Most full-service movers provide a comprehensive set of services to handle the entire moving process for you from start to finish. This typically includes:

• Packing up all your belongings for you in preparation for the move and disassembling furniture pieces if needed
• Loading all your packed boxes and furniture onto a moving truck
• Transporting all your belongings to your new home
• Unloading all your items and putting boxes in the appropriate rooms based on your instructions
• Reassembling any previously disassembled furniture at your new home.

Some full-service movers also provide short and long-term storage services.

The cost of a full-service mover ranges from $1,200 to $20,000+. This broad range is due to the many variables that affect the cost, such as how much and how far you're moving, the logistics involved, the time of year, and the specific services included.

The type of items you are moving also impacts the price. If you have a lot of delicate items that require careful wrapping, the packing will take longer and cost more. Costs also increase if you have unusually heavy or bulky items that require extra planning and effort to move, like a hot tub or pool table.

When priced separately, the cost of packing services alone is $50 to $80 per hour or $280 to $2,500+ for a 2-to-3-bedroom home. Add $900 to $2,800 for the cost of a local move, or $1,300 to $9,500 for the cost to move long distance.

Hiring full-service movers is worth it if you need or want to save time and reduce the physical and mental stress of moving. Consider your schedule, moving budget, physical ability, and the value of your time and safety to determine if going with a full-service moving company is the right choice for you.

Taking time to prepare and organize in advance will help your move go smoothly. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a full-service move.

• Declutter and downsize ahead of time to reduce the amount the movers will have to pack.
• Pack and transport essentials and any items that you don't want the movers to handle, such as family heirlooms, important documents, and expensive jewelry.
• Use up consumables like food and cleaning supplies so you don't have to pay to move them.
• Take an inventory of your belongings, documenting valuables by taking photos or videos, and logging their make/model and serial numbers.
• Make a checklist that you can use to keep track of everything as it's being packed and unpacked.
• Clean your new home and ensure it is move-in ready.
• Confirm you have insurance coverage if any damages occur during the move.

Be sure to discuss preparation and moving details with the moving company you hire to ensure you're all on the same page with every step of the process.

A general guideline for tipping full-service movers is $5 to $10 per person per hour or $40 to $80 per person per day. Keep in mind, more than one crew may handle your full-service move—packers and loaders at the original location and another crew for unloading and unpacking at the destination—along with a driver who transports your belongings.

For local moves, you should book a full-service moving company at least 4 to 8 weeks ahead of your move date if possible, or 12 weeks ahead if you’re moving in the busy summer season. For long-distance moves, try to book 8 to 12 weeks in advance, or as far out as possible, as long-distance moves require a lot more planning.

Some full-service moving companies offer short or long-term storage. Ask for "storage in transit" quotes as part of your overall moving estimate if the closing dates on your old and new homes don't align perfectly.

Be aware that when storing your belongings with a professional moving company, you won't have access to things like you would when using a self-storage company. If you need access to your belongings, a self-storage unit costs $125 to $175 per month on average, but prices vary depending on the location, unit size, and whether it's a drive-up access unit or in a climate-controlled building.

Most full-service moving companies will disassemble and reassemble furniture like beds and desks. Ask about this service and any associated fees when you book your move. This will ensure the company you hire will be able to accommodate your needs and avoid unexpected problems or charges on the day of your move.

Follow these guidelines to help you choose a reputable full-service moving company and avoid potential scammers:

• Search for active members of the American Trucking Associations (ATA).
• Confirm the company you hire is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• Get quotes with similar details from at least 3 moving companies that specialize in the type of move you need.
• Check out their company website and past customer reviews on platforms like HomeGuide and Google.
• Confirm the company provides a free in-home estimate, a moving checklist, and information about your rights and responsibilities during the moving process.
• Ask about what the estimate includes, confirm if it is binding or non-binding, and what extra fees might come up during the move.
• Never pay in full before the move. Most full-service movers require a deposit, but no legitimate moving company will ask you to pay the entire bill beforehand.

When you hire a full-service mover, you're placing your trust in them to safely pack and transport your personal belongings. Ask the following questions to ensure the company you hire is qualified, experienced, trustworthy, and reliable:

• Is your full-service moving company licensed, bonded, and insured?
• Are you a member of the American Trucking Association or any other relevant organizations?
• What is your U.S. DOT number?
• What is your company's web address?
• Do you do background checks on all your employees?
• Do you have references I can contact?
• Do you offer a free in-home estimate, and will you provide a moving checklist?
• Who will be packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking my things?
• How long will the move take, and do you guarantee a delivery date?
• Can you provide a breakdown of all the services included in the estimate?
• Do you offer any add-on services, and how much does each one cost?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• How much of a deposit do you require?