What Do Movers Do? A Guide to Moving Companies and What Else They Help You With

How Do Moving Companies Work?

There are many different types of movers, including labor-only movers for heavy lifting and full-service moving companies that load, unload, and transport your stuff.

When people think about moving companies, they often envision a team of professionals arriving with a moving truck. The movers then load your packed belongings onto the truck, drive them to your new home, and unload everything. If this is how you picture movers, you've got the basics down.

Here's a rundown of core moving services — AKA the basics — and what they involve:

• Packing and unpacking: Movers will help you pack up your things (including all the fragile stuff that needs extra care) using supplies you provide. You can typically opt for them to handle just a few rooms or take care of your whole home. When you arrive at your new place, they can unpack everything for you as well.
• Loading and unloading: Skilled movers carefully lift and load packed possessions in a moving truck, then unload everything at your desired destination. Items are unloaded into the rooms you request.
• Transport: A moving company arrives with a moving truck and safely transports items from Point A to Point B. Items are secured with bungee cords and straps when needed to prevent shifting during transit.
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly: Avoid wrestling with stubborn recliner legs or multi-piece bed frames, and let the movers take apart furniture for you. Your movers can reassemble everything at your new home and place it in the correct rooms. They'll bring their own tools, such as wrenches and screwdrivers.
• Assistance with local and long-distance moves: Rely on reputable movers for assistance, whether you're moving across the street or to the other side of the country. Movers have the logistics, supplies, and equipment needed for local and long-distance moves.

Types of Moving Services

Various types of moving services are available for your relocation. You can find a moving company with experience moving locally, across the country, or even overseas.

Here are some popular services that traditional movers provide:

• Local: Local moves are typically within the same city, town, county, or metropolitan area, and usually have a limit of 50 to 100 miles.
• Long-distance: These moves often involve multiple moving teams or trucks, and require more oversight since they can cross state lines. Depending on the distance, storage may also be provided.
• International: These moves often require customs paperwork, shipping containers, and air freight. Your moving company can coordinate the door-to-port logistics and help you navigate red tape during an international move.
• Full-service: Enjoy the VIP experience with a full-service moving company that handles everything, from loading to transporting and unloading your belongings. They even bring a truck and professional driver, and full-service movers can also help with furniture assembly and disassembly. Add-ons, such as packing and unpacking, are often included for an additional fee.
• Labor-only: Consider labor-only movers if you need a team for heavy lifting, which includes loading and unloading the moving truck. You're responsible for the truck rental and transporting your belongings during a labor-only move.
• Specialty item: Cranes, dollies, and climate-controlled trucks can help your moving company move specialty items, such as pianos and fine art collections, safely.

Do Moving Companies Provide Moving Supplies?

Many moving companies offer moving supplies, which is more convenient than buying them yourself. Below are the most common supplies you'll need, divided into those movers provide and those you’ll purchase yourself:

Provided by movers (rented or sold):

• Cardboard boxes: A moving-day staple available in various sizes and shapes. Great for packing toys, books, and housewares.
• Furniture pads and blankets: Reduce the risk of scratches, dents, and dings by wrapping items in pads and blankets.
• Storage containers: Make organization simple with storage containers for your items. Some companies offer tubs for rent rather than purchase, so keep that in mind as you pack.

Typically bought yourself:

• Wardrobe boxes: Tall boxes equipped with sturdy bars. You can transport clothes from your closet to the box, then straight into your new closet — no hanger removal needed!
• Packing paper and bubble wrap: Cushion and protect fragile items, including dishes, electronics, and glassware, with packing paper and bubble wrap.
• Tape and shrink wrap: To secure boxes and items with these packing essentials.

Keep in mind that while movers may sell supplies directly, prices are often higher than what you’d find at a local store. If you want convenience, buy from your movers, but if you’re budget-conscious, it’s best to compare prices first.

Extra Services Movers Can Provide

What do movers do aside from loading and transporting boxes? Many moving companies go beyond the basics, making your life easier with time-saving services.

Here are some extra services your moving company may provide:

• Storage: Need to move before your new home is ready? Movers can help you coordinate on-site or off-site storage for your belongings, such as PODS container rentals or climate-controlled facilities.
• Specialty item moving: Get help transporting your beloved pool table, large safe, valuables like a grandfather clock, or piano with specialty moving services.
• Appliance disconnections and reconnections: Unhooking or installing your appliances, such as washers and dryers, is not necessarily a DIY-friendly task. Let experienced pros disconnect or reconnect your equipment instead.
• Cleaning: Some moving companies partner with local cleaning companies for deep cleaning services, such as move-out or move-in cleans.
• Junk removal: Tired of looking at that old fridge in your garage? Have movers haul it away instead of bringing it to your new place.
• Logistics support: Some movers handle permits, parking, and scheduling, such as booking an elevator for a set time.

Need a service not listed above? Ask your moving company if it's available. You might be surprised by what the company offers, and even if they can’t provide the service, they might be able to direct you to someone who can.

When Do You Need Each Type of Service?

The secret is knowing what's best for your situation — and your bank account. Consider your property's size and how far you're relocating when comparing different types of moving services.

Sometimes you just need the basics, like a team to load and unload your boxes. Other times, you want the works: loading, unloading, transporting, sand ome help packing, too.

Here's a rundown to help you decide which moving services you need:

• Small apartment: Labor-only movers are your best choice if you’ve already rented a truck but don’t want to handle all the heavy lifting on your own. They handle the loading and unloading, and you take care of transportation for your belongings.
• Large family home: Full-service movers can pack your wedding china, disassemble the bedframes (and rebuild them at your new home), and haul your washer and dryer onto the moving truck. They'll even bring their own moving truck and transport everything to your new home.
• Corporate relocation: Long-distance or international movers are your go-to pros here. These experts can navigate customs and shipping logistics, plus help keep your company's laptops from disappearing during the move.
• Downsizing/decluttering: A move paired with junk removal or storage services is ideal for folks who are downsizing. Retirees moving into a smaller home can eliminate decades-old items they no longer need.

Need more help deciding between different types of moving services? Share your situation with your movers so they can help you make the right choice.

Cost Considerations by Service Type

Some moves cost less than a weekend getaway, while others rival a small wedding. Services play a big role in what you pay. Here are some estimates for popular moving services:

• Movers: Expect to shell out around $930 for a full-service moving experience (loading, unloading, and transporting your items) and about $410 for labor-only (loading and unloading help) if you're moving locally. Costs for a long-distance move vary drastically, but you'll likely spend $840 to $6,650 based on the type of move you book. Learn more in our guide to moving costs.
• Packing: Our research shows you'll probably spend $25-$40 per hour per packer (so if you have multiple packers, the rate will increase). Materials, labor, and time could range from $200 to $2,000.
• Junk removal: Junk removal usually runs around $150 to $350 per load. Costs can increase significantly if you have multiple bulky items or need a full-house cleanout. Rates typically depend on truck space (how many cubic yards your junk takes up) rather than weight, but every junk removal company has its own system.

For quick reference, here’s how the most common moving services stack up in cost:

Discuss pricing with your mover or junk removal company in advance so there are no surprises on moving day.

How to Choose the Right Company for Your Situation

Moving can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be unbearable. The right moving company will understand your expectations and budget, making the process hassle-free.

Here's what to consider before you book movers for the big day:

• Identify your needs: Do you want the convenience of full-service movers who do it all, or do you just need help moving furniture and boxes?
• Check movers' credentials: Make sure movers are licensed and insured, and check reviews to see what other families say. With HireAHelper, you don’t have to wonder: every mover is licensed, insured, and backed by verified reviews.
• Compare quotes: If you're hoping to keep costs low, compare price quotes from a few companies.
• Avoid red flags: Companies should not ask for huge deposits or send confusing contracts.
• Watch for green flags: Clear fees, easy-to-understand contracts, and dedicated customer service professionals are green flags.

Trust your instincts — and honor your budget — to find the perfect movers for your situation.

Final Thoughts

Movers don't just move boxes — although they're happy to do so! The right moving company can make your life easier every step of the way, whether they send in a cleaning crew or pack up your home.

Make your moving day manageable by choosing the right movers. Take advantage of extra services like junk removal, storage, or logistics support. You deserve the convenience and support of movers who offer the services you need.