Packing Cost Scheme

Transparent pricing for all your packing materials
Prices include: Labor time, cardboard boxes, tape rolls and packing paper for breakable items.

Small Box Books, canned food, small heavy items	$10.00
Medium Box Sweaters, clothing, packaged dry food, pots & pans	$16.00
Large Box Beddings, toys, containers	$20.00
Wardrobe Box Hanging clothes, coats (shoes can go on the bottom)	$20.00
Picture Box Frames, posters	$18.00
China Box Plates, glasses, breakables	$32.00
TV Box Large screen TVs	$50.00

Eco-Friendly

Our reusable plastic containers are made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable at end of life — a greener alternative to single-use cardboard boxes that end up in landfill after every move.

Waterproof

Unlike cardboard, plastic containers protect your belongings from moisture, humidity, and unexpected spills during transit. Your items stay dry and safe even in wet NYC weather or damp building stairwells.

Stackable

Uniform container sizes mean they stack securely in the truck and in your new home, making loading and unloading faster and reducing the risk of items shifting or toppling during transport.

Professional Packing & Unpacking NYC

NYC Packing Services — What's Included, What It Costs

Full, partial, or fragile-only packing by professional NYC movers. Here's what materials are used, how long it takes, and how many boxes you actually need.

What packing services does Serenity Movers offer?

We offer three levels of packing — choose what fits your situation. All packing services use professional-grade materials and can be added to any residential or office move.

Full packing

We pack everything — every room, every drawer, every shelf

What materials do professional packers use?

Double-walled boxes: Stronger than standard moving boxes, especially important for books, dishes, and heavy kitchen items.
Packing paper: Unprinted newsprint used to wrap individual items — plates, glasses, figurines. Doesn’t leave ink transfers on light-colored items.
Bubble wrap: For electronics, mirrors, and anything with a screen or reflective surface.
Foam sheeting: Used between plates and for wrapping larger flat items.
Wardrobe boxes: Hanging boxes that keep clothes on hangers throughout the move. Included free with every Serenity Movers move.
Picture/mirror boxes: Telescoping flat boxes sized to your specific artwork or mirror. Used for any framed item over 18 inches.
Dish pack boxes: Double-walled boxes with built-in cell dividers for glassware and stemware.
Mattress bags: Sealed plastic bags that keep mattresses clean during transit. Included with every move.

How many boxes do I need to move?

A rough guide for self-packers:

Studio: 15–25 medium boxes + 5–10 small boxes
1 bedroom: 25–40 medium boxes + 10–15 small boxes
2 bedroom: 40–60 boxes of mixed sizes
3 bedroom: 60–100 boxes of mixed sizes

These estimates assume average density. Heavy book collections, large kitchens, and home offices add significantly. If you’re using our packing service, we calculate the exact material quantity during your video walkthrough and bring only what’s needed — you’re not charged for unused materials.

How long does professional packing take?

Studio: 2–3 hours with a 2-person packing team
1 bedroom: 3–4 hours with a 2-person team
2 bedroom: 4–6 hours with a 2–3 person team
3 bedroom: 6–9 hours with a 3-person team

Packing can be done the day before your move or on move day, depending on your schedule. The day-before option is usually more relaxed and gives you time to check everything before the truck arrives.

Frequently asked questions about packing services

Is it worth paying for professional packing?

For most NYC moves, yes — and not just for the time saving. Professionally packed boxes are more structurally sound than self-packed boxes, meaning less shifting in transit and fewer breakages. Professional packers also know how to maximize box density, which reduces the total number of boxes and trips. For fragile items, china, and art, the insurance value of professional packing is also significant — items packed by the mover are covered under full value protection; self-packed boxes are typically only covered under released value.

Do I need to supply my own boxes if I use your packing service?

No — all materials are included in the packing service quote. We bring the right quantity and types of boxes for your specific home based on the video walkthrough. Unused materials are taken back. You are not charged for materials we don’t use.

Can I pack some things myself and have you pack the rest?

Yes — partial packing is one of our most popular options. Many clients pack clothing, books, and personal items themselves and have us pack the kitchen, breakables, art, and electronics. Just tell us what you’ve already packed and what you’d like us to handle when you book.

What items should I pack myself rather than have movers pack?

Always pack and carry these yourself, regardless of whether you use a packing service:

Medications and medical devices
Cash, jewelry, and irreplaceable valuables
Important documents (passport, birth certificate, financial records)
Keys and access cards
Anything you’ll need in the first 24 hours at your new home

Do you also unpack after the move?

Yes. Our unpacking service places items in your designated rooms, puts kitchenware in cabinets, hangs clothes, and removes all boxes and packing materials. You come home to a placed, functional space rather than a sea of boxes. Unpacking is quoted as a separate add-on and can be scheduled the same day as the move or the following day.

Ready to Pack Smart?

Save time and stress with our professional packing services.

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The People Packing Your Life Have Done This for 20 Years