Pack Yourself or Hire Us?
Your smartest packing choice for a Philly-area move.
Packing is the part of a move most people underestimate. Some folks love it. Most dread it. The right answer is rarely “all you” or “all us” — it’s the mix that fits your move.
LiteMovers (PUC A-8916211, USDOT 2173383, MC-888055) has packed and moved Philadelphia-area homes since 2007. Here’s how to decide.
Three Packing Options
Full-Service Pack
Our crew packs everything: kitchen, closets, garage, art, electronics. You don’t lift a box. Best for time-crunched moves, long-distance moves, seniors, and busy families. Learn more on our packing services page.
Partial Pack
You handle clothes, books, and shoes. We handle the tricky stuff — kitchen, glassware, mirrors, art, lamps, and electronics. The most popular choice for local moves.
DIY Pack
You pack it all. We load, drive, and unload. Works well when you have time, helpers, and items that aren’t fragile or valuable.
When DIY Packing Makes Sense
- ✓ You have three or more weekends before your move
- ✓ Most of your stuff is books, clothes, linens, and toys
- ✓ You enjoy purging and organizing
- ✓ You have friends or family willing to help
- ✓ You’re moving locally, not across state lines
Need supplies? Start with our moving boxes guide and our organize your move planner.
When You Should Let Us Pack
- ✓ You’re moving long-distance — items shift more in transit
- ✓ You own art, antiques, china, or fragile electronics
- ✓ Your move is in less than 14 days
- ✓ You’re juggling work, kids, or a new job
- ✓ You’re moving a senior or downsizing a longtime home (see senior moving)
- ✓ You’re a college student with end-of-year crunch (student moving)
One thing worth knowing: for long-distance moves, items you packed yourself (PBO — “packed by owner”) are typically not covered for damage by the carrier. Items we pack are. That alone tips many interstate customers toward full or partial service.
The Hybrid Approach — Most Popular
Most of our Main Line and Chester County customers split it. They handle the easy boxes — bedrooms, books, linens — and we tackle:
- ✓ The kitchen (the room that derails most DIY moves)
- ✓ Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
- ✓ Art, mirrors, and framed photos
- ✓ TVs and electronics
- ✓ Lamps and lampshades
- ✓ China cabinets and curio contents
This gives you control where it matters and our skills where they save you time and breakage.
Before You Decide, Check These
Three companion guides worth reading:
- ✓ The Real Cost of Moving Yourself — what DIY really costs beyond the sticker
- ✓ PODS vs Rental Truck vs Movers — broader comparison
- ✓ What We Can & Can’t Move — what won’t go on the truck
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take pros to pack a 3-bedroom home?
A two- to three-person crew typically packs a 3-bedroom home in one full day, sometimes two for homes with full kitchens, china cabinets, and packed garages. We send enough people to finish the job in one shift whenever possible. A walkthrough or virtual estimate gets us close on time.
Will my insurance cover boxes I packed myself?
Carriers and moving company valuation coverage usually exclude damage to the contents of owner-packed cartons unless the box itself is visibly crushed or the damage is the result of carrier negligence. Items packed by the moving company are covered under standard released-value and full-value protection options. For long-distance and high-value items, professional packing is strongly recommended.
Can I supply my own boxes and have you pack?
Yes. If you’ve already sourced boxes from a friend’s recent move or a big-box store, we’ll use what you have and supplement with our own when needed. We do require sturdy, undamaged boxes for fragile items — used boxes from grocery stores often aren’t strong enough for kitchen contents.
What’s the most common DIY packing mistake?
Overpacking large boxes. Books, dishes, and pantry items belong in small boxes. A large box full of books becomes too heavy to lift safely and tends to fail at the bottom. Use small boxes for heavy items, large boxes only for light bulky things like pillows and linens.
When should I book packing services?
For local moves, two to three weeks ahead works in most seasons. For interstate moves, peak summer dates, or end-of-month moves, book four to six weeks out. Last-minute requests are possible — we keep capacity for them — but options narrow inside 10 days.
Not Sure Which Option Fits?
A 5-minute call gets you a clear plan. We’ll tell you exactly where pro packing pays off and where DIY makes sense.
LiteMovers · PUC A-8916211 · USDOT 2173383 · MC-888055
307 East Church Rd, Suite 1 & 2, King of Prussia, PA 19406
