Pack yourself or hire a packing service?

Packing yourself can suit a move when you have enough time, supplies, and help. A packing service can be useful when time is short, there is a large volume, or some items need special protection. You can decide room by room too.

Compare the actual workload

Allow time for sorting, obtaining boxes, protection, and labeling. A professional can help pack and choose appropriate protection. Decide yourself what to keep and set personal papers aside.

Tell the provider exactly what you want done. Packing dishes, protecting artwork, and disassembling furniture may be separate tasks.

Agree on what is included

Ask these questions:

• Who supplies and owns the boxes and protective materials?
• Will boxes be labeled by room and contents?
• Does the service include unpacking at the new home?
• How are valuable and delicate items handled?
• How are self-packed items treated if damage occurs?

Review coverage and responsibility for both self-packed and professionally packed belongings with the provider. Get the agreed terms in writing so they are easy to refer to.

A combination may work best

You might pack clothes and personal belongings yourself while hiring help to protect dishes and large furniture. Agree on the division beforehand so the packers can bring suitable supplies and allow enough time.

Keep medications, keys, and documents needed on moving day separate. Agree on which items you will pack and carry yourself and label them clearly so they remain accessible throughout the move.

Once the scope is decided, give the same information to the mover. Good background information for a moving quote helps the company assess the transport work accurately.