Why Professional Packing is a Game-Changer for Your Chicago Move
Movers with packing service handle the tedious work of boxing up your home or business, using high-grade materials and proven techniques to protect your belongings. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Packing Service Options:
- Full-Service Packing – Movers pack everything in your home, from kitchen dishes to bedroom closets.
- Partial Packing – You choose which rooms or items need professional help (typically kitchens or fragile items).
- Custom Crating – Special wooden crates are built for artwork, antiques, and mirrors.
- Unpacking Services – Movers unpack boxes, place items, and remove all packing debris.
Typical Costs: Packing services start around $40 per hour per packer, though pricing varies based on home size and service level.
Let’s be honest: packing is often the most frustrating and time-intensive part of moving. As one moving industry expert put it, “everyone always has more than they remember having and and never enough packing supplies.” Many Chicago families get stressed by half-packed boxes and worry about their belongings surviving the move.
Professional packing services eliminate this stress. Instead of spending weeks packing, you can focus on your relocation while experienced teams handle it. They bring industry-grade materials, use proper techniques like stacking plates vertically to prevent breakage, and use color-coding so you know where each box goes in your new Illinois home.
I’m Mina Georgalas, owner of Bernard Movers. For nearly 30 years, I’ve helped families and businesses with stressful relocations across Chicago, Melrose Park, and Illinois, coordinating thousands of moves with movers with packing service. Our team knows proper packing isn’t just about boxing items; it’s about using the right materials and techniques to ensure everything arrives safely.
Decoding Your Packing Service Options
When exploring movers with packing service, you’ll find there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Moving companies know every Chicago household is unique. Some need full assistance, while others only want help with fragile items. Understanding your options is key to choosing the right fit for your Illinois move.
Full-Service vs. Partial Packing: What’s the Difference?
The main question is: how much help do you need? Your answer will guide you toward either full-service or partial packing.
Full-service packing means our team arrives before your move to pack every item in your Chicago home—from kitchen gadgets to closet contents. It’s ideal if you’re busy, have physical limitations, or want to avoid the stress of packing. You can focus on your relocation while we handle the details. For more on this approach, see our Full Service Moving page.
Partial packing offers flexibility. If you’re comfortable packing books but anxious about dishes, this is for you. You choose which rooms or items our professional movers with packing service handle. The kitchen is a popular choice, as is fragile-only packing for artwork and antiques. This service balances DIY savings with professional protection. Learn more on our Packing and Unpacking Services page.
Custom crating is for items like large mirrors, valuable artwork, or antiques that need extra protection. Our team builds custom wooden crates to provide maximum security during transit across Illinois or nationwide.
Unpacking services solve the problem of lingering boxes. We’ll unpack, place your items, and remove all packing materials, letting you enjoy your new home immediately.
Debris removal is the finishing touch. After you unpack, we can return to haul away all the empty boxes and packing waste, leaving you with a clean slate.
The Benefits of Hiring Professional Packers Over DIY
While DIY packing seems cheaper, professional packing is often the smarter choice when you consider time, stress, and the risk of damage.
Time is your most valuable resource. Professional packers can box up a home in hours, not weeks, freeing you up to handle other relocation tasks. For Chicago businesses, it means less downtime.
Stress reduction is a major benefit. Packing is overwhelming. Handing this task to professionals lifts that weight, allowing you to focus on the exciting parts of your move.
Damage prevention is where professionals shine. We use high-grade packing supplies and proven techniques, like stacking plates vertically and using color-coded labels. We know how to protect everything from electronics to furniture, ensuring boxes are packed for maximum safety.
Insurance coverage provides peace of mind. When professionals pack your items, they are typically covered by the moving company’s valuation. This gives you recourse if damage occurs, which you don’t get with DIY packing.
| Feature | Professional Packing | DIY Packing |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Significantly reduced; packers work efficiently. | Very time-consuming; can take weeks or months. |
| Cost | Upfront cost for service and materials. | Appears cheaper, but hidden costs include time, stress, and potential damage. |
| Stress Level | Low; experts handle the most overwhelming part of moving. | High; often described as “frustrating and time-intensive.” |
| Safety/Damage | High; professional materials and techniques reduce risk. | Variable; risk of damage higher due to inexperienced packing. |
Can Movers Pack Specialty and Fragile Items?
Yes, this is where professional movers with packing service excel. We are trained to handle your most delicate and valuable possessions.
Artwork and antiques receive specialized care, including custom crating. We build sturdy wooden containers custom to your items’ dimensions to protect them from shifting and impacts during transit.
Heirlooms and collectibles like delicate china or crystal are individually wrapped and cushioned. We understand their sentimental value and handle them with the utmost care.
Electronics have sensitive components. Our packers use specialized techniques to protect them, and we can assist with disassembly and reassembly of complex systems.
Pianos and other large specialty items are difficult and dangerous to move without proper equipment. Our teams have the specialized tools and training required.
For long-distance moves from Illinois, professional packing is even more critical. Your belongings must withstand longer transit times. For more guidance, visit our pages on how to Pack Fragile Items for Long Distance Move and Moving Companies That Pack and Move Out of State.
The Logistics: Cost, Preparation, and Choosing Your Movers with Packing Service
Understanding the logistics of hiring movers with packing service means getting clear on cost, preparation, and choosing the right partner for your Chicago or Melrose Park move. Let’s break it down so you can make confident decisions.
How Companies Determine the Cost of Packing Services
The price for packing services is based on several factors unique to your move.
Most companies charge an hourly rate per packer, starting around $40 per hour, which varies by location and job complexity. The total cost depends on the amount of items and the time required. Special care for fragile items or custom crating also adds to the cost.
Packing materials are a key cost component. Professionals use durable, high-grade supplies. Since we buy in bulk, we can often provide them at better rates than retail. At Bernard Movers, we provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Your upfront quote ensures no surprises on moving day.
How to Prepare Your Home for Professional Packers
A little preparation makes the process even smoother and more efficient.
- Declutter and Purge: The most important step is to declutter before we arrive. Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or sell. Moving fewer items lowers your packing and moving costs.
- Create a “Do Not Pack” Zone: Designate an area for essentials you’ll move yourself, like documents, medications, and chargers. Mark this area clearly so our team knows to leave it.
- Secure Valuables: Personally transport highly valuable or sentimental items like jewelry, passports, and irreplaceable heirlooms. While our teams are trustworthy, this is a smart precaution.
- Communicate: Before packing begins, walk through your home with our team leader. Point out any items requiring special care and explain your “do not pack” zone to prevent confusion.
- Empty Furniture: Empty all drawers and cabinets before packers arrive. Furniture isn’t designed to be moved with extra weight, and emptying them makes the process safer.
Finding the Best Movers with Packing Service in Illinois
Choosing the right partner is key to a smooth transition. Here’s what to look for in the Chicago area.
Start by verifying the company is fully licensed and insured. This is non-negotiable for protecting your belongings. Look for companies with background-checked, professionally trained movers. At Bernard Movers, our teams are vetted for your safety and security.
Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, and the BBB for feedback on professionalism and care. Consistent positive reviews are a good sign.
Local expertise is crucial. A local company in the Chicago area understands local traffic, building rules, and parking, leading to a smoother move. They often provide more personalized service than national chains.
Modern movers use technology like virtual estimates for convenient, accurate quotes. Some, like us, also focus on eco-friendly practices, such as partnering with organizations like the Eden Project to plant trees for every move.
Always get a detailed, transparent quote. At Bernard Movers, we provide comprehensive quotes, and we’re currently offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025.
At Bernard Movers, we’re proud to serve communities throughout Illinois, including Chicago, Melrose Park, Des Plaines, Franklin Park, Park Ridge, Elmhurst, Wood Dale, Wilmette, Skokie, Morton Grove, Glenview, Mount Prospect, Evanston, Winnetka, Glencoe, and Northbrook. Our commitment to professional, stress-free moving experiences—including comprehensive packing services—is unwavering.
Ready to experience what professional movers with packing service can do for your next relocation? Get started with professional Packing, Loading, and Storage today and let us simplify your move from start to finish.