Your Guide to an Affordable and Efficient Move
Packing and moving services help you relocate your belongings with options ranging from full-service packing and transportation to labor-only assistance. Here’s a quick overview:
Types of Packing and Moving Services:
- Full-Service Moving: Complete packing, loading, transport, unloading, and unpacking.
- Partial Packing: Professional packing for select rooms or fragile items.
- Labor-Only Services: Loading and unloading help for your rental truck.
- Custom Crating: Specialized protection for artwork, antiques, and delicate items.
- DIY with Professional Transport: You pack, and movers handle the transport.
Key Cost Factors:
- Distance of your move
- Weight and volume of belongings
- Labor hours required
- Packing materials and supplies
- Specialty items needing extra care
Moving can be overwhelming, but professional help makes it manageable. With customer satisfaction rates often exceeding 96%, the right moving company can save you significant time on moving day while ensuring your belongings arrive safely. Whether you’re moving across Chicago, from Melrose Park to another Illinois city, or out of state, understanding your options is key. Full-service movers handle everything, while partial services let you control costs by doing some work yourself. Companies like Bernard Movers offer flexible solutions for any budget.
The key to a stress-free move is choosing services that match your timeline and budget. With over 60 years of experience, professional packers provide the training, insurance, and supplies to protect your belongings.
I’m Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers. With nearly 30 years in the industry, I’ve helped countless families and businesses in Chicago, Melrose Park, and across 45 states achieve a smooth relocation. This guide will help you plan an affordable, efficient move that keeps your items safe and your stress low.
Understanding and Choosing Your Packing and Moving Services
Moving is about protecting what matters to you and managing stress. Understanding the different types of packing and moving services is the first step. At Bernard Movers, we offer flexible options for moves across Chicago, from Melrose Park, or out of state.
Full-Service, Partial, and Specialty Packing Explained
Not everyone’s packing needs are the same. We offer a range of options, from handling everything to stepping in for just the trickiest items.
Full-service packing is our most comprehensive, stress-reducing option. Our experienced team packs every item in your home, from delicate glassware to bedroom furniture, using high-quality materials and proven techniques. This service is ideal for busy professionals, families, or anyone who wants a completely hands-off experience. You can learn more about our comprehensive packing services in Chicago.
Partial packing offers the best of both worlds. You choose which rooms or items you’d like us to pack, such as the kitchen, which often contains the most fragile items. This approach balances professional assistance with cost savings, allowing you to handle some tasks while we tackle the more challenging ones.
Fragile-only packing is perfect for valuable or irreplaceable items. For your antiques, china, or family heirlooms, our trained packers use specialized materials to secure them for a safe journey.
Custom crating provides maximum protection for unusually shaped, extremely valuable, or highly fragile belongings like large mirrors, artwork, or glass tabletops. We build tailor-made wooden crates designed to fit these unique items perfectly.
Unpacking services help you get settled faster. Our team can unpack your boxes, place items on shelves, and even return within 30 days to pick up empty cartons and packing materials, letting you feel at home right away.
Full-Service Movers vs. Labor-Only and Self-Packing Options
The level of service you choose impacts your convenience and budget. We offer a complete range of packing and moving services throughout Illinois to fit your needs.
Full-service moving means we handle every aspect of your relocation: packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and even unpacking. This is our all-inclusive option for maximum convenience and minimal stress. Our teams are fully licensed, insured, and background-checked for your peace of mind. Learn more about our full-service moving options.
Labor-only services are ideal if you’re a DIYer who just needs help with the heavy lifting. You manage the packing and transportation (like a rental truck), and our professional movers provide the muscle to load and unload your belongings safely and efficiently.
Self-packing with professional transport is a popular middle-ground option. You take care of packing, and our team steps in to load, transport, and unload your items. This allows you to save on packing labor costs while still benefiting from our professional equipment and experienced drivers.
To help you visualize these differences, here’s a quick comparison:
| Service Option | Cost | Convenience | Labor (You vs. Us) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Moving | Higher | Very High | Us (all) | Maximum convenience, minimal stress |
| Self-Packing with Prof. Transport | Medium | Medium | You (pack), Us (move) | Budget-conscious, hands-on packers |
| Labor-Only Services | Lower | Medium | You (pack, drive), Us (load/unload) | DIYers needing heavy lifting help |
How Costs for Packing and Moving Services are Calculated
Understanding how moving costs are calculated is key to budgeting. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Key factors include:
- Weight of shipment: The primary factor for long-distance moves. Local moves are often based on the volume of items.
- Distance of move: The mileage between your old and new home. Local moves are typically priced hourly, while long-distance moves are based on weight and distance.
- Labor hours: The number of movers and the time required to pack, load, and unload your items.
- Packing materials cost: This is included if you use our packing services and covers boxes, tape, and other supplies.
- Specialty items: Pianos, safes, or delicate artwork may require extra care and equipment, which can affect the cost.
- Accessorial charges: These cover additional services like stair carries, long carries (when the truck is far from the door), shuttle services for locations with limited access, or furniture disassembly/reassembly.
- Storage: Temporary storage for your belongings can be factored into your quote if needed.
In-home estimates provide the most accurate pricing. A moving specialist assesses your belongings and access points to give you a detailed, reliable quote.
Choosing the Right Illinois Company for Packing and Moving Services
Selecting the right company is crucial for a smooth move within Illinois. Here’s what to look for:
Licensing and insurance: Verify the company is licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission for in-state moves and has a USDOT number for interstate moves. This protects you and your belongings.
Customer reviews and reputation: Look for a strong track record of positive reviews. A high customer referral rate, often over 96% for top companies, signals genuine satisfaction.
Local experience in Chicago, Melrose Park, and throughout Illinois: A company with deep local roots understands the area’s unique challenges, from navigating Chicago’s streets to the logistics of suburban moves in places like Northbrook or Evanston.
Transparent pricing: A reputable company provides a clear, detailed estimate upfront. Be wary of vague quotes or unusually low bids.
Range of services: Ensure the company offers the specific packing and moving services you need, whether it’s full-service packing, custom crating, or labor-only help.
Communication: Good customer service is key. A reliable mover will be responsive, answer your questions, and assign a dedicated coordinator to your move.
Preparing Your Home for Professional Packers
A little preparation on your part helps our team work efficiently. Follow these steps for a seamless packing process:
- Declutter: Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Moving less saves money and time.
- Create an inventory: While we create a detailed inventory, having your own list, especially for high-value items, adds another layer of organization.
- Set aside a “do not pack” box: Clearly label a box with essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as medications, documents, chargers, and a change of clothes.
- Keep valuables with you: Transport personal documents, jewelry, cash, and irreplaceable heirlooms yourself. This is the safest approach.
- Clear pathways: Ensure hallways, doorways, and stairs are free of obstacles so our team can move safely and efficiently.
- Gather supplies (for self-packing): If you’re doing some packing, you’ll need sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers for labeling.
Conclusion: Your Stress-Free Chicago Move Starts Here
Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right packing and moving services and a trusted partner, your relocation in Illinois can be a smooth transition. This guide has covered your service options, cost factors, and preparation steps. Now, it’s time for the final step: coordination.
The Final Step: Coordination and Booking Your Move
A seamless move comes down to expert coordination. This is where our team excels.
When you book with Bernard Movers, you’re assigned a dedicated moving coordinator who serves as your single point of contact. Your coordinator handles all logistics planning—from scheduling your pack date to planning routes through Chicago and managing building requirements in areas like Evanston. This expertise prevents delays and ensures a smooth moving day.
Before we depart, we conduct a final walkthrough with you to confirm everything has been loaded and your home is in good condition, giving you complete confidence as we head to your new destination.
At Bernard Movers, we’ve built our reputation on care and reliability. With over 60 years of experience, 60,000 satisfied customers, and a 96% customer referral rate, our packing and moving services are trusted across Illinois and 45 states. That experience means fewer surprises and more peace of mind for you.
Planning a move to Georgia or Florida? We’re currently offering a 20% additional discount on moves booked for delivery by March 15, 2025. It’s a great opportunity to save on our professional service.
Your new chapter is waiting. Let us handle the details so you can focus on starting fresh. Start your move with professional packers and movers today and experience a truly stress-free relocation.
