Most moving companies, including us, have a minimum charge to make it worth sending a crew and truck to your home. For packing-only services, the minimum is usually based on time—typically a 2 to 3-hour minimum. For example, if you only need a few boxes packed, you’ll still pay for at least two hours of labor.

For full packing and moving together, the minimum charge depends on the size of your home and how far you’re moving. A small apartment move might have a different minimum than a large house.

The best way to know exactly what you’ll pay is to schedule a free in-home assessment. We’ll look at what needs packing and give you a clear quote with no surprises. Generally speaking, expect minimum charges to start around $300 to $500 for small packing jobs in Scarborough.

Full packing service means we pack everything inside your home. Every single item. Here’s what that looks like:

• We bring all the boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and padding
• We wrap and pack your dishes, glasses, and kitchen items
• We pack your clothes, shoes, and bedroom belongings
• We wrap furniture with moving blankets and protective film
• We pack electronics, books, decor, and knick-knacks
• We label every box with its contents and which room it belongs to
• We handle fragile and valuable items with extra care

When we’re done, your entire home is packed and ready to move. You don’t lift a finger. You just walk out the door and head to your new place. It’s the ultimate stress-free option for people who don’t have time or energy to pack themselves.

The cost of hiring packers depends on a few things:

• Size of your home: A one-bedroom apartment costs less than a four-bedroom house
• Amount of stuff: More belongings mean more boxes and more time
• Special items: Pianos, art collections, or lots of fragile items take extra care and materials
• Packing materials: The cost of boxes, bubble wrap, and tape is usually included or added separately

On average, professional packing in Scarborough ranges from $400 to $1,200 for a typical home. A small apartment might be on the lower end, while a large family home with lots of belongings could be higher.

For the most accurate number, we always recommend a free in-home assessment. We can see exactly what you have and give you a firm price.

For many people, yes—absolutely. Here’s why:

• Time savings
• Stress reduction
• Better protection
• Insurance coverage

If you’re packing yourself, start with the things you use the least. Here’s a simple approach:

• Start with: Guest rooms, storage areas, basements, and attics. Pack out-of-season clothes, holiday decorations, and items you won’t need for weeks.
• Next move on to: Living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms you don’t use every day. Pack books, decor, and extra linens.
• Save for last: Kitchens and bathrooms. You need daily access to these until moving day. Pack non-essentials first, then leave just the basics for your last few days.

Pro tip: Pack one room at a time and label boxes clearly. “Kitchen – pots and pans” is much more helpful than just “kitchen stuff.” And always pack a separate “essentials box” with things you’ll need immediately at your new home—toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, coffee maker, and basic tools.

The 3 3 3 rule is a simple guideline to help you organize your packing and avoid overpacking. Here’s how it works:

• 3 days before moving: Pack a suitcase or bag with everything you’ll need for the first three days in your new home. This includes clothes, toiletries, medications, phone chargers, important documents, and any essentials for kids or pets. This bag stays with you, not on the truck.
• 3 days after moving: Unpack your essentials first. Set up your bedroom so you can sleep comfortably. Get the bathroom functional. Set up the kitchen enough to make coffee and simple meals. Don’t worry about decor or non-essentials yet.
• 3 months after moving: If you haven’t used or unpacked something in three months, ask yourself if you really need it. This is a great way to declutter and avoid bringing unnecessary items into your new home. If you haven’t missed it in three months, consider donating or selling it.

For safety and legal reasons, there are certain items professional packers cannot pack or move. Here’s what we leave behind:

• Hazardous materials: Paint, gasoline, propane tanks, bleach, ammonia, pesticides, fertilizers, and cleaning chemicals. These are dangerous during transport and often illegal to move.
• Perishable food: Open food items, refrigerated or frozen goods, and anything that could spoil or attract pests during the move.
• Plants: Most moving companies won’t take live plants. They’re fragile, and some provinces restrict moving plants across borders due to agricultural laws.
• Valuables: Cash, jewelry, important documents (passports, birth certificates, wills), and family photos. We recommend keeping these with you personally.
• Weapons and ammunition: Firearms and ammunition require special handling and permits. Most movers won’t transport them.
• Pets: Obviously, your furry family members need to travel with you.

If you’re unsure about an item, just ask during your assessment. We’ll let you know what we can and cannot pack so there are no surprises on moving day.