Moving can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring at a house full of stuff wondering how it’s all going to fit in boxes. The good news? You’ve got options. Whether you’re a busy professional with zero time to pack or a budget-conscious student looking to save every dollar, understanding packing services and moving boxes will help you make the right call for your situation.

Why Professional Packing Services Matter for Your Move

Let’s be real: packing isn’t just throwing stuff in boxes. Professional packers know how to protect your grandmother’s china, pack your electronics so they survive the journey, and maximize space so you’re not paying for half-empty boxes. They also work fast. What might take you an entire weekend, they can knock out in a few hours.

The biggest advantage? Peace of mind. When professionals pack your items, they’re usually covered by the moving company’s insurance. That expensive laptop or those wedding photos have protection if something goes wrong.

Types of Packing Services Available in Canada

Full-Service Packing

This is the “I don’t want to think about it” option. Professional packers show up with all the supplies and pack everything in your home. They’ll wrap your dishes, protect your artwork, and even pack that junk drawer you’ve been avoiding.

Full-service packing typically runs $60-$80 per hour per packer in most Canadian cities. For a typical 1-bedroom apartment, you’re looking at about $650-$950 just for labor, plus materials.

Partial Packing Services

Maybe you want to pack your personal items yourself but need help with the kitchen and fragile items. Partial packing lets you choose specific rooms or item categories. This is perfect for young professionals who want to save money but don’t trust themselves with grandma’s fine china.

You can typically request partial packing for:

•  Kitchen items and dishes
•  Artwork and mirrors
•  Electronics and appliances
•  Fragile decorative items
•  Just specific rooms

Labor-Only Options

Some moving companies offer packing labor without providing the materials. You buy your own boxes and supplies, and they provide the expertise. This gives you control over material costs while still getting professional packing skills.

What’s Actually Included (And What Isn’t)

Standard Materials Provided

When you hire professional packing services, here’s what typically comes with the package:

•  Various box sizes (small, medium, large, extra-large)
•  Packing paper and bubble wrap
•  Tape and labels
•  Wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes
•  Dish packs for kitchen items
•  Specialty boxes as needed

The catch? These materials come with a significant markup: often 50-100% more than retail prices. But you’re paying for convenience and precise quantity estimation.

What You’ll Pay Extra For

Don’t assume everything is covered. Extra costs often include:

•  Custom crating for valuable artwork
•  Special handling for antiques
•  Wine shipping boxes
•  Piano or large furniture preparation
•  Storage containers if your move is delayed

Cost of Moving Boxes

Size	Cost	Details
1.5 Small Box	$3.00	Pack fragile items like glassware, collectibles, and other delicates
2.0 Small Box	$3.20	Pack books, magazines, office supplies, and small kitchen items
3.0 Medium Box	$4.70	Pack toys, kitchen items, and general household items
4.0 Medium Box	$4.85	Pack toys, pots and pans, appliances, or small lampshades
5.0 Large Box	$5.35	Pack pillows, linens, or seasonal clothing
6.0 Large Box	$6.70	Pack large, lightweight items like bulky coats, stuffed animals, or comforters
Lamp Box	$12.95	Pack irregularly shaped items like lamps, carpets and golf-clubs
TV Box	$28.95 - $104.25	Pack 37" to 70" flat screen TVs
Wardrobe Box	$34.95	Pack clothes on hangers
Chandelier Box	$54.95	Pack a chandelier or other medium-large items

The Real Cost Breakdown

Labor Costs in Canadian Markets

Packing service costs vary across Canada, but here’s what you can expect:

•  Toronto/Vancouver: $70-$90 per hour per packer
•  Calgary/Edmonton: $60-$75 per hour per packer
•  Smaller cities: $50-$65 per hour per packer

Most companies send 2-3 packers, so multiply accordingly. A team of two packers for 4 hours in Toronto could cost $750-$950 just for labor.

Material Pricing

Here’s where it gets expensive. Moving companies charge premium prices for packing materials:

Box Costs Comparison

From moving companies:

•  Small boxes: $3-$5 each
•  Medium boxes: $5-$7 each
•  Large boxes: $6-$8 each
•  Wardrobe boxes: $30-$40 each
•  Dish packs: $22-$30 each

Retail alternatives:

•  Home Depot small boxes: $3
•  Canadian Tire medium boxes: $3.49
•  Walmart large boxes: $3.97

The math is clear: sourcing your own materials can save $200-$400 on supplies alone.

Choosing the Right Moving Boxes for Different Items

Standard Box Sizes and Uses

Not all boxes are created equal. Here’s what works best for different items:

Small boxes (1.5 cubic feet): Perfect for books, documents, small electronics, and anything heavy. The golden rule: if you can’t lift it easily, the box is too big or too full.

Medium boxes (3 cubic feet): Ideal for dishes, small appliances, toys, and decorations. These are your workhorses: versatile and manageable.

Large boxes (4.5 cubic feet): Best for lightweight, bulky items like pillows, blankets, lampshades, and clothing. Don’t pack books or anything heavy in these.

Specialty Boxes Worth the Investment

Some items need special treatment:

Wardrobe boxes: Keep your suits and dresses wrinkle-free. They’re expensive but worth it for professional clothes.

Dish packs: Extra-thick walls protect dishes and glassware. Much safer than regular boxes for fragile kitchen items.

Picture boxes: Adjustable boxes that protect artwork and mirrors. Way better than trying to wrap paintings in blankets.

 

 

DIY vs Professional: Making the Smart Call

When to Go DIY

DIY packing makes sense when you:

•  Have time to pack properly over several weeks
•  Want to save $500+ on a typical move
•  Have mostly non-fragile items
•  Enjoy organizing and want control over the process
•  Are moving locally with a short timeline

When Professional Makes Sense

Consider professional packing services if you:

•  Have valuable or fragile items
•  Are moving during a busy work period
•  Have limited time before moving day
•  Want insurance coverage for packed items
•  Are making a long-distance move
•  Have mobility issues or physical limitations

 

Money-Saving Tips for Packing Services

Mix and match: Pack non-fragile items yourself and hire professionals for dishes, electronics, and artwork. This hybrid approach can cut costs by 40-60%.

Source your own materials: Buy boxes and supplies from retail stores or find free boxes from liquor stores, grocery stores, and online community groups.

Book early: Many moving companies offer discounts for advance bookings, especially during off-peak seasons.

Get multiple quotes: Packing service costs vary significantly between companies. Get at least three quotes to compare.

Consider timing: Avoid peak moving times (summer months, end/beginning of month) when possible.

The bottom line? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to packing services and moving boxes. Your best bet is honestly assessing your time, budget, and stress tolerance, then choosing the option that fits your situation. Whether that’s going full DIY with retail boxes or hiring professionals for the whole job, the key is making an informed decision that works for your move.

Remember, moving is stressful enough: don’t let packing decisions add unnecessary pressure. Pick the approach that lets you focus on getting settled in your new place rather than worrying about whether your stuff will arrive in one piece.