Anyone moved and had the movers box up everything?

Yes, we’ve done it for most of our moves (not counting college moves).

I generally still pack a few boxes. Things that I know I’ll need right away, my scrapbook supplies.

Make sure you toss anything you don’t want packed. They will pack the trash in you garbage can if it’s left there.

You’ll probably end up with more boxes to unpack as they seem more generous with packing paper and bubble wrap.

We've had it done when we had company moves that were paid for. Just make sure that all trash cans are emptied and anything perishable (ie - fruit in your fruit bowl) is removed before they arrive, or they will pack your trash and apples.

Yes, and it was fantastic. Just be sure to toss or clearly label EVERYTHING you don't want packed by them; they are very thorough; and fast.

All military moves have the option to have the packers pack our household goods. Most do so!

I agree with the others—weed out everything you don’t want packed. I’ll include toilet brushes and plungers on that list! We either toss those or leave them for the next person.

I really try to have the house tidied up and like things together. That way, when you unpack you have all of your books together, all of your first aid items together, etc. We also have a box we call the “last box” with all the items you need right away—coffee pot, mugs, cups to drink out of, a roll of TP, paper towels, etc. We mark the box with all of the extension cords, shims for shelves/furniture, shelf pegs, any screws to put together furniture, etc. Some people will put that furniture hardware in a zip baggie and tape it to the item.

We feed our packers and movers, but they are also aware that it’s a military move and that we don’t pay for the move. We also have Gatorade available as well as water. Military moves also specify that paper is put into the bottom of the box and on top of the box, as well as tape across the center seam and the side seams. Make sure your driveway can bear the weight of a moving truck. If it’s crumbling or narrow, that can break edges or cause the driveway to break up. Some companies won’t take things off the walls, pack light bulbs, candles, and some do.

Ask away if you have more questions!

...but if you have the money to do it and need to use your time caring for your DD or DH, I say do it.

I used to work for a moving company, and we moved my inlaws. They packed everything. When it was all over my MIL said she wished that had paid us to pack, too. They had no idea how much time it would actually take to pack.

We did. We were so stressed before our move and my dad’s upcoming surgery that we had packers. It was money well spent.

If you're looking for a specific mover, I highly recommend Paul Arpin Van Lines. I have no affiliation with them except that they've packed and moved us. We were very happy with them. No idea on the cost as they were paid moves for us.

Me unpacking at the other end: Oh, a used sponge! A chewed up dog toy! One flip flop!

To echo the comments above, if you are able, purge and organize a bit beforehand, because they WILL pack everything 😄 Otherwise, its heavenly.

Yes. We got a lot of trash.

But otherwise, it is SO SO SO great. Worth the money! You don't want to have to worry about this on top of everything else. Pack the precious things and leave the rest for someone else

Pssst - you can hire someone to unpack and organize you too. Best wishes for a smooth procedure for your daughter.

Yes. It was included in my husbands relocation package when we moved from FL to VA. It was amazing. I still had to supervise, and make sure they were doing things correctly and labeling boxes and putting extra packing in with fragile stuff, but that was ok. It took them 2 days to pack it all and load the truck. It was amazing. I wish we could have had movers do our packing when we moved from VA to MI. That would have been even more amazing! 🤣