Moving companies offer more than loading and hauling. Packing, disassembly, storage, and specialty handling cost extra. This guide lists common add-ons and typical price ranges so you can decide what’s worth it and what you can skip.

Packing Services

Full-service packing means the mover packs your entire home. They supply boxes, tape, and materials and handle fragile items. This is one of the biggest add-ons in both cost and time saved.

Home Size	Typical Packing Cost
Studio / 1 Bedroom	$300–$600
2 Bedrooms	$500–$1,000
3 Bedrooms	$800–$1,500
4+ Bedrooms	$1,200–$2,500+

Partial packing (e.g., just kitchen and fragile items) costs less. Some movers charge per box ($2–$5) or per room. Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap) are usually included when you buy packing services, but charged separately if you pack yourself. For more on packing, see our packing and full-service page.

Packing Materials Only

If you pack yourself but buy supplies from the mover, expect to pay more than at a store. Typical ranges:

Item	Typical Cost
Small box	$1.50–$3
Medium box	$2–$4
Large box	$3–$6
Wardrobe box	$10–$20
Packing tape (roll)	$3–$6
Bubble wrap	$15–$40 (roll)
Furniture pads (rental)	$15–$30

You can often save by getting free boxes from stores or buying supplies at discount retailers.

Disassembly and Reassembly

Furniture that must be taken apart to fit through doors or onto the truck may incur disassembly and reassembly fees. Some movers include basic items; others charge per piece.

Item	Typical Cost
Bed frame	$25–$75
Dining table	$25–$75
Desk	$25–$50
Modular shelving	$30–$80
Pool table	$150–$400

Ask when you get your quote. Some companies bundle disassembly into the base price for standard items.

Heavy and Specialty Items

Pianos, pool tables, safes, and large appliances require extra labor and sometimes special equipment. These fees are almost always add-ons.

Item	Typical Additional Cost
Upright piano	$100–$250
Grand piano	$300–$800+
Pool table	$150–$400
Safe (large)	$100–$300
Hot tub / spa	$200–$600+
Large flat-screen TV (crating)	$50–$150
Artwork (crating)	$50–$200+ per piece

Always list these items when requesting a quote. See our hidden moving costs guide for more on specialty fees.

Storage and Storage-in-Transit

If your new home isn’t ready when the truck arrives, you may need storage. Storage-in-transit (SIT) holds your belongings until delivery. Cost depends on weight and duration.

Type	Typical Cost
Storage-in-transit (per day)	$50–$150
Monthly storage (separate facility)	$100–$400/month

Some movers include a few days of free SIT; others charge from day one. Ask about the policy.

Full-Value Protection (Insurance)

Basic coverage (often 60 cents per pound) is usually included but offers minimal protection. Full-value protection covers the actual replacement value of lost or damaged items. It typically adds 1–2% of the declared value of your shipment. For a $10,000 shipment, that’s $100–$200 extra. For high-value items, it’s often worth it. See your mover’s options and compare.

Stairs, Long Carries, and Shuttle

Access issues can add fees. Stairs, elevator reservations, long carries, and shuttle trucks are common add-ons. Typical ranges:

Service	Typical Cost
Per flight of stairs	$25–$75
Long carry (75+ feet)	$50–$150
Elevator reservation	$50–$200
Shuttle truck (when main truck can’t access)	$150–$500

Disclose your access situation when you get a quote to avoid surprises. Our hidden moving costs article covers these in more detail.

Extra Labor or Larger Crew

Adding a third or fourth mover speeds up the job but increases the hourly rate. For local moves, an extra mover might add $40–$80 per hour. For large homes or tight timelines, it can be worth it.

How to Decide What to Add

Prioritize based on your situation:

• Time vs money: Full packing saves time but costs the most. Packing yourself and buying supplies elsewhere saves money.
• Risk: Full-value protection is worth it if you have valuable items.
• Access: Stairs and shuttle fees are often unavoidable; budget for them.
• Heavy items: Get quotes for specialty items upfront so they’re not a surprise.

Use our budgeting worksheet to add these costs to your total, and our moving cost calculator for a baseline. For ways to cut costs, see our saving money tips.

Summary

Add-on services include packing, materials, disassembly, specialty items, storage, full-value protection, and access fees. Typical costs vary by home size and item. Get itemized quotes and add only what you need. Skipping nonessential add-ons can save hundreds.