How Much Does a Packing Service Cost?

Written By Erin Scott

Updated: January 14, 2026

Published on August 24, 2025

Professional packer packing dishes into a cardboard box with dividers.

Anyone who’s ever moved before knows the costs can really add up — but if you have space in your budget to hire some extra help, hiring professionals can make the process a lot less overwhelming. You’ve likely already researched the cost of hiring movers, but how much does a packing service cost?

Professional packing services can box up all your belongings for you, saving you time (and sanity), so you can focus on the rest of your to-do list. On average, professional packers charge about $60 per hour, but the exact number can vary significantly depending on which company you hire, where you live, and how big your home is.

At MovingPlace, we’ve helped thousands of people move, so we know what packing services really cost — and when they’re worth it. This guide pulls from that experience to help you make the best choice for your move. In this article, we’ll break down the factors that impact how much a packing service costs so you can decide whether professional packers or the DIY route is best for you.

Author

Erin Scott

Erin Scott has been writing about moving and storage since 2016. Having both worked in the moving industry and navigated her own local and cross-country moves, she knows the challenges of relocating from every angle. When she’s not at her keyboard, she’s spending time with family or chipping away at her seemingly endless list of house projects.

Breakdown of Packing Service Costs

While quite a few variables influence packing costs, the two biggest overarching components — labor costs and packing materials — will determine your total bill at the end of the day.

Labor Costs

The cost of hiring packers ultimately hinges on how many people you need and how long it’ll take them to pack all your things. The process can be time-intensive, but fortunately, these professionals are trained to pack skilfully and efficiently, so there’s a lot they can tackle in just a few short hours.

Professional Packers’ Hourly Rate

How much do packers charge per hour? Here’s a general range of how much you can expect to pay:

2 packers for 2 hours: $100–$250
2 packers for 4 hours: $200–$400
2 packers for 6 hours: $300–725
2 packers for 8–10 hours: $400–1,500

Packing Materials

While labor costs are usually the biggest packing expense, it can be easy to overlook the cost of packing supplies like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Remember to factor in the cost of your moving supplies, especially when comparing DIY packing with hiring professionals, who often include packing materials as part of their quote.

Here are the main packing supplies you’ll need on hand and their average cost:

Boxes: $1–8 each
Packing paper: $12.50 per roll
Bubble wrap: $0.10–0.25 per foot
Packing tape: $3–7 per roll
Packing blankets: $10–20 each

Note: The cost of packing boxes will vary depending on what moving box sizes and types you need. Do your research to find the cheapest places to buy moving boxes to save as much as possible.

Factors Influencing Packing Service Costs

Several other factors come into play when calculating packing service costs, and we want to ensure you don’t end up surprised by the bill. Here are a few other considerations worth mentioning so you can budget appropriately.

Size and Volume of Home

The square footage of your home and how many things you own will significantly affect how long it takes to pack up all your belongings. While packing might take you days from start to finish (if you stay focused and are already fairly organized), professional packers can usually accomplish the task in a matter of hours — but of course, it will cost you more money.

Here’s an overview of the average cost (— in both time and money) — of DIY packing vs.ersus hiring a professional.

Category	1 Bedroom	2 Bedroom	3 Bedroom	4 Bedroom
Average Sq. Ft	400–1,000	700–1,250	1,200–2,000	2,000+
DIY Packing Cost (Supplies Only)	$100–300	$150–400	$250–700	$300–1,000
Professional Packing Service Cost	$300–650	$400–1,000	$800–2,000	$1,200–2,500
Time Required: DIY	1–2 days	2–3 days	3–5 days	5–7 days
Time Required: Professional	2–4 hours	4–6 hours	6–10 hours	7–16 hours

Specialty Items

Fragile or high-value items — like artwork, glassware, or decor — could require special packing materials or techniques to ensure they don’t break in transit. Larger specialty items, like pianos or antique furniture, will need specialty packing too — not to mention more materials so they don’t get damaged during the move.

Beyond the extra cost of materials themselves, packers will likely need more time to pack these items well, which can increase labor costs. To account for these expenses, take notes ahead of time on what specialty items you’ll need help packing so you can get more accurate packing quotes.

Additional Services

Packing services aren’t just limited to putting things in boxes. Many packers offer help with other moving tasks like disassembling and reassembling furniture, as well as unpacking your items so you can settle into your new home faster. Just keep in mind that these add-ons usually come with an extra fee. Make sure to ask upfront for a detailed quote so you know everything that’s included and how much you’re paying for it.

Time of Year and Demand

If you want to splurge on professional packers but are looking for other ways to save on costs, see if you have any flexibility on your moving date.

Professional movers and packers tend to charge more during peak moving seasons (May through September), as well as on weekends and holidays. If you have the option, plan your move during the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs.

Comparing DIY vs. Professionals

Not sure whether the cost of hiring professional packers is worth the money? To make it easier for you, we’ve highlighted the biggest pros and cons of DIY packing compared to professional packing.

DIY

If you’re thinking about doing all the packing and moving yourself, here are the key advantages and drawbacks to weigh.

Pros

You’ll save on costs by only paying for supplies, not labor
You get complete control over how items are packed and organized
You have the flexibility to pack at your own pace
You’ll know where to find every item you packed (pro tip: keep an inventory)
You’ll get a chance to sort and declutter your things while packing
No one else will handle your personal belongings

Cons

Packing is time-consuming — it could take days or weeks to pack everything yourself
Packing is physically demanding
You’ll need to purchase all the packing supplies yourself and on your own time
The risk of damage is higher if you don’t know how to pack for a move properly
Tackling the entire moving process alone can leave you stressed and fatigued

Hiring Professional Movers

Prefer to leave your packing to the pros? Here’s what to consider before you book.

Pros

You can get significant time savings — pros are trained to work quickly and efficiently
Professionals have expertise in properly packing fragile and valuable items
All packing materials are usually provided for you
There’s less risk of injury and less stress
Insurance coverage is often included for damaged items

Cons

You’ll pay more because of labor fees
You have less control over how items are organized or labeled
It can be hard to track down where specific items are packed
Strangers will handle your personal belongings

How to Get the Best Rates

Just because you’re hiring packers doesn’t mean you have to pay an arm and a leg. Here are some tips to help you find the best rates based on your unique packing needs.

Get Multiple Quotes

You’ll never know whether you got a good deal if you don’t shop around. Take the time to compare services and rates from different packing companies in your area so you can find the best company for your budget. To make it easier, MovingPlace makes it easy to compare packers side by side, all in one platform.

Negotiate Rates

To drive total packing costs down, negotiate rates with the packing company you choose to work with. For instance, if a packing company you like is pricier than others in the area, see if they’ll match their competitor’s quotes. You can also ask them if they’re offering any discounts, promotions, or special offers.

The Bottom Line: The Cost of Packing Help

If you don’t have the time, energy, or ability to pack your home yourself, hiring professional packers could be a no-brainer. After all, they have the experience to pack quickly, and most importantly, handle your belongings with care.

That being said, the added expense of hiring professional packers can be a tough call, especially if your budget is tight. Ultimately, only you can know whether hiring packers is the best choice for your move.

Looking for more moving budget insights and tips? Check out our post, How Much Does It Cost To Move, next.

Packing Costs Questions, Answered

How much should I tip packers?

The standard tip for packing services is between $4 and $10 per packer per hour, but the recommended range can vary quite a bit depending on who you ask. Plan to tip based on your budget and the quality of service you received.

Are hourly rates or flat rates better for packing?

If you’re moving locally from a smaller home or apartment, paying hourly will probably be more cost-effective, since flat rates tend to be more expensive upfront. But if you’re moving long-distance or have a larger home, those hourly labor costs can add up quickly, particularly if there are delays during travel. In that case, a flat rate may be your best option.

How can I verify packers’ credentials?

When vetting professional packers, look at reviews online (like Google, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau), or even better, get referrals from friends and family who’ve used packing services in your area. Go the extra mile by asking the packing company for its business license and proof of insurance.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of scammers out there, so watch out for these red flags while researching: