If you’ve been looking at various quotes, you’ll most likely have noticed that the meaning of ‘full-service moving’ is a bit different according to who you’re asking. In Denver, Colorado, full-service moving usually includes all the work from packing to unloading, but since the range of services offered differs so much from company to company, it’s important to know what should be covered before you decide to book. The following guide explains what a true full-service move involves, what is often provided as an extra service, and how you can prevent paying for things you don’t really need.
What does a full-service move actually involve?
A full-service moving operation involves the packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and basic positioning of furniture, all carried out by the moving company’s staff. The concept is that you won’t have to do any of the physical work; instead, you only need to tell them where the items should go.
The core components typically include:
- The packing is done by the crew, who use their own boxes and supplies.
- The loading and transportation involve putting your items on the truck and then driving them to the new address.
- The unloading and positioning are carried out by the crew, who deliver the boxes and furniture and then place them in the rooms you have indicated.
- The dismantling and reassembly of furniture, such as beds and large shelving units, is carried out when necessary.
- To protect furniture basicly, use blankets, shrink wrap and padding so that it won’t be damaged during transportation.
Since not all companies that offer full-service include every one of these features by default, you should ask the company to verify each one rather than make an assumption.
What Is Typically Excluded, Even in the Case of a Full-Service Move?
Specialty item handling, storing for a length of time longer than a brief grace period, and the process of unpacking at the destination are usually left out or provided only as extra paid services, even in moving packages that are otherwise very comprehensive. It is important to be aware of this in advance so that there are no surprise fees on the day of the move.
Things to specifically ask about:
- Setting up at the new house, since a large number of full-service moving companies don’t carry out the unpacking of the boxes.
- Specialty items such as pianos, gun safes, and large works of art may need their own equipment or a specialized team.
- Storage that can be extended; although short-term storage is usually included, long-term storage generally isn’t.
- The disconnecting and reconnecting of appliances. For instance, washing machines, dryers, and other appliances may need individual servicing, especially when gas lines are involved.
Hint: When making your booking, request a written list specifying precisely what is included, rather than just being given a verbal answer such as ‘yes, we provide full-service‘. Having a written list will protect you in the event that anything is overlooked on the day of the move.
Is packing included, or is it an extra charge?
To a large extent this varies from company to company and is therefore one of the most important points to check before making a booking; while some full-service moving companies offer complete packing as part of their standard service, others provide it only as an extra service in addition to the basic move.
A few packing-related questions worth asking directly:
- Does the quote cover the full packing, or only the loading of pre-packed boxes?
- Is the cost of packing materials (such as boxes, tape, and paper) included in the price or will it be charged separately?
- Can I select partial packing, such as just the kitchen or just the fragile items, rather than having the entire house packed?
- How many days does packing take before moving day?
If full packing seems like more than you need, partial packing is a sensible compromise: you can handle the simpler rooms yourself and have the moving company take care of anything fragile or time-consuming, such as the kitchen or a home workspace.
What is the cost of a full-service move in Denver?
Since full-service moves are more expensive than those that only involve labour, the price includes the cost of materials, the time taken for packing, and more thorough handling. However, the exact amount largely depends on the size of the home and the distance involved. An apartment with two bedrooms is considerably less expensive than a four-bedroom house, and the final price takes into account the number of workers, the number of hours worked, and the materials used.
Cost factors that matter most:
- The larger the home is, the more time it will take to pack and load due to there being more rooms and more possessions.
- Packing the entire home costs more than partial or no packing.
- The distance means that, even in the Denver metropolitan area, moves between different parts of the city may vary depending on traffic and access.
- Access is available at both ends; stairs, elevators, and parking restrictions take time and can add cost.
The best way to get an accurate figure is to request an in-home or video estimate rather than a phone quote, since a company can’t properly assess your packing needs without seeing what you own.
Is the extra cost of full-service moving worthwhile?
Yes, for many people, particularly when it is more important to them to save time, reduce physical effort, or alleviate stress than to cut labour costs. Hiring a full-service moving company means paying more but with considerably less physical and administrative work.
It tends to make the most sense when:
- You have a tough work schedule and little time to pack.
- You are moving to a big house with many possessions.
- You have physical limitations that make it difficult to lift heavy objects.
- You are going through a difficult period in your life because of something like a new job or changes in your family, and you’d like one fewer thing to worry about.
A move of this kind might seem less appealing if you have a small apartment, are free with your time, and are not minded about having to pack yourself; in such a situation, a labor-only or partial-service move could save a considerable sum of money.
How can one select a reliable full-service mover in Denver?
Before booking, find out whether the company is a licensed carrier or just a broker, and check its standing with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA); this one step eliminates much of the negative experience people have after a move.
The difference is greater than most people realize: the carrier owns the trucks and hires the drivers who come to your door. A broker, on the other hand, sells your move to a different company, sometimes one you haven’t heard of until the day you move. Neither arrangement is automatically a scam, but if you’re paying for full service, you should know exactly who is looking after your possessions.
A short vetting checklist:
- Instead, ask them directly if they are a carrier or a broker.
- Check their DOT number on the FMCSA website.
- Get your full-service inclusions in writing, not just verbally confirmed
- Look at more recent reviews that mention specific details such as packing quality, communication, and care for belongings, not just star ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days ahead should I book a full-service move in Denver?
A reasonable goal is two to four weeks in advance, although weekends and the end of the month tend to book up faster because of higher demand from lease turnover. If you book earlier, you will have more flexibility with regard to date and crew availability.
Does a full-service moving service involve taking apart furniture?
In most full-service moving arrangements, the basic disassembly and reassembly of furniture such as bed frames and large shelving is included. However, check that this applies to any unusual or custom furniture you own, as very large or complicated pieces may need extra time.
Will the moving company pack delicate items such as glassware and artwork?
Certainly, standard packing usually includes fragile items, often with additional padding and special boxes. For particularly valuable or sentimental fragile items, mention them so the team knows to handle them with extra care.
Does a full-service move include insurance?
Basic released-value coverage is usually provided at no extra charge, but it typically pays by weight rather than by the item’s actual value. If you have high-value possessions, ask about optional full-value protection.
May I have partial packing rather than full packing?
Yes, some moving companies offer partial packing, where they handle certain rooms or types of items (for example, the kitchen or breakable items) and you pack the rest yourself. This helps lower the cost while still handling the most time-consuming tasks.
What steps should I take to get ready when the full-service moving crew arrives?
Make sure the paths are clear, set aside any belongings you are bringing with you, and keep your essentials bag separate from the items the crew will pack. Check in advance about parking or access for loading, especially if you are moving into an apartment or condo.
Making Your Denver Move Easier
Full-service moving can remove almost all the physical and logistics-related hassle from your life, but it’s important to know exactly what is included before you book, since the term doesn’t guarantee the same services every time. Logistic Pro Movers is a licensed carrier, not a broker, and provides full-service moving throughout Denver, including packing, furniture handling, and 30 days of free storage on each move. If you are thinking about moving and want a clear, honest list of what is included, contact our team for a free consultation and quote.