Moving into a new home should feel exciting. But when you look around at all your stuff, the excitement fades fast. Packing takes forever, and doing it wrong can lead to broken dishes and damaged furniture.
That’s where professional packers come in. But here’s the question everyone asks: how much does it actually cost? Let’s break down the packing services cost so you can decide if it’s worth your money.
How Much Does Packing Services Cost?
Here’s the truth about packing services cost in 2025. Most moving companies charge in one of two ways: hourly rates or flat fees.
Hourly pricing is common for local moves. Professional packers charge between $80 and $120 per hour per person. If you hire a two-person crew, that’s $160 to $240 per hour. A three-person team runs $240 to $360 per hour.
Flat-rate pricing works differently. The company looks at your home size and gives you one total price. This method is popular for long-distance moves.
Here’s what real customers pay based on home size:
One-bedroom apartment: Expect $400 to $650 total. This includes $300 to $500 for labor and $100 to $150 for boxes, bubble wrap, and tape.
Two-bedroom home: Budget $600 to $950. Labor runs $450 to $700, while packing materials cost $150 to $250.
Three-bedroom home: Plan for $900 to $1,250. You’ll pay $650 to $900 for the packing crew and $250 to $350 for supplies.
Four-bedroom home: The range is $1,100 to $1,900. Labor costs $800 to $1,400, and materials add another $300 to $500.
These prices include everything. The crew brings boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape. They wrap your dishes, fold your clothes into wardrobe boxes, and label everything clearly.
Special items cost extra. Antique furniture, large mirrors, or expensive artwork may need custom wooden crates. This service starts around $70 per crate and can go up to $200 depending on the item.
At Chamomile Go, we’ve packed thousands of homes across Southern California. Our pricing stays competitive while ensuring your belongings get the protection they deserve.
Hire Packers or Pack by Yourself?
This decision comes down to three things: time, money, and peace of mind.
Time savings are huge. Packing a two-bedroom home yourself takes most people 20 to 30 hours spread over multiple days. Professional packers finish the same job in four to six hours.
Think about your hourly wage at work. If you make $30 per hour, you’re giving up $600 to $900 of your time to pack yourself. Suddenly, paying $600 for pros doesn’t seem expensive.
Quality matters more than you think. Professionals know tricks you don’t. They wrap glasses individually, create cushions for fragile items, and stack boxes to prevent crushing. They’ve done this hundreds of times.
Last year, a Chamomile Go customer tried packing their own dishes to save money. Three plates and two wine glasses broke during the move. The replacement cost? Almost $200. They wished they’d let us handle it from the start.
Insurance coverage is the hidden benefit. When professionals pack your items, their insurance covers damage during transport. Pack your own boxes? Most policies won’t cover those items if something breaks.
Here’s what you get with professional packers:
Your crew arrives with all supplies included. They bring the right box sizes for different items. Kitchen stuff goes in reinforced dish packs. Clothes hang in wardrobe boxes so they arrive wrinkle-free.
The team works room by room. They stay organized and label boxes clearly. You’ll know exactly what’s inside each box and which room it belongs in.
Everything happens fast. What takes you days gets done in hours. You avoid the stress of living in a house full of half-packed boxes for weeks.
The DIY route saves money upfront. You’ll spend $150 to $400 on packing materials, depending on your home size. But you invest your own time and accept the risk of damage.
For most people, professional packing is worth every dollar. The time saved alone justifies the professional packers cost.
You may read 8 Best Packing Tips When Moving?
Things That Affect the Cost of Hiring Packers
Understanding what drives up packers and movers cost helps you control your budget. Several factors determine your final bill. Home size and item volume matter most. A minimalist with few possessions pays less than a collector with a garage full of stuff. More items mean more boxes, more time, and more money.
Before you move, declutter ruthlessly. Donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year. Sell furniture you don’t love. Every item you eliminate saves packing time and money. Packing complexity affects pricing. A house full of standard furniture and dishes costs less to pack than a home with delicate collectibles, extensive book collections, or fragile antiques.
Specialty items require extra care and cost. These include:
Pianos and other large instruments need protective padding and sometimes crating. Crystal chandeliers get wrapped piece by piece. Large mirrors require corner protectors and custom boxes. Original artwork often needs climate-controlled crating.
At Chamomile Go, we handle specialty items daily. We know how to protect your valuables without overcharging for the service. Packing materials quality varies. Cheap boxes from the grocery store collapse easily. Professional-grade boxes stay sturdy through loading, transport, and unloading. Better materials cost more but provide better protection.
Your move timing impacts cost. Summer is peak moving season. Everyone wants to move when kids are out of school. Demand drives up prices from May through September. Weekend moves cost more than weekday moves. If your schedule allows flexibility, book a Tuesday or Wednesday move in October or November. You’ll save 15% to 25% compared to peak times. Travel distance to your home adds a travel fee. Most companies charge for the time their crew spends driving to you. This typically adds one hour of labor to your bill.
Accessibility issues increase costs. A third-floor apartment without an elevator takes longer to pack and load. Long driveways or buildings with parking restrictions slow down the crew. More time equals higher costs.
Hourly Rate for Packing Services
Let’s dig deeper into hourly pricing since most local moving companies use this model for packing services cost.
The national average ranges from $80 to $120 per packer per hour. Your location affects this rate. Los Angeles and San Francisco charge more than smaller cities. Rural areas typically have lower rates.
What’s included in the hourly rate?
Most companies include basic packing supplies. Standard cardboard boxes, packing paper, and tape come with the service. Premium items like wardrobe boxes, dish packs, or specialty containers may cost extra. Always ask what’s included before you book. Some companies charge separately for materials, which can add $200 to $500 to your total bill.
Crew size matters for efficiency. Hiring more packers costs more per hour but reduces total hours. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
- A one-bedroom apartment needs two packers for three to four hours. Total cost: $480 to $960.
- A two-bedroom home requires two to three packers for four to six hours. Total cost: $640 to $2,160.
- A three-bedroom home needs three packers for six to eight hours. Total cost: $1,440 to $2,880.
Additional fees to expect include fuel charges and travel time. Budget an extra $50 to $150 for these costs. Some companies also charge for stairs, long carries, or difficult access. Get everything in writing before moving day. A detailed estimate prevents surprise charges later. Chamomile Go provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees. We explain every line item so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
Conclusion
Hiring professional packers costs money, but the investment pays off in saved time and peace of mind. Chamomile Go is your trusted Packing Company in Sherman Oaks, offering flexible packing options that fit any budget. Whether you need help with a few rooms or your entire home, our experienced crews treat your belongings with care. Contact Chamomile Go today for a free estimate with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Let us handle the hard work while you focus on settling into your new home.
FAQs
Q: How Much Do Professional Packers Typically Cost?
A: Professional packers charge between $80 and $120 per hour per packer for local moves. For a complete home, expect to pay $400 to $650 for a one-bedroom apartment, $600 to $950 for a two-bedroom home, and $1,100 to $1,900 for a four-bedroom house, including labor and materials.
Q: Is It Cheaper To Pack Myself Or Hire Professionals?
A: Packing yourself costs less upfront, around $150 to $400 in materials. However, professionals save you 20 to 30 hours of work and reduce the risk of damage. Most people find the time savings and insurance coverage worth the extra cost.
Q: Do Packing Services Include Boxes And Supplies?
A: Most professional packing services include basic supplies like boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape in their quoted price. However, specialty items like wardrobe boxes or custom crates may cost extra. Always confirm what’s included before booking.
Q: What’s The Difference Between Hourly And Flat-Rate Packing?
A: Hourly rates charge per packer per hour, common for local moves. Flat rates provide one total price based on home size and item volume, typical for long-distance moves. Hourly rates offer flexibility, while flat rates provide price certainty.
