What Does a Full-Service Moving Company Include?
The phrase “full-service moving” gets used a lot, but it is not always clear what you are actually paying for. Does the crew pack your kitchen? Do they bring the boxes? Will they put your bed back together at the other end? Knowing exactly what is included helps you compare quotes fairly and decide how
The phrase “full-service moving” gets used a lot, but it is not always clear what you are actually paying for. Does the crew pack your kitchen? Do they bring the boxes? Will they put your bed back together at the other end? Knowing exactly what is included helps you compare quotes fairly and decide how much of the move you want to hand off.
Here is a plain-language breakdown of what full-service movers do, how it compares to doing it yourself, and when it is worth the extra cost.
What full-service movers do
A true full-service move means the company handles the entire process from start to finish, so you barely have to lift a box. That typically includes:
- Packing and supplies. The crew brings boxes, tape, and padding and packs your home, with extra care for fragile items through a wrapping and packaging service.
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly. Beds, tables, and flat-pack pieces are taken apart and rebuilt, often via a furniture assembly service.
- Loading and transport. Everything is wrapped, loaded, and driven safely to your new place, whether it is a house move or a condo move.
- Unloading and placement. Boxes and furniture are carried in and set down where you want them, not just dropped at the door.
- Specialty handling. Heavy or delicate items like pianos and safes are moved by trained crews. See our piano moving guide.
- Storage and junk removal. Many companies offer short-term storage and junk removal for whatever you no longer need.
Full-service vs. labour-only vs. DIY
Full-service is one of three common ways to move. Here is how they stack up.
| Option | What you do | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Full-service movers | Almost nothing — the crew packs, loads, moves, and unpacks | Busy people, large homes, long distances, anyone short on time |
| Labour-only / hourly movers | You pack and supply the truck; movers load and unload | Budget moves where you have time to pack |
| DIY | You do everything, including driving a rental truck | Small, local moves with help from friends |
How much more does full-service cost?
Full-service costs more than labour-only because you are paying for packing time and materials on top of the move itself. The convenience is the trade-off: you save hours of work and reduce the risk of damage from improper packing. Packing alone often adds a few hours of crew time, so the gap depends mostly on how much you ask them to pack. For typical price ranges, see our guide to moving costs in Ontario.
Is full-service moving worth it?
It comes down to time, budget, and stress. Full-service is worth it if you are juggling work and family, moving a large home, relocating long distance, or simply want to avoid the exhausting packing marathon. If you have plenty of time and want to keep costs down, a labour-only move where you pack yourself can be the smarter choice. Many people split the difference, packing the easy rooms themselves and letting the pros handle the kitchen and fragile items.
What to ask before you book
Not every company defines full-service the same way, so confirm the details up front. Ask whether packing materials are included, whether disassembly and reassembly are covered, what insurance comes standard, and whether there are extra fees for stairs, elevators, or specialty items. Get it all in a written quote so there are no surprises. Our guide on how to choose a moving company in Ontario covers the questions that separate good movers from the rest.
Want a move handled from start to finish?
Moving Co. offers the full range, from packing and wrapping to loading, transport, and setup, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Get your free quote or call 905-752-7787 to build a move around exactly what you need.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in full-service moving?
Packing and supplies, furniture disassembly and reassembly, loading, transport, unloading, placement, and often storage and junk removal. The company handles the whole move from start to finish.
Do full-service movers pack for you?
Yes. Packing is the defining feature of full-service moving. The crew brings the materials and packs your belongings, paying special attention to fragile items.
Is full-service moving worth the cost?
For busy households, large homes, and long-distance moves, the time saved and reduced risk of damage usually justify the cost. For small, local moves with time to pack, labour-only can be more economical.
Can I get full-service for just part of my move?
Often, yes. Many movers let you customize, so you might pack most rooms yourself and have the crew handle only the kitchen, fragile items, or furniture assembly.
Does full-service include unpacking?
It can. Some packages include unpacking and debris removal, while others stop at placing boxes in the right rooms. Confirm what is covered before you book.
