Let’s be real: moving is stressful. If you’re reading this, you’re either already overwhelmed by packing or wondering how much effort you should put into it before the movers arrive. We get it. But here’s the kicker: how much you pack can directly impact your wallet.
We’re talking about potentially saving hundreds of euros by rolling up your sleeves and doing some of the legwork yourself. But how much is enough to make a difference?
In this article, we’ll break down the science of packing to save time and money. Trust us, there’s a sweet spot – and we’ll help you find it.
How Much Should You Actually Pack to Save on Movers’ Time?
Let’s start with the basics: why should you pack yourself at all? Simple. Time is money. The longer the movers are at your place, the higher the cost. In fact, we know that:
- 2-man, 1-van jobs: Average price is around €600 for moves under 800 cu ft. That’s typically a smaller, less complicated move.
- 3-man jobs: The price jumps to €800 for 800–1000 cu ft.
- 4-man jobs: You’re looking at about €1000+ for 1000–1700 cu ft.
- 5-6 man jobs: These large moves can run from €1400–€1800+.
The longer it takes to pack, the more you’ll pay. By cutting down on the packing, you’re cutting down the time, and that means a smaller bill. So, how much packing should you do?
Can’t I Just Let the Movers Do It All?
Well, you can. But here’s the thing: some movers charge by the hour (or a flat rate depending on the company), and if you leave them to pack up your entire home, you’ll end up paying for every minute they’re on the clock.
Here’s the catch: most people underestimate how much time it takes to pack. They assume it’ll be quick and easy, but the truth is, it’s not.
Imagine this – let’s say you’ve got a three-bedroom house. That’s about 1,500–2,000 cu ft of stuff. If the movers arrive and find you’ve only packed half your belongings, they’ll have to spend time sorting, packing, and loading all of it. And guess who’s footing the bill for that extra time?
Here’s a breakdown of time savings from packing yourself:
- Packing yourself for 2 hours can save you about €200 (for a 3-man job).
- Packing for 4 hours could save you €400.
- Packing for a full 6 hours may save you close to €600.
You see the pattern? The more you do, the less the movers will charge.
What Happens If I Don’t Pack at All?
If you don’t pack anything yourself, you’re basically saying, “Take your time, charge me as much as you want.” The movers will still be happy to help (they’re professionals, after all), but they’ll take longer – and that equals higher costs. A team of 3 movers can pack and load a 3-bedroom house in 4–6 hours if the place is packed up already. If they have to pack everything, it could take 8–10 hours.
Let’s say you’re moving a typical 3-bed house, and you haven’t packed a single thing. Here’s what you’ll likely pay:
- Hourly rate for a 3-man team: €165/hr.
- Total for a full day (10 hours): Around €1,250 for movers to do it all from start to finish.
That’s €600 more than if you did a bit of packing yourself.
So, What’s the Sweet Spot?
Now, you might be asking: How much is enough?
It’s all about striking the right balance between packing enough to save time and not overpacking to the point where you’re exhausted and frustrated. Here’s what we suggest:
Packing Recommendations:
- Start with the basics: Focus on the easy stuff. Clothes, books, and small kitchenware should be packed first.
- Tackle the non-breakables: If you have heavy items (like books or electronics) that aren’t fragile, pack them yourself. Your movers will appreciate not having to waste time wrapping up non-fragile items.
- Clear out the drawers: If you have furniture with drawers, take out the items inside and pack them. This simple step saves time when disassembling furniture.
- Pack your small appliances: Toasters, blenders, and microwaves are easy to pack but will take movers time to wrap. Get them into boxes early.
When Should You Let the Movers Pack?
Sometimes, the best option is to leave certain tasks to the movers. Here’s when you should consider getting their help:
- Delicate or expensive items: Fragile items like fine china, paintings, or electronics need expert care.
- Large furniture: Heavy furniture such as beds, sofas, and cabinets require specialized packing materials and care. Let the pros do it.
- Packing the truck: Let’s be honest – moving a couch is hard enough. But packing a truck? That’s an art. Movers are trained to load the truck in a way that maximizes space and minimizes damage. If you don’t want your items scattered across Dublin, let the movers handle it.
How Much Time Should It Take to Pack?
To estimate how long it’ll take to pack, here’s a simple guide based on a typical 3-bed house:
| Task | Time (hours) |
|---|---|
| Packing clothes (closets) | 1-3 hours |
| Packing books | 1-2 hour |
| Packing kitchenware | 3 hours |
| Packing electronics | 1 hour |
| Packing furniture (drawers) | 1-2 hours |
By spending 4–5 hours packing the basics, you can save your movers 2–3 hours of time. That’s a significant saving in both time and money.
Packing Myths: Busted!
We’ve heard it all. Some people believe that “throwing things in boxes” is a good strategy. Let’s bust some packing myths to help you avoid common mistakes.
- Myth 1: “I’ll just throw things in boxes.”
- Fact: A disorganized move will take longer. Even movers can’t work miracles with chaos. Be as organized as you can.
- Myth 2: “The more I pack, the more money I’ll save.”
- Fact: There’s a limit. If you go too far and get overwhelmed, it can backfire. Focus on packing the right things – don’t exhaust yourself.
- Myth 3: “Movers don’t mind packing everything.”
- Fact: They do mind. They’d rather pack your fragile items or heavy furniture, but they don’t want to be bogged down by clothes or books. That’s your job.
Conclusion: Pack Smart, Save Big
Packing for a move isn’t just about throwing things into boxes – it’s about smart packing to save you time and money. The right balance of packing can save you €200-€600, depending on how much effort you put in. Plus, by letting the movers do what they do best – handling the fragile and heavy stuff – you ensure that your move is safe, efficient, and affordable.
Remember, the goal is simple: You pack what’s easy, and leave the rest to the pros. Keep it simple, and keep it smart. And trust us, your future self will thank you.
Need help with your next move? Contact Expert Removals for a hassle-free, time-saving experience today!