What Do Movers Do? A Guide to Moving Companies and What Else They Help You With

Publish Date: October 3, 2025

Last Modified Date: October 3, 2025

Category: Movehacks

Tags: Tags: budget, cardboard boxes, couch, day labor, free boxes, fridge, full service, furniture, furniture disassembly, furniture help, hireahelper, hybrid moving, movers, moving, moving boxes, moving furniture, moving labor, moving truck, packing, packing help, packing supplies, packing tape, penske, porch, tv, u-haul, uhaul

Moving can be stressful — and science agrees. Data reveals that a whopping 55% of people feel overwhelmed by the moving process, and approximately 10% of people describe moving as traumatic, not just highly stressful. In fact, nearly 1 in 3 people would rather get a divorce than move again!

The reason for this is in part because moving often involves a never-ending to-do list, which can leave you feeling frustrated and stressed. You’ve got boxes to pack, furniture to disassemble, and utilities to set up or disconnect. You may even need junk hauled away or last season’s wardrobe donated.

The good news is you can delegate these tasks to the pros. Many of today’s movers don’t just lug some boxes onto a truck and call it a day. Depending on the company, services range from basic transport to full-service packing, storage, and junk removal. Below you’ll find a breakdown of what movers can actually do, plus tips on finding the right help for your next move.

How Do Moving Companies Work?

There are many different types of movers, including labor-only movers for heavy lifting and full-service moving companies that load, unload, and transport your stuff.

“Unhooking or installing your appliances, such as washers and dryers, is not necessarily a DIY-friendly task. Let experienced pros disconnect or reconnect your equipment instead.”

When people think about moving companies, they often envision a team of professionals arriving with a moving truck. The movers then load your packed belongings onto the truck, drive them to your new home, and unload everything. If this is how you picture movers, you’ve got the basics down.

Here’s a rundown of core moving services — AKA the basics — and what they involve:

Packing and unpacking: Movers will help you pack up your things (including all the fragile stuff that needs extra care) using supplies you provide. You can typically opt for them to handle just a few rooms or take care of your whole home. When you arrive at your new place, they can unpack everything for you as well.
Loading and unloading: Skilled movers carefully lift and load packed possessions in a moving truck, then unload everything at your desired destination. Items are unloaded into the rooms you request.
Transport: A moving company arrives with a moving truck and safely transports items from Point A to Point B. Items are secured with bungee cords and straps when needed to prevent shifting during transit.
Furniture disassembly and reassembly: Avoid wrestling with stubborn recliner legs or multi-piece bed frames, and let the movers take apart furniture for you. Your movers can reassemble everything at your new home and place it in the correct rooms. They’ll bring their own tools, such as wrenches and screwdrivers.
Assistance with local and long-distance moves: Rely on reputable movers for assistance, whether you’re moving across the street or to the other side of the country. Movers have the logistics, supplies, and equipment needed for local and long-distance moves.

Types of Moving Services

Various types of moving services are available for your relocation. You can find a moving company with experience moving locally, across the country, or even overseas.

Here are some popular services that traditional movers provide:

Local: Local moves are typically within the same city, town, county, or metropolitan area, and usually have a limit of 50 to 100 miles.
Long-distance: These moves often involve multiple moving teams or trucks, and require more oversight since they can cross state lines. Depending on the distance, storage may also be provided.
International: These moves often require customs paperwork, shipping containers, and air freight. Your moving company can coordinate the door-to-port logistics and help you navigate red tape during an international move.
Full-service: Enjoy the VIP experience with a full-service moving company that handles everything, from loading to transporting and unloading your belongings. They even bring a truck and professional driver, and full-service movers can also help with furniture assembly and disassembly. Add-ons, such as packing and unpacking, are often included for an additional fee.
Labor-only: Consider labor-only movers if you need a team for heavy lifting, which includes loading and unloading the moving truck. You’re responsible for the truck rental and transporting your belongings during a labor-only move.
Specialty item: Cranes, dollies, and climate-controlled trucks can help your moving company move specialty items, such as pianos and fine art collections, safely.

Do Moving Companies Provide Moving Supplies?

Many moving companies offer moving supplies, which is more convenient than buying them yourself. Below are the most common supplies you’ll need, divided into those movers provide and those you’ll purchase yourself:

Provided by movers (rented or sold):

Cardboard boxes: A moving-day staple available in various sizes and shapes. Great for packing toys, books, and housewares.
Furniture pads and blankets: Reduce the risk of scratches, dents, and dings by wrapping items in pads and blankets.
Storage containers: Make organization simple with storage containers for your items. Some companies offer tubs for rent rather than purchase, so keep that in mind as you pack.

Typically bought yourself:

Wardrobe boxes: Tall boxes equipped with sturdy bars. You can transport clothes from your closet to the box, then straight into your new closet — no hanger removal needed!
Packing paper and bubble wrap: Cushion and protect fragile items, including dishes, electronics, and glassware, with packing paper and bubble wrap.
Tape and shrink wrap: To secure boxes and items with these packing essentials.

Keep in mind that while movers may sell supplies directly, prices are often higher than what you’d find at a local store. If you want convenience, buy from your movers, but if you’re budget-conscious, it’s best to compare prices first.

Extra Services Movers Can Provide

What do movers do aside from loading and transporting boxes? Many moving companies go beyond the basics, making your life easier with time-saving services.

Here are some extra services your moving company may provide:

Storage: Need to move before your new home is ready? Movers can help you coordinate on-site or off-site storage for your belongings, such as PODS container rentals or climate-controlled facilities.
Specialty item moving: Get help transporting your beloved pool table, large safe, valuables like a grandfather clock, or piano with specialty moving services.
Appliance disconnections and reconnections: Unhooking or installing your appliances, such as washers and dryers, is not necessarily a DIY-friendly task. Let experienced pros disconnect or reconnect your equipment instead.
Cleaning: Some moving companies partner with local cleaning companies for deep cleaning services, such as move-out or move-in cleans.
Junk removal: Tired of looking at that old fridge in your garage? Have movers haul it away instead of bringing it to your new place.
Logistics support: Some movers handle permits, parking, and scheduling, such as booking an elevator for a set time.

Need a service not listed above? Ask your moving company if it’s available. You might be surprised by what the company offers, and even if they can’t provide the service, they might be able to direct you to someone who can.

When Do You Need Each Type of Service?

The secret is knowing what’s best for your situation — and your bank account. Consider your property’s size and how far you’re relocating when comparing different types of moving services.

Sometimes you just need the basics, like a team to load and unload your boxes. Other times, you want the works: loading, unloading, transporting, sand ome help packing, too.

Here’s a rundown to help you decide which moving services you need:

Small apartment: Labor-only movers are your best choice if you’ve already rented a truck but don’t want to handle all the heavy lifting on your own. They handle the loading and unloading, and you take care of transportation for your belongings.
Large family home: Full-service movers can pack your wedding china, disassemble the bedframes (and rebuild them at your new home), and haul your washer and dryer onto the moving truck. They’ll even bring their own moving truck and transport everything to your new home.
Corporate relocation: Long-distance or international movers are your go-to pros here. These experts can navigate customs and shipping logistics, plus help keep your company’s laptops from disappearing during the move.
Downsizing/decluttering: A move paired with junk removal or storage services is ideal for folks who are downsizing. Retirees moving into a smaller home can eliminate decades-old items they no longer need.

Need more help deciding between different types of moving services? Share your situation with your movers so they can help you make the right choice.

Cost Considerations by Service Type

Some moves cost less than a weekend getaway, while others rival a small wedding. Services play a big role in what you pay. Here are some estimates for popular moving services:

Movers: Expect to shell out around $930 for a full-service moving experience (loading, unloading, and transporting your items) and about $410 for labor-only (loading and unloading help) if you’re moving locally. Costs for a long-distance move vary drastically, but you’ll likely spend $840 to $6,650 based on the type of move you book. Learn more in our guide to moving costs.
Packing: Our research shows you’ll probably spend $25-$40 per hour per packer (so if you have multiple packers, the rate will increase). Materials, labor, and time could range from $200 to $2,000.
Junk removal: Junk removal usually runs around $150 to $350 per load. Costs can increase significantly if you have multiple bulky items or need a full-house cleanout. Rates typically depend on truck space (how many cubic yards your junk takes up) rather than weight, but every junk removal company has its own system.

For quick reference, here’s how the most common moving services stack up in cost:

Service	Typical cost range
Local movers	About $930 full-service, $410 labor-only
Long-distance movers	$840–$6,650
Packing	$25–$40/hour per packer, $200–$2,000 total
Junk removal	$150–$350 per load

Discuss pricing with your mover or junk removal company in advance so there are no surprises on moving day.

How to Choose the Right Company for Your Situation

Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be unbearable. The right moving company will understand your expectations and budget, making the process hassle-free.

Here’s what to consider before you book movers for the big day:

Identify your needs: Do you want the convenience of full-service movers who do it all, or do you just need help moving furniture and boxes?
Check movers’ credentials: Make sure movers are licensed and insured, and check reviews to see what other families say. With HireAHelper, you don’t have to wonder: every mover is licensed, insured, and backed by verified reviews.
Compare quotes: If you’re hoping to keep costs low, compare price quotes from a few companies.
Avoid red flags: Companies should not ask for huge deposits or send confusing contracts.
Watch for green flags: Clear fees, easy-to-understand contracts, and dedicated customer service professionals are green flags.

Trust your instincts — and honor your budget — to find the perfect movers for your situation.

Final Thoughts

Movers don’t just move boxes — although they’re happy to do so! The right moving company can make your life easier every step of the way, whether they send in a cleaning crew or pack up your home.

Make your moving day manageable by choosing the right movers. Take advantage of extra services like junk removal, storage, or logistics support. You deserve the convenience and support of movers who offer the services you need.

FAQs

Got questions about different types of moving services or types of movers? You’re in the right place! Let’s run through some common questions below.

What do full-service movers do?

Full-service movers make your move hassle-free by helping with loading, unloading, and transportation. They even provide the moving truck, so you don’t have to worry about securing a rental. For an extra fee, many full-service movers can also help with packing and unpacking. They often handle furniture disassembly and reassembly too, so your beds, tables, and other bulky items are ready to use in your new home.

Do movers pack for you?

Yes — but only if you add packing on as a service. It isn’t a baseline service for most moves, and not all movers offer it. The good news is you can customize the service, whether you need just the kitchen packed up or your whole house handled from top to bottom, giving you flexibility based on your needs and budget.

Do moving companies provide boxes?

Typically, movers don’t include packing supplies with their services. Some companies may sell supplies if you request them, but it’s usually more expensive than buying your own from a home improvement or big-box store. If you’re planning to book packing services, you’ll want to either buy your supplies ahead of time or budget extra for purchasing them from your movers.

How do I find movers who will pack my stuff?

HireAHelper makes it simple to find movers who offer packing as an add-on service. When booking, you’ll see whether a mover provides packing and can even select how many rooms you want packed. Every mover on the platform is licensed, insured, and backed by real customer reviews, so you can feel confident that your movers will handle your belongings with care.

The Best Type of Packing Tape to Use When Moving

Author: DIY Playbook

Publish Date: July 25, 2025

Last Modified Date: July 25, 2025

Category: How To Pack, Moving Boxes & Supplies

Tags: Tags: electrical tape, free boxes, masking tape, movers, moving, moving boxes, packing tape, shipping tape, storage tape, tape, washi tape

If you browse office and craft store aisles, you’ll find dozens and dozens of tape options. While they all serve a purpose, most aren’t ideal for packing. The best packing tape to use when you move is a product that’s:

Labeled for moving and storage
Has acrylic adhesive
Can hold up under temperature and climate fluctuations

After all, tape that gives up its grip in a little sunlight or when it faces extreme temperatures won’t help keep your belongings safely packed during transport or storage. In this article, you’ll learn what type of tape will do the job best and how to choose the right packing tape for each task during your move. By the end, you’ll be confident you can pick the best tape for keeping boxes closed and your belongings safe.

Why Choosing the Right Tape Matters

Packing a moving box like a pro means sealing it up the right way to protect your things. You often can’t do that without the right tape. Choosing high-quality, appropriate packing tape helps:

Prevent box damage and spills. Why use packing tape and not rope or other methods of securing box lids and flaps? Because high-quality tape creates a total seal, it reduces risks associated with spillage. It also helps ensure pressure points are distributed evenly across the box surface. Other methods can put undue stress on boxes, causing them to crumple or rip.
Secure fragile and heavy items. Heavy-duty packing tape helps boxes stay closed even when heavy items shift inside. Tape can also help you keep fragile belongings from moving about, lowering the risk of damage.
Ensure easier unpacking. The right tape is secure during transport but easy to cut or remove when it’s time to unpack.

The Best Tape Types for Different Packing Needs

Clear, adhesive packing tape is the best overall tape for moving. It’s designed to help you seal cardboard boxes quickly and securely. However, different types of tape might be right for other moving tasks. Check the table below to see which types are best for which jobs and what they cost, on average.

Tape Type	Description	Typical Cost per Roll
Packing Tape	Strong, clear adhesive — one of the best packing tapes for moving boxes	$3 – $7
Reinforced Filament Tape	Heavy-duty, fiber-reinforced tape — one of the best tape options for cardboard boxes when you’re dealing with heavy items	$5 – $10
Duct Tape	Durable, colorful tape that’s versatile but can leave residue behind and doesn’t do well with moisture or extreme temperatures. Good for labeling.	$4 – $8
Masking Tape	Easy to tear and write on, making it good for labeling but not sealing boxes	$2 – $5
Double-Sided Tape	Has adhesive on both sides, which makes it ideal for securing loose items like hardware	$4 – $12

Shipping Tape vs. Packing Tape

Both of these tapes are for boxes. However, their intended use varies slightly. Shipping tape is designed for boxes that will be mailed or shipped. It’s typically stronger than standard packing tape and has an adhesive designed to bond well with cardboard. It’s resistant to rough handling, moisture, and temperature changes.

“Avoid layering multiple strips of tape in the same spot. It’s a waste of tape and time and doesn’t reinforce the area significantly more.”

General packing tape is also designed to work well with cardboard boxes, but it can be a little thinner than shipping tape or have adhesive that’s not quite as robust.

Packing tape works well if you want to keep boxes closed. But shipping tape may be better if you’re storing boxes long-term or toting your belongings across the country during the height of summer heat.

What Tape Types Are Bad for Packing and Moving?

While some tapes for moving boxes are a great choice, other options don’t work well. Clear tape that you use for gift wrapping, for example, doesn’t work to hold boxes closed. Other options to avoid include:

Washi tape. Patterned craft tape for scrapbooking doesn’t have enough strength in its adhesive. It’s fine for color-coding boxes for moving, though.
Painter’s tape. This tape also doesn’t have enough adhesive power to hold boxes closed, though you might use it or masking tape for labeling boxes.
Double-sided tape. Trying to tape boxes closed with tape that’s sticky on both sides leads to frustration and messy moving.
Duct tape or electrical tape. While these options have plenty of stickiness, they are harder to remove or cut through when you’re unpacking, and can be worse when it comes to moisture or temperature changes (unless you opt for the extreme weather versions). However, if you’re down to your last box and all you have is a roll of duct tape, you might use it rather than run out for more packing tape.

How to Choose the Right Tape

Choosing the best tape for moving boxes starts with knowing what you’re sealing. Heavier or larger boxes typically need stronger tape. Look for reinforced or heavy-duty options with strong adhesion. For standard cardboard boxes under 50 pounds, most moving-specific packing tapes can handle the job.

Other factors to consider include:

The surface you’re taping. Standard packing tape works great on cardboard, but it may not stick as well to plastic bins or textured surfaces. In those cases, opt for a tape with extra grip, like duct tape.
Weather and climate. If you’re packing in humid conditions or storing boxes in a hot garage, choose a tape with acrylic adhesive. It resists temperature changes and moisture better than rubber-based options.
Ease of removal. If you’re labeling or wrapping items temporarily, masking tape or painter’s tape might make more sense.
Your budget. While you don’t need the most expensive tape on the shelf, bargain-bin rolls may underperform. A midrange tape with good reviews and a moving or shipping label is usually a safe and cost-effective bet.

Where to Buy Packing Tape for Moving

You might have hookups for free moving boxes, but you’ll probably have to purchase tape. You can usually find packing tape at:

Office supply stores
Packing and moving stores
Home improvement stores
Club Warehouse stores
Online retailers

Bulk buying is typically the most cost-effective way to purchase packing tape for a move, so start with online retailers, specialty packing stores, and club warehouses. In a pinch, you can buy packing tape at most large retail stores. Look for packing tape in the home improvement and tools section, rather than in office supplies, to find higher-quality tape.

How Much Packing Tape Do I Need?

You can estimate how much packing tape you’ll need based on your taping preferences and how many boxes you’re packing.

Decide how you’re taping boxes:

Sealing only the opening slit: One or two strips of tape across the top of the box (40-50 boxes per roll)
Creating an H on the top of the box: One or two strips across the top center and one strip on each side where the flaps meet the side of the box. This is by far the best and most efficient taping method. (20-30 boxes per roll)
Full wrapping: Multiple strips of tape around the entire box (10-15 boxes per roll)

Number of Boxes	Single Strip Seal	H-Taping	Full Wrapping
25	1 roll of tape	1-2 rolls of tape	2 rolls of tape
50	1-2 rolls of tape	2-3 rolls of tape	5-7 rolls of tape
75	2 rolls of tape	3-4 rolls of tape	7-10 rolls of tape
100	2-3 rolls of tape	4-5 rolls of tape	10 – 15 rolls of tape

A Note About Tape Dispensers

A quality tape dispenser or a tape gun can be a game-changer when packing multiple boxes. It speeds things up, saves your fingers, and helps you apply tension for a cleaner seal. Basic handheld dispensers work fine, but for large moves, a sturdy tape gun may be worth the upgrade.

Tips for Using Tape Effectively When Moving

Now that you’ve got a good idea of the best tape to use, it’s time to build, pack, and seal the boxes. For a smoother move with boxes that remain sealed, keep these taping tips in mind:

Seal all seams and edges. Focus on the top and bottom flaps, where boxes are most likely to open under pressure.
Use the H-taping method. Apply one strip down the center seam and one across each edge to create a strong, reinforced seal.
Don’t overdo it. Avoid layering multiple strips of tape in the same spot. It’s a waste of tape and time and doesn’t reinforce the area significantly more. One or two well-placed strips usually do the job.
Label before sealing if needed. If you’re using masking tape or labels to mark boxes, apply them before taping the box shut.
Write clearly on the sides. Labeling boxes on the sides (not just the top) makes it easier to identify contents when boxes are stacked.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Tape for Moving

Even the best tape for moving won’t do much to protect your belongings if it’s not used correctly. Avoid these common taping mistakes to ensure you’re packing like a pro:

Using the wrong type of tape. Gift wrap, washi, or painter’s tape won’t hold up under the pressure of a move. Stick to packing or shipping tape designed for cardboard boxes.
Taping over dusty, wet, or dirty surfaces. Tape needs a clean, dry surface to stick. Wipe down boxes if needed before sealing them.
Skipping reinforcement on heavy boxes. Heavier items put more strain on taped seams. Always use extra strips or the H-taping method for added strength.
Leaving gaps or loose edges. Make sure you press the tape down firmly along all seams and edges. Loose tape can peel back and leave your box vulnerable during the move.
Not taking into account extreme conditions. In humid, cold, or very hot environments, lower-quality tape may lose its grip. Choose an acrylic adhesive that holds up better under temperature changes.
Over-relying on tape alone. Pack boxes correctly before you tape them shut. Fill empty space to prevent items from shifting and stressing the seams.