Is the cost of boxes included in the quote?
In a full-service quote, the cost of labor and materials is typically bundled together. However, some companies may charge for the actual number of boxes used if the move is larger than estimated. It is best to clarify whether the estimate is a flat rate or based on actual usage before the move begins.
How long does the process take?
For a standard three-bedroom home, packing usually takes one full day, and the move itself takes another day or more depending on the distance. This is much faster than DIY efforts, which often stretch across several weekends of packing and multiple trips in a rented truck.
Summary of Benefits
Full-service moving streamlines the transition to a new home by removing the most labor-intensive tasks from the resident’s plate. It provides a professional approach to packing, loading, and furniture care that reduces the risk of damage. By allowing professionals to manage the logistics, individuals can maintain their work schedules and family commitments without the interruption of a massive manual labor project. Evaluating the budget against the value of time and physical effort is the best way to determine if this service fits a specific situation. Every relocation is unique, so homeowners should assess their specific needs before choosing a service level.
Professional Moving Assistance
Relocating is a major life event that requires careful planning and execution. Discipled Movers offers a range of services to help manage these transitions effectively. For those seeking information on how to streamline their next move, contact the office at (720) 409-1980 or reach out via email at repdiscipled@gmail.com. Obtaining a detailed estimate early in the process helps in making an informed decision about which service level best meets the needs of the household.
Sources
- Move.org – A resource for moving industry cost averages and service comparisons.
- Forbes Home – A source for market data and consumer trends in the home improvement and moving sectors.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – A government agency providing regulations and consumer protection information for the moving industry.
