Do Moving Companies Pack for You?
Many moving companies do offer packing services—but not all do, and not all packing services are the same. Some movers offer full-service options where everything is packed for you. Others only offer it upon request or as an add-on for specific items.
If you're trying to figure out what’s included, how much packing costs, or whether it's worth paying for, this guide breaks it down. We'll cover what professional packing typically involves, what movers will and won’t pack, and how Cool Hand Movers approaches packing services in New York City.
Yes, Many NYC Moving Companies Offer Packing—Here’s What That Includes
Professional packing services are available through most moving companies, but the scope and pricing can vary depending on how much you need packed and how quickly. Generally, you’ll choose between full packing, partial packing, or unpacking services. Each is designed to reduce the time and stress of a move, especially in cities like New York where logistics are tight and time is limited.
Full-Service Packing and Moving
This is a comprehensive option where the movers pack everything in your home. It includes:
All packing materials: boxes, tape, wrapping paper, protective padding
Labeling of boxes by room or content
Protection of fragile items like dishes, electronics, and glassware
Packing of furniture components and artwork
Full-service packing is a good fit for people with limited time, those moving long distance, or anyone who wants to avoid the physical toll and planning that packing requires.
Partial Packing for Select Rooms
If you've already started packing but need help finishing the job, partial packing is a flexible option. Most moving companies—including Cool Hand Movers—offer room-by-room or item-specific packing.
This is commonly used for:
Kitchens (time-intensive and fragile)
Closets and wardrobes
Offices
Basements and garages
You pack what you’re comfortable with, and the movers handle the rest.
Unpacking Services
Some moving companies also offer unpacking, which may include:
Opening boxes and placing items on surfaces and shelves
Breaking down and removing packing materials
This service is especially useful for families, seniors, or anyone starting work shortly after the move.
What Cool Hand Movers Offers
Cool Hand Movers, New York Magazine’s Best of New York for a hand with packing, offers a flexible range of packing services that meet the needs of clients across New York City. Whether you want full-service packing, just need help with one room, or prefer to handle the packing yourself, the team builds services around how you want to move.
Full and Partial Packing Plans
Clients can choose between full-home packing and partial service focused on high-traffic or high-stress areas. Many people ask for help packing kitchens, libraries, wardrobes, or office equipment—spaces that require extra time and care.
Packing is available before or on the day of your move, depending on your timeline.
Sustainable Packing Supplies
Cool Hand Movers offers the option to use reusable moving bins instead of traditional cardboard boxes. These bins are durable, weather-resistant, and stackable. For self-packs, they’re delivered ahead of your move and picked up afterward.
Transparent Flat-Rate Pricing
Packing is quoted based on time, scope, and material needs. You’ll know ahead of time what’s covered and how long it’s expected to take. That transparency is part of what makes Cool Hand a popular choice among New Yorkers planning complex or last-minute moves.
What Movers Will—and Won’t—Pack
Professional movers can pack almost everything in your home, but there are a few exceptions based on safety, liability, and personal preference. Knowing what’s typically included—and what you’ll need to handle yourself—can help you prepare and avoid last-minute confusion.
What Movers Will Pack
Most moving companies will pack:
Everyday household items: dishes, cookware, books, clothes, linens
Electronics and office equipment (with proper protection)
Artwork, framed photos, and mirrors
Decor and collectibles
Packed storage spaces like closets, cabinets, and drawers
If you're hiring a full-service crew, these items are packed and labeled by room or content type. The goal is to make unpacking just as straightforward as loading.
What Movers Typically Won’t Pack
There are categories of items movers either can’t pack legally or won’t pack for liability reasons. These usually include:
Valuables: passports, birth certificates, cash, jewelry, heirlooms
Hazardous materials: paint, cleaning supplies, batteries, aerosols, propane tanks
If you’re unsure about an item, ask in advance. Reputable movers like Cool Hand will walk you through what should be packed ahead of time and what’s better transported personally.
Is Professional Packing Worth It?
Packing is often underestimated. It takes longer than expected, requires more materials than most people have on hand, and can turn chaotic without a clear plan. For many, hiring professionals to handle the job is a practical tradeoff—especially when the alternative is packing late into the night before move day.
Time Savings and Efficiency
Packing an apartment or home takes time, even if you're organized. Professional movers handle this every day. They bring the right tools and know how to safely pack everything from kitchen glassware to framed art without wasting materials or space.
If you’re working full time, relocating on short notice, or trying to juggle other responsibilities, hiring a team to pack for you can reduce stress and keep the rest of your life on track.
Damage Prevention and Peace of Mind
A rushed packing job leads to broken items. Movers trained in professional packing know how to:
Pad and wrap delicate items
Avoid overloading boxes
Secure electronics, instruments, and fragile decor
Label boxes clearly for smooth unpacking
With proper packing, your belongings are better protected during loading, unloading, and transport—especially on tight stairwells or narrow NYC hallways.
For clients who care about the condition of their things (or want to avoid replacing them), the cost of packing is often worth the peace of mind.
What to Expect on Packing Day
On packing day, the team arrives with all necessary materials—boxes, reusable bins (if selected), tape, wrapping supplies, and padding. The crew will:
Walk through your space and confirm what needs to be packed
Pack systematically by room or category
Label boxes clearly for unpacking
Wrap and secure fragile or oversized items
Communicate with you throughout to prioritize important areas
Packing can be done in advance of move day or all in one go, depending on your timeline and the size of the job.
If you’re combining packing with moving services, everything is built into one flat-rate quote. No hourly packing charges or unexpected add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Packing Services
Do moving companies pack your stuff?
Yes. Most professional movers offer packing services. Some include it in their standard pricing, while others offer it as an add-on. Cool Hand Movers offers both full and partial packing, depending on your needs.
Will movers pack my clothes and kitchen items?
Yes. These are two of the most commonly packed areas. Cool Hand Movers regularly packs wardrobes, drawers, closets, dishware, cookware, and pantry items. They bring all the necessary supplies to handle these areas safely and efficiently.
Can I choose which rooms get packed?
Absolutely. Many clients choose to pack personal spaces themselves (like bedrooms or home offices) but hire movers to handle time-consuming areas like kitchens, bookshelves, or closets. CHM’s partial packing services are designed exactly for this type of situation.
What should I pack myself?
We recommend you personally pack:
Important documents (passports, tax records, legal papers)
Jewelry or irreplaceable heirlooms
Medication and daily-use toiletries
Laptops or work-from-home setups, if needed immediately after the move
Do I need to provide packing supplies?
No. The crew arrives with everything required, including boxes, packing paper, stretch wrap, and tape. You can also request reusable bins as a more sustainable and secure alternative to cardboard.
Can movers help unpack my stuff?
Some moving companies—including Cool Hand Movers—offer unpacking services upon request. This can include unboxing, shelf placement, and removal of packing materials. It's especially helpful when you need to get settled quickly.