What is a Professional, Full-Service Moving Company? 

Don’t Want to Lift a Pinky During Your Move?

Then you need a full-service moving company. Full-service moving companies handle everything from packing to driving, so you don’t have to.

Full-service movers might do everything for you, but before you get one, you should know what "everything" means. Here is what a full-service move entails:

1. Giving a Moving Estimate

You should get some free moving quotes before contacting a moving company on your own. That way you’ll at least know the price range to expect.

When you first contact a full-service moving company, they’ll ask you some questions, and you might be able to get a moving quote from them. However, you should be wary of over-the-phone estimates. Ideally, the moving company will send a surveyor to your home to detail what needs to be moved and how much it’ll cost.

2. Signing the Moving Service Contract

Any time you hire a moving company, a paper contract should be involved. Large moving companies usually have their own contracts for you to sign, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add an addendum detailing specific concerns.

Learn more about what should be included in your moving contract.

3. Packing

As moving day nears, the full-service moving company will come to your home to pack up your belongings and prep your furniture and large appliances.

Depending on the size of your home and the amount of stuff you have, packing can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. You can expedite the process by packing a bit on your own.

4. Loading Your Stuff

On moving day, the company will come to your home to load your belongings into a moving truck. Usually, the loading phase will be handled by three to four men, though two can finish a smaller residence within a day.

5. Driving Your Stuff

The full-service moving company will transport your stuff to your new home for you, even if that means driving from New York to San Francisco. Those types of full-service moving companies are known as long-distance movers.   

Local moving companies provide full service for nearby moves.

6. Storing Your Stuff

If your moving company beats you to your new home, then they’ll store your belongings, either in the truck for a short period of time or in a warehouse/storage facility, until you arrive.

7. Unloading Your Stuff

After you open the doors and welcome your movers in, they’ll unload all of your stuff, dropping boxes off in the appropriate rooms, and placing your couches where you ask them to. However, they usually do not unpack your stuff for you—that’s when you’ll finally have to lift a pinky.

Learn about what questions to ask your full-service movers to ensure that you get the best service possible.