Written By Karen Bodkin
What is Full-Service Moving?
Full-service moving is exactly what it sounds like: a team of professionals handles every major part of your move from start to finish. It’s designed to save you time, energy, and effort. This is especially helpful for local moves when efficiency matters most.
Here’s what’s typically included in a full-service move:
- Loading: Your movers will carefully carry your belongings out of your home and load them onto the trucks. They’re trained to move heavy furniture, large appliances, and delicate items safely.
- Transportation: The moving company provides the truck and driver. They’ll transport your belongings from your old home to your new one, navigating traffic, logistics, and parking, so you don’t have to.
- Unloading: Once the truck arrives, movers will unload everything into your new home, placing items and boxes in the appropriate rooms so you can start settling in immediately.
- Basic Moving Supplies: Full-service moving companies include moving blankets, straps, and dollies to help secure and protect your belongings during the move. Some companies may also provide mattress bags or furniture covers as needed.
Optional Add-Ons
While the basics above are included, many full-service movers offer additional options to make your move even easier, which is especially helpful if you’re short on time or dealing with complex logistics, like juggling children’s school schedules or moving a lot of valuable items.
- Packing Services: Movers that pack for you will pack your entire home or just certain areas, like the kitchen or garage. They’ll bring boxes, tape, and packing materials — and they know how to pack properly while protecting fragile items.
- Unpacking Services: After the move, your crew can also unpack your boxes and place items where they belong. It’s a helpful option if you want to get settled quickly or avoid a stack of unopened boxes for weeks.
- Vehicle Shipping: Some moving companies can arrange for your car, motorcycle, or other vehicles to be shipped to your new home — ideal for long-distance moves when driving isn’t practical.
- Special Handling of Fragile or Valuable Items: If you have artwork, antiques, or delicate electronics, many movers offer custom crating or extra padding to ensure these items arrive safely.
- Furniture Assembly and Disassembly: Movers can take apart beds, shelving units, or dining tables before loading and reassembling them once they’re delivered. This saves time and helps avoid damage during transport.
Read more: Will Movers Go to a Storage Unit?
How Much Do Full-Service Movers Cost?
Full-service moving gives you peace of mind — but it comes at a premium. For a local move in 2025, the average full-service cost is about $933, compared to $412 for labor-only help and around $138 for a full DIY approach. The extra cost covers everything from loading and unloading to truck rental and transportation, making it a great value for local moves that need to be quick and seamless.
Average Cost Ranges (Full-Service, Residential Long-Distance)
| Move Size | Regional Move (under ~500 miles) | Cross-Regional Move (~500–1,000 miles) | Cross-Country Move (~1,000–2,000 miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | $3,000–$5,000 | $4,000–$6,000 | $5,000–$7,000 |
| Medium | $5,000–$7,500 | $6,500–$9,000 | $8,000–$11,000 |
| Large | $7,000–$10,000 | $9,000–$13,000 | $12,000–$16,000+ |
Long-distance full-service moves typically cost between $4,000 and $16,000 or more, depending on the size of your home, the distance traveled, and the services included. That’s why we recommend that you look into more budget-friendly alternatives, like trailer moves or shipping containers that blend affordability with convenience.
Full-Service Movers vs. Other Moving Options
Not sure if full-service moving is right for you? Here’s how it compares to two other common move types — DIY and labor-only — so you can weigh your options based on effort, cost, flexibility, and convenience.
| Full-Service Moving | Labor-Only Moving | DIY Moving | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effort | Very low – everything is handled for you | Moderate – you handle the truck and transport | High – you do everything yourself |
| Cost | $$$ – Most expensive | $$ – Mid-range | $ – Lowest cost |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedule, less hands-on | High – you set your own timeline | Very high – 100% on your terms |
| Convenience | Maximum convenience | Helpful for loading or unloading | Lowest – all tasks fall to you |
| Pros | Easiest option, stress-free, professional handling | Budget-friendly, still get help without full-service pricing | Total control, cheapest option |
| Cons | Higher cost, especially long-distance | You still have to drive and rent the truck or a moving container | Physically demanding, time-consuming, little or no help |
How to Choose the Right Full-Service Mover
Choosing a full-service mover isn’t just about price — it’s about trust. You’ll want to look for a licensed, insured company with solid reviews, transparent pricing, and a proven track record. That means checking credentials, comparing quotes, reading customer feedback, and asking the right questions before signing anything. It’s a lot to sort through when all you really want is a mover you can count on.
At MovingPlace, we take that work off your plate. Our network is carefully vetted, and we partner only with reliable, professional movers who meet our high standards for service and care. Whether you’re moving across town or just across the street, we help you find the right team and ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
Find trusted full-service movers near you.
Full-Service Moving Questions, Answered
How far in advance should I book full-service movers?
It’s best to book at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially if you’re moving during peak season (May through September). The sooner you lock in your dates, the more likely you are to get your preferred schedule and avoid last-minute stress.
Do full-service movers provide packing materials?
Yes, most full-service movers can provide boxes, tape, packing paper, and more — especially if you’ve opted in for packing services. Be sure to ask what’s included in your quote so you’re not surprised by add-on charges.
Will full-service movers move my plants or pets?
No. Most moving companies won’t transport live plants or animals due to safety, legal, and environmental restrictions. You’ll want to move these yourself or make separate arrangements to ensure they travel comfortably and safely.
What happens if something is damaged?
Reputable full-service movers offer basic valuation coverage, — and many offer additional insurance options for extra peace of mind. If something is damaged, you’ll need to file a claim directly with the moving company. At MovingPlace, we only work with licensed, insured carriers to make sure your belongings are protected.
Lauren Thomas
Melanie Morris