Full-Service Moving Service - Is It Worth the Cost?

Time is money, and when it comes to moving, it can also save your back, your weekends, and your sanity.

Moving is one of those life events that almost everyone dreads, and for good reason. Some surveys consistently rank moving as one of the top five most stressful life experiences. That’s where the idea of hiring professionals comes in, but then the question hits: Is a full-service move really worth the price tag?

The reality is that the full-service moving service cost can range from just over a thousand dollars for small local jobs to well over $10,000 for cross-country moves. Naturally, people compare the benefits of full-service movers and the differences between full-service and DIY moving costs to determine the best option for their budget and lifestyle.

Let’s break down how much full-service movers cost and what’s typically included in their services.

What Is a Full-Service Move?

A full-service move means the moving company provides end-to-end solutions. They don’t just show up with a truck; they bring packing supplies, pack your belongings, load everything safely, transport it, unload it at your new home, and can even unpack boxes if you want them to.

Think of it as a “white-glove” service for moving. You’re essentially outsourcing not just the heavy lifting but also the planning, coordination, and execution.

What’s included

Here’s what’s typically part of the package when you hire full-service movers:

• Packing materials and labor: Boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and professional packing for every room in your home.
• Furniture handling: Disassembly of large furniture, careful wrapping, and reassembly at the new place.
• Loading and unloading: A trained crew that knows how to safely move heavy and fragile items.
• Transportation: The moving truck and driver for local or long-distance moves.
• Unpacking services: If requested, they’ll unpack boxes, arrange furniture, and even haul away packing debris.

So, when someone asks what full-service movers include, the answer is simple: almost everything you’d rather not do yourself.

What’s usually not included

Now, full-service doesn’t mean absolutely everything under the sun. There are still a few things movers typically won’t handle:

• Hazardous materialslike paint, propane, and certain cleaning supplies.
• Perishables such as food and plants (especially for long-distance moves).
• Valuables like jewelry, cash, or important documents are usually recommended to travel with you.
• Pets: As much as you’d love to outsource, pets aren’t part of the deal.

Who Should Consider It?

A full-service move isn’t the right fit for everyone. For some people, it’s a lifesaver; for others, it feels like paying for services they don’t really need.

Let’s break it down so you can see where you fall.

Situations where it makes sense

You’ll likely find the benefits of full-service movers shine the most in these situations:

• Long-distance or cross-country moves: Driving a 26-foot rental truck through multiple states isn’t exactly a dream road trip. In these cases, hiring movers can save stress, time, and even reduce risk.
• Large households: If you’re moving a 3- or 4-bedroom home filled with furniture, appliances, and fragile items, the advantages of hiring full-service movers are clear. They’ve got the crew, the equipment, and the systems to handle it efficiently.
• Busy schedules: Maybe you’re relocating for a new job, juggling kids, or simply don’t have the bandwidth to pack boxes night after night. Movers free up your time so you can focus on life instead of logistics.
• Physical limitations: Moving isn’t just stressful—it can also be physically demanding. If lifting heavy boxes or navigating stairs isn’t realistic, full-service makes the move possible without risking injury.
• High-value or delicate items: Artwork, antiques, and pianos deserve professional handling. The peace of mind alone often justifies the full-service moving service cost.

When it may not be the best option

That said, there are times when full-service may not deliver the best full-service moving value for money:

• Small local moves: If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom apartment a few blocks away, the cost may outweigh the convenience.
• Tight budgets: Let’s be honest, if you’re counting every penny, the full-service moving service cost can feel steep compared to DIY or portable containers.
• Minimal belongings: Some people live light, and when everything you own fits in the back of a pickup or a small rental van, full-service movers are overkill.
• Flexibility to DIY: If you’ve got time, help from friends or family, and the stamina to manage it, going the DIY route or using a hybrid model (you pack, pros load/unload) can save you a lot.

How Much Do Full-Service Movers Cost in the U.S.?

Let’s discuss what people actually spend on full-service moves in the U.S. today, and what shapes those numbers.

National Averages & Real-Time Cost

• Local moves with full-service movers typically fall between $300 and $3,500, depending on home size, location, and time of year.
• Long-distance moves usually range from $2,500 to over $11,600, based on shipment size and miles traveled.
• A recent study shows the average full-service move cost across local and long-distance scenarios lands around $3,020.
• On some platforms, the average cost for full-service moves is listed around $9,060, although many still aim to stay under $1,000.
• For a typical three-bedroom home, estimates range from $2,300 up to $10,000 or more, especially for long-distance or peak-season moves.

Why Costs Vary So Much

Several factors push full-service pricing higher:

• Home size & load weight: Larger homes or more belongings cost more to pack and haul. For instance, a two-bedroom move may cost $1,000–$6,000, while a four-bedroom one might be $1,800–$10,000 or more.
• Distance traveled: A 1-bedroom move under 150 miles is about $1,800–$3,000, while longer moves over 400 miles can range from $2,200–$3,500, and bigger homes climb even higher.
• Labor wages have risen: Movers now earn around $19/hour on average, up from $16 just a few years ago. That naturally affects moving costs.
• Accessorial charges: Items like stair carries, long carries from parked trucks, crating, and storage can add $50–$500+, depending on complexity.
• Quotes vs. final cost: Nearly 64% of people pay more than their initial quote, with average overruns in the thousands, especially on non-binding estimates.

Full-Service Moving Cost Overview

A Real-World Example of Full-Service Moving

Let’s simulate a 2–3 bedroom, mid-market, 1,000-mile interstate move with 6,000 lbs of goods.

• Base line-haul cost (distance + weight): Usually around $0.50–$0.80 per pound, which means a typical move costs between $3,000 and $4,800. Actual prices depend on distance and the moving company.
• Packing service: Partial vs. full pack might add hundreds to a few thousand, depending on how much the crew packs.
• FVP valuation: Insurance cost depends on the declared value of your belongings and the mover’s formula. For example, a $40,000 declared value might cost around $370, but your price could be different.
• Accessorials (if any): Extra charges, such as long carries, stairs or elevator use, shuttle trucks, special crating for artwork, or debris removal, can vary significantly and may increase your quote.

Altogether, a typical full-service move could cost between $4,500 and $9,000, depending on the extent of packing services you hire, your home’s accessibility, and whether you’re moving during the busy summer months.

This is the range you’ll usually see when comparing multiple quotes.

Pros and Cons of Full-Service Moving Service

Hidden Fees & How to Avoid Them

Here’s the tricky part about moving: what you see on the estimate isn’t always what you end up paying. In fact, surveys show that nearly 64% of people end up paying more than their initial quote.

But most of these fees can be avoided if you know what to look for.

Common Hidden Fees to Watch For

• Long carry fees: If the movers can’t park close to your door and have to carry boxes more than 75 feet, expect an extra charge.
• Stair or elevator fees: Multi-level homes or apartments without easy access usually add extra labor fees.
• Shuttle service fees: In tight neighborhoods or apartment complexes where a big moving truck won’t fit, movers may use a smaller truck to “shuttle” your belongings.
• Bulky or specialty item fees: Oversized furniture, pianos, safes, or delicate artwork often require extra equipment or crating.
• Packing/unpacking charges: If you didn’t originally request full packing but need last-minute help, that’s another add-on.
• Storage fees: Delays in move-in dates can mean your things end up in storage, which can add hundreds of dollars.
• Fuel or mileage surcharges: Especially on long-distance moves, fuel and mileage can appear as separate line items.
• Insurance/valuation upgrades: While Released Value coverage is free, choosing Full Value Protection adds cost to your bill.

How to Avoid Surprise Charges

1. Ask for a binding estimate: Binding estimates lock in your price as long as you don’t add services or items. This is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
2. Provide an accurate inventory: Walk through every room when giving your list. The more detail, the fewer “surprises” later.
3. Show access details upfront: Mention stairs, elevators, parking restrictions, or narrow hallways before moving day.
4. Clarify what’s included: Ask specifically if packing, fuel, and long carries are part of the quoted price.
5. Get everything in writing: Never rely on verbal promises. If it’s not in the contract, assume it’s not included.
6. Declutter before the survey: The fewer items you move, the less room for unexpected fees.

Alternatives to Full-Service Moving

Not everyone needs (or wants) the all-inclusive package. There are several alternatives that can save money while still giving you some professional help.

DIY Moving (Do-It-Yourself)

If the budget is tight and you don’t mind doing the heavy lifting, DIY is the cheapest way to go. You rent a truck, buy supplies, pack, load, drive, and unload everything yourself.

• Cost: Typically between $500 and $2,000, depending on truck size, distance, and fuel.
• Best for: Small moves, local relocations, or people with plenty of helping hands.
• Watch out for: Fuel costs (trucks average only ~10 mpg), hidden fees for mileage, and the physical strain of heavy lifting.

Portable Moving Containers 

Companies like PODS or U-Pack drop off a container at your home. You load it at your own pace, and the company transports it to your new location.

• Cost: On average $1,500 to $4,500, depending on size, distance, and whether storage is needed.
• Best for: People who want flexibility with loading/unloading and don’t want to drive a large truck cross-country.
• Watch out for: HOA or city restrictions on placing containers, plus storage fees if your new home isn’t ready.

Hybrid Moving (You Pack, Pros Load/Unload)

This option blends DIY with professional help. You handle the packing, and the movers come just for the loading and unloading.

• Cost: Typically $800 to $2,500, depending on home size and distance.
• Best for: Those who want to save on packing costs but still need help with the heavy stuff.
• Watch out for: If you pack poorly, you still risk damage. Also, you’ll need to supply packing materials.

Labor-Only Movers

Sometimes all you need is muscle. With labor-only services, you hire movers by the hour to load or unload your rental truck, container, or even just rearrange furniture at home.

• Cost: $25–$60 per mover per hour, often with a 2–3 hour minimum.
• Best for: Local moves, small jobs, or when you just need manpower without a truck.
• Watch out for: These services don’t provide transportation, so you’re responsible for the truck or container.

Quick Comparison Table

How to Choose a Full-Service Mover

Since the full-service moving service cost is already a big investment, choosing the right company can make or break your entire experience. Here’s how to do it right.

Verify Licensing & Insurance

If you’re moving across state lines, the mover must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Ask for their USDOT number and verify it on the FMCSA website. This indicates that they’re legally permitted to move household goods. For local moves, check your state’s licensing requirements.

Check Reviews and Complaints

Don’t just rely on the company’s website. Look them up on:

• Better Business Bureau (BBB) for complaints and resolutions.
• Google and Yelp for recent customer reviews.
• FMCSA database to see if there are red flags like high complaint numbers.

Get In-Home or Virtual Surveys

Reputable movers won’t give you a final price based on a quick phone call. They’ll schedule either an in-home or video survey to create an accurate inventory.

Compare Written Estimates

Always get at least three quotes in writing. Make sure you’re comparing the same scope of services (packing, furniture handling, storage, unpacking). A binding estimate is your best protection against surprise charges.

Ask the Right Questions

Before signing a contract, ask:

• How long has the company been in business?
• Are their crews employees or contractors?
• What’s their policy on damages or delays?
• What’s included in the estimate—fuel, supplies, packing materials?
• What’s the typical delivery window for long-distance moves?

Watch for Red Flags

Walk away if you notice:

• Requests for large upfront cash deposits.
• Blank or incomplete contracts.
• Unmarked trucks or generic rental vehicles.
• Estimates that are far lower than competitors’ (classic bait-and-switch tactic).

Is Full-Service Moving Worth It?

Let’s discuss it in two ways: dollars and life.

The money frame

If your long-distance inventory is around 6,000 lbs and the route is mid-range, you might see quotes anywhere from $4,000–$9,000, depending on service add-ons and season. This matches the typical estimates from major movers and consumer reports.

The life frame

Think about how many evenings and weekends you’d spend buying boxes, packing, loading a 26-ft truck that gets only 10 mpg, driving, unloading, unpacking, and getting rid of trash. If you value your time, even at $25–$35 per hour, plus the stress and risk of injury, damage, or delays, a full-service move can be worth it, especially if you have kids, pets, or a tight schedule.

When people ask, “Is full-service moving worth it?” they’re really weighing time, stress, and reliability against the cost.

Recommended Resources

What Is the Best Time of Year to Move?

How to Avoid Hidden Fees When Hiring Movers

How to Prepare for a Long-Distance Move

DIY Move vs. Hiring Professional Movers – Which Is Better?