There’s much debate online about whether, when preparing for a move, you should pack your belongings yourself to cut costs or let your mover handle it. Here at FastPAC Forwarding, with over a century of experience in shipping, we believe there’s only one right answer. Without a doubt, you should always leave the packing to your moving company.
Although it may seem like you are saving money by skipping this service, the financial consequences of not opting in will be far greater. In fact, a reliable moving company will not allow you to DIY your packing in the first place. Consider it a red flag, and here’s why.
Why You Should Always Let Your Mover Pack For You
Transit Protection
A reliable moving company, including FastPAC Forwarding, will provide transit protection coverage for your move. If they don’t, that’s a red flag. However, to fully cover your belongings if they are broken or damaged, they must be professionally packed.
If you pack yourself, full coverage is waived. In the event of damage, you may not be reimbursed for the full value of the item, as it becomes difficult to determine whether the issue was caused by improper packing or transit conditions. What initially seemed like a cost-saving decision can turn into a financial risk.
Risk of Damage in Transit
Long-distance moves are complex, multi-stage journeys with numerous handling points. Without proper packing, they are exposed to a higher risk of damage.
Professional movers use export-grade materials, custom crating for fragile or high-value items, and specialized techniques to protect against shock and compression. This is especially critical for items such as artwork, antiques, and musical instruments that require expert handling and are not worth experimenting with.
Efficiency and Time Saving
Preparing for a cross-country move is already demanding. Properly packing an entire household adds significant time and pressure to the process.
Without experience, there’s a higher risk of disorganization, overlooked items, or improper packing. Professional crews are trained to pack efficiently, completing the job in a fraction of the time. This allows you to focus your energy on your move, your family, and your transition.
Cost Efficiency
DIY packing may seem like a short-term saving, but it rarely pays off in long-distance residential moves. The trade-off often includes damaged items and limited transit protection coverage.
If packing is not included in your quote, it could come up later as a hidden cost. A transparent full-service moving company will include and explain this service upfront, ensuring the move is handled properly from start to finish.
Peace of Mind
Ultimately, allowing your moving company to handle packing provides peace of mind during an already overwhelming time.
Professional movers remove the physical burden and eliminate guesswork, helping you avoid costly mistakes. Leaving it to the experts allows you to focus on your work, your family, and settling into your new environment.
Why Let Your Movers Pack for You
With over a century of experience and thousands of successful family relocations, our mission is simple: to provide a full-service, door-to-door, stress-free move. Our move coordinators at FastPAC Forwarding will guide you through every service and explain your free quote upfront. We disclose all costs (including potential ones) so there are no surprises at any stage, allowing you to move forward with complete peace of mind.

