How Much Do Professional Packers Cost?

Gearing up for a move? Whether you're tackling a cross-country move or moving to a nearby area, relocating can be overwhelming—especially when it comes to packing up your entire home. To save you time and reduce stress, professional packers can handle it for you. But how much does it cost to hire packers for moving? Below, we break down the average cost of hiring professional packers—including factors that can affect how much you pay—so you can budget for your move with confidence!

Average Cost of Professional Packers

On average, professional packing services cost between $60 and $80 per hour per packer. This rate typically covers both labor and packing materials like boxes, tape, and padding—though some packing companies might have a separate fee for materials. That means if two packers work for four hours, totaling around eight hours of combined labor, it would cost you roughly $480 to $640. That said, the overall cost to pack an entire home can span a wide range—averaging from $280 to $2,200—depending on how large your space is and how much time it takes to pack.

Alternatively, some packing companies offer flat-rate prices, which means they charge a set price for the entire job or per box packed—regardless of time. Another flat-rate approach is charging a fixed fee per box type (e.g., $30 per dish pack or $15 per wardrobe box). Flat rates can sometimes end up a bit higher overall, but they give you an upfront quote for labor and supplies—which helps you avoid any unexpected charges.

Key Factors That Affect the Cost of Packers

A number of variables can influence how much money you'll spend on professional packers for moving. Consider the following factors that can affect the total cost:

Home Size & Amount of Items

The amount of belongings you own plays a huge role in determining the price you end up paying for professional packing services. Put simply, more rooms and more belongings mean more boxes to pack and more labor. While a small studio apartment might only cost a few hundred dollars, a large four-bedroom home with an abundance of belongings could cost more than $2,000.

Full Service vs. Partial Service

There are different service options available when hiring packers, which will affect the cost. The more tasks you hand off to the pros, the more you’ll pay. Full-service packing costs are typically the more expensive option, since the professionals pack up your entire home, doing all the labor for you. This option is ideal if you’re short on time or want a hands-off packing experience—and are willing to invest extra for convenience.

Partial packing, on the other hand, is a middle ground that’s easier on your wallet while still relieving you of some packing duties. You can decide which rooms or items the professionals will tackle, which might include more challenging areas like the kitchen, for dishes and glassware, fragile collectibles, or bulky and hard-to-pack items like TVs and mirrors. Costs for partial packing are lower since the crew spends fewer hours. This hybrid approach can help you save money while still taking some of the moving stress off you.

Packing Materials

Boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and other packing materials aren’t free. Unless it's specified that they're included in the hourly rate, you’ll likely pay a separate fee for these supplies. Many professional packers also charge extra for specialty boxes (e.g., heavy-duty wardrobe boxes or dish packs) and additional required materials. This can add to your overall total costs, depending on how many supplies are needed to pack your belongings effectively. It's always best to ask whether materials are included in your packing quote.

Time of Week & Year

As is the case when hiring full-service movers, the time of year you move can impact how much professional packers cost. If you're moving during late spring or summer, expect to see higher packing prices due to peak demand. Weekends and holidays typically cost more as well. Scheduling packers on a weekday or in the off-season may snag you a lower packing rate.

Distance & Travel Fees

Some moving companies offer packing services, but may charge additional fuel or travel fees—which means especially long-distance moves can lead to higher total costs for packing. This typically isn't a concern for local moves, though some packers will charge a fee that reflects the time it took the crew to travel to your home. You may also see a small fuel surcharge if you live far from town or outside of the company's service area.

Last-Minute or Special Services

Navigating a short-notice move and need last-minute packing assistance? Professional packers may charge more for urgent requests. Some specialty items—like chandeliers and other valuables—need custom crating for extra protection, which can add to the total price you pay. Particularly heavy or fragile items that require special care, like fine china or artwork, can also increase costs due to the extra time and materials required.

***

Getting ready to move? Explore Extra Space Storage's Moving Resources Hub for helpful calculators, expert guides, and more. If you need a place to store excess belongings during your transition, we have storage facilities throughout the U.S. to help. Find a storage unit near you!