The Complete Guide to Full-Service Moving

What is Full-Service Moving?

In the simplest terms, full-service moving is the "we handle it all" option. You hire a professional crew to manage the logistics of your move from start to finish. This means they load a truck they provide, drive it to your new home, and unload everything for you.

This is a big upgrade from a DIY move where you are the driver, the heavy lifter, and the logistics manager all rolled into one. With full service, you are paying for the convenience and the expertise of pros who do this every single day.

To see where it fits in the moving landscape, take a look at how it compares to other options like labor-only moving (sometimes known as hybrid moving).

Comparing Your Moving Options

What Services Typically Come With Full-Service Movers

When you sign a contract for a full-service move, you should know exactly what you are paying for. While every company operates a little differently, here are the standard services you can expect.

• Loading and Unloading: The movers do the heavy lifting. They will carry boxes and furniture out of your old home and place them in the rooms of your new home.
• Transport: You don't have to worry about driving a 26-foot truck down the interstate. The movers handle the driving for you.
• Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly: If your bed frame or dining table needs to be taken apart to fit through the door, the movers will dismantle it and put it back together at the new place.
• Moving Equipment: They bring the dollies, the straps, the furniture pads, and the floor runners to keep your house safe.
• Disposal of Packing Materials: Once the move is done, they often help get rid of the shrink wrap and debris so you aren't stuck with a mess.
• Packing and Unpacking (Usually Extra): This comes with a caveat. Many people assume "full service" automatically means "we pack everything for you." However, packing help is often an add-on service that you pay extra for. It's still a useful and effort-saving service if you really want a completely hands-off move, though.

What's Not Included (or Costs Extra)

Full-service movers are total pros, but they have their limits. There are specific items they cannot transport for safety reasons, and certain obstacles that will trigger extra fees.

• Hazardous Materials: Movers cannot legally transport dangerous items. This includes gasoline, propane tanks, fireworks, and paint thinner.
• Perishables: You will need to empty the fridge before they arrive. They won't move your frozen peas or leftover pizza.
• High-Value Items: Most companies have policies about high-value items like jewelry, cash, or firearms. You are usually expected to move these yourself.
• Long-Carry Fees: If the moving truck cannot park within a certain distance of your front door (often 75 feet), the crew has to walk further to load your stuff. That takes time and effort, so they charge something called a "long carry" fee for it.
• Stair Fees: If you live on the third floor of a building without an elevator, expect to pay a stair fee. However, most moving companies typically only start charging if there's more than one flight, so you likely don't have to worry if you're in a simple two-story home.
• Shuttle Services: Sometimes a big semi-truck is just too large for a narrow residential street. The company may need to use a smaller shuttle van to ferry your belongings to the main truck. This is a shuttle service, and it does cost extra.

Local Full-Service vs. Long-Distance Full-Service

It is really important to understand that a move across town works differently from a move across the country. Long-distance moves require much more time, logistics, and fuel than a local move does, and that's reflected in both the process and the price.

Local Moves

A local full-service move (usually under 50 or 100 miles) is pretty straightforward. You are likely dealing with a local, independent moving company, and the pricing is typically hourly. You pay for the time the crew is working, plus a travel fee. It is easier to schedule, and you have more control over the timing.

Long-Distance Moves

Once you cross state lines or travel over 400 miles, full-service moving gets much more expensive and complicated. You are paying for the driver's time, hotels, and fuel to drive a massive truck across the country. In our experience, full-service is rarely worth the cost for long-distance moves unless your employer is paying. You can usually save at least half your budget (or more) by switching to a labor-only move where you rent a container or truck and hire professional movers to load and unload it for you.

How Much Does Full-Service Moving Cost?

If you have ever shopped for a car, you know the sticker price is rarely the final price. Full-service moving is similar. Local moves are typically calculated by the hour, costing anywhere from $980 to $2,500 depending on the size of your home and how many movers you need. Long-distance moves are a different story entirely; they are priced based on the weight of your shipment and the mileage, often landing in the $5,000 to $8,000+ range.

To get an accurate price, you will need an estimate of how much stuff you really own. This usually involves an in-home or virtual survey where a representative looks at everything you plan to move. Based on what they see, they will give you a quote. Be sure to ask if it is a binding estimate (a guaranteed price that won't change) or a non-binding estimate (a projected cost that could go up if the actual weight is higher than expected).

Cost Factors to Know Before Choosing Full-Service Movers

So, what actually drives that price up or down? It is not just about how many boxes you have. Here are the biggest factors that will impact your final bill:

• Home Size: A one-bedroom apartment is obviously cheaper to move than a five-bedroom estate because it requires less labor and truck space.
• Weight/Volume: For long-distance moves, every pound counts. The heavier your furniture, the more you pay.
• Distance: Fuel and drive time are major costs. Crossing state lines adds significantly to the tab compared to moving a few blocks away.
• Add-ons: Services like packing help, custom crating for artwork, or shuttle services will all be line items on your bill.
• Seasonality: Moving in the summer or at the end of the month is "peak season." You can often save money by moving mid-week or during the winter months.
• Specialty Items: Have a grand piano, a pool table, or a massive safe? You will likely pay a surcharge for the expertise and equipment needed to move them safely.

Average Full-Service Moving Pricing

Note: Cost data is attributed to the HireAHelper Transportation Cost Database and Proprietary Transaction Data (2026).

You can use our cost calculator below to estimate how much your full-service move might cost.

Pros and Cons of Full-Service Moving

Deciding how to move often comes down to balancing your budget against your stress levels and timeframe. Here is a quick look at the major wins you get with full-service movers, along with the few downsides you should probably consider.

How to Choose the Best Full-Service Moving Company

Finding the right movers is about more than just searching for "movers near me" and picking the first result. You are trusting strangers with everything you own, so you need to make sure they are legitimate and trustworthy.

Research and Shortlist Movers

Start by asking friends for recommendations or looking at reputable marketplaces. You want to build a shortlist of at least three different companies. It's important to not only consider the star ranking of each company, but also read the actual text of the reviews to see how they handle things like broken items or delays. If you want a head start, you can browse vetted moving companies that have already been screened for quality.

Only Consider Licensed and Insured Professionals

Never hire a mover without verifying their license. For local moves, check your state's moving association requirements. For long-distance moves, the company must have a USDOT number registered with the FMCSA. You can actually look this number up online to see their safety record and complaint history. We have a full guide on how to check if your movers are licensed and insured, so you don't get caught off guard.

Read Reviews and Check References

When you read reviews, you should be on the lookout for patterns. One bad review might be a fluke, but five reviews mentioning "hidden fees" are a red flag. Another way to ensure your movers are professional and above board is to ask the mover for references from past customers who did a similar move. Legitimate moving companies will be happy to provide you this info.

Read the Fine Print

You should always read the moving contract before you sign it. This also might be referred to as a "Bill of Lading," which is your official contract. Make sure the estimate type (binding or non-binding) is clearly stated, as well as any extra fees, and when they occur are listed. If a mover refuses to give you a written estimate or asks you to sign a blank document, walk away immediately.

Ask Good Questions

When you have the mover on the phone or in your living room, grill them a little. It helps to have a list of questions to ask movers ready to go, such as:

• What specific services are included in this quote?
• Are there any potential extra fees I should know about?
• How do you calculate the final weight of the shipment?
• What is the process if something gets broken?
• What is the estimated delivery window?

Watch Out for Scams

Like any other industry, there are some pitfalls when searching for a moving company. Rogue movers might quote you a low price to get your business, load your stuff onto the truck, and then refuse to deliver it unless you pay thousands of dollars more. This is called a hostage load, and just one of several moving scams.

To avoid them, never pay a large cash deposit upfront. While you might be asked for a partial deposit, legitimate movers usually take the majority of the payment upon delivery. Also, avoid companies that answer the phone with a generic "Movers" instead of a company name, or lack a physical location.

If this sounds like a lot of work, that's because it is. HireAHelper can shortcut this entire process for you. We've built a nationwide network of dependable, vetted movers with honest, real reviews. Our online booking platform means that you find dependable movers in minutes that are available for your move, and if anything goes wrong or you find a better price, we'll make it right.

How to Prepare for a Full-Service Move

Even though the movers are doing the heavy lifting, you still have work to do. Getting organized early ensures the pros can do their job efficiently.

• Create a Moving Timeline and Checklist

  Start planning at least 8 weeks out. You need a schedule for cancelling utilities, forwarding mail, and scheduling the elevator. Use a comprehensive moving checklist to keep track of every detail so nothing slips through the cracks.

• Declutter Early

  The cost of your move is directly tied to the weight and volume of your stuff, so why pay to move clothes you haven't worn in three years? Instead, you should go through every room and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or recycle. Learning how to declutter effectively can save you hundreds of dollars on your final bill.

• Organize Important Documents and Valuables

  Pack a "safe box" that stays with you in your car, not on the moving truck. This should include birth certificates, social security cards, passports, medications, expensive jewelry, and your laptop. If the moving truck gets delayed, you do not want your essential meds trapped inside.

• Remember to Switch Over Your Utilities, Address, and Other Services

  Call your utility providers to schedule shut-off dates for your old home and turn-on dates for the new one. Don't forget the internet and cable! You should also file a change of address with the USPS a week before you move.

• Plan to Be Present on Moving Day

  On the big day, do a walkthrough with the crew leader. Point out any fragile items or furniture that are already scratched, so everyone is on the same page. Make sure there is a clear path from the door to the rooms. If you have pets, you might want to keep them in a separate room or at a friend's house so they don't get underfoot.

FAQs About Full-Service Moving

What is the difference between full service and labor-only?

Full service means the company provides the truck, the labor, and the driving. In other words, they handle everything for you. Labor-only means you provide the truck or container, and you hire the movers to load and unload it. Labor-only is significantly cheaper but requires more management from you.

Do full-service movers pack everything?

Not automatically. Packing is usually an extra service. If you want them to box up your entire house, you need to request "packing services" as part of your quote. Otherwise, they expect everything to be in boxes when they arrive.

How long does full-service moving take?

For a local move, a 3-bedroom house usually takes a full day to load and unload. For long-distance moves, the loading takes a day, but the delivery might take 2 to 14 days, depending on the distance and the company's schedule.

Are full-service movers worth it for long-distance moves?

It depends on your priorities. If you want zero stress, yes. But from a financial standpoint, full-service long-distance moves are the most expensive way to relocate. You can often save 40% or more by using a rental truck or moving container.

Do movers handle specialty items like pianos or safes?

Yes, but they usually charge extra to handle specialty items. These require special equipment and expertise. Make sure you mention these items during the estimate process so the crew brings the right gear.

What should I do with items movers won't transport?

You need to move hazardous materials, plants, and perishables yourself in your personal vehicle. If you are flying to your new home, you might have to give these items away to neighbors, dispose of them properly before you leave, or find alternative methods to move them.

How far in advance should I book a full-service mover?

Try to book at least 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially if you are moving during the peak summer season. If you wait until the week before, you might pay a premium or struggle to find a reputable company with availability.

Are tips expected?

While not mandatory, tips are greatly appreciated for hard work. A general rule of thumb is $5 to $10 per mover per hour, or 15-20% of the total labor cost. We have a handy guide on how much to tip movers if you want to get into the specifics.

How do I file a damage claim?

If something breaks, note it on the inventory sheet before the movers leave. Then, contact the moving company immediately to request a claim form. You will need to provide photos of the damage and the item's value. This is why having insurance (valuation coverage) is so important.