Planning a cross country move comes with a lot of decisions and choosing the right level of support is one of the biggest. Some people want a moving company to do all the heavy lifting for them every step of the way. Others want to do everything themselves to save more money. But what if you need a little of both?
The good news is that you are not required to choose between full-service movers and doing everything yourself. Partial-service moving sits comfortably in the middle, giving you the flexibility to match your move to your comfort level, schedule, and budget. At National Van Lines, we’ve helped families move cross country for nearly a century, including with partial-service or self-pack options. We’ve written this guide to help you understand the options available, and to help you make an informed decision about what might work best for you.
This guide covers:
- What partial-service movers offer, including self-pack options
- How partial-service and self-pack moves fit cross country relocations
- Services you can customize
- A closer look at self-pack moving
- How partial-service compares to full-service moving
- How partial-service and self-pack compare to DIY moving
- How to decide if these options are right for you
What do partial-service movers offer?
Partial-service moving is built around flexibility. Instead of purchasing a full-service package, you can select the parts of the move where professional support will make the biggest difference. For many families, these choices often fall into a few key categories.
Partial-service support may include:
- Packing only for fragile or high value items
- Full loading and unloading services
- Furniture wrapping and preparation
- Disassembly and reassembly of large pieces
- Specialty item handling
- Long distance transportation between states
- Self-pack options where you pack your own boxes
Self-pack moving is a major part of partial-service support because it gives you control over how your belongings are packed while still relying on professional loading and transportation. It is a good option when you want to be hands on without taking on the physical strain of the entire move.
How do partial-service moves fit in with cross country relocations?
Cross country relocations require careful planning, especially when your timeline, job schedule, or housing arrangements are shifting. Partial-service and self-pack moves work well in these situations because they allow you to stay prepared and flexible.
Packing on your own schedule is a major advantage during long distance planning. You can begin early, work room by room, and organize your belongings in a way that makes sense to you. When movers arrive, everything is ready for efficient loading. Your moving team then takes over, preparing furniture, padding doorways, and securing your shipment for the long trip ahead.
Partial-service options also help when you need to adjust dates or prepare your home gradually. Families relocating for work or school often choose self-pack support because it helps them stay organized even as plans change. Movers step in when you need them while you stay in control of the overall timeline.
This flexibility helps reduce stress and uncertainty during a major transition.
What kind of services can I customize with partial-service moving?
Partial-service moving offers a wide range of customizable options, giving you a way to build a moving plan that fits your exact needs. You can choose one service, several services, or combine them for more support.
Common options include:
- Packing support for fragile or hard to pack items
- Loading and unloading by trained crews
- Furniture padding, wrapping, and doorframe protection
- Disassembly and reassembly of furniture
- Handling for items like fitness equipment or artwork
These choices help you stay hands on in the areas you feel comfortable managing while letting professionals protect your belongings during the most demanding parts of the move.
What is self-pack moving?
Self-pack moving allows you to take the lead on packing while leaving the rest to your moving team. It is popular because it lowers the cost of a long distance move without sacrificing the safety and structure that professional movers provide.
One of the biggest benefits of self-pack moving is control. You decide how boxes are organized, how fragile items are wrapped, and how each room is packed. This helps you stay organized and ensures your belongings are packed in a way that works best for you. Many families appreciate the chance to begin early and work at a steady pace rather than rushing through packing in a single day.
Even though you pack your own belongings, you still receive full support with loading, transportation, and unloading. Movers handle the heavy lifting and the technical parts of the move, including furniture protection and weight balancing inside the truck. This combination keeps your move efficient and reduces the physical strain that often makes long distance moving stressful.
What are the differences between partial-service and full-service movers?
Full-service movers handle the entire moving process from beginning to end. They bring packing materials, pack your home, load the truck, transport your belongings, unload everything, and unpack your shipment. This option works well for families who prefer a hands off experience or who have limited time to prepare.
Partial-service moving offers more control and usually comes at a lower cost. You decide which tasks you want help with and which parts you prefer to manage on your own. As you just learned, self-pack moving is one example of this.
Below is a clear comparison of what each option typically includes:
| Moving Task | Full-Service Moving | Partial-Service or Self-Pack Moving |
|---|---|---|
| Packing | Movers pack your entire home | You pack some or all items, or request packing for fragile items only |
| Heavy lifting | Movers handle all loading and unloading | Movers handle all loading and unloading |
| Furniture prep | Movers wrap, pad, and protect furniture | Movers wrap, pad, and protect furniture |
| Transportation | Movers transport your belongings long distance | Movers transport your belongings long distance |
| Physical strain | Very low | Moderate (since you handle packing) |
| Cost | Higher, due to full labor and materials | Lower, and is based on chosen services |
| Involvement | Low, as movers handle everything | Higher, since you remain hand-on with packing or other tasks |
Partial-service and self-pack moves offer a balanced approach. You choose where you want support and where you want to stay involved, creating a plan that fits your comfort level and budget.
The Best of Both Worlds
Many people are surprised to learn that long distance moving does not have to be all or nothing. Even now, it is common to assume you either handle the entire move yourself or hire a full-service team to take over everything. That perception can make the early planning stage feel overwhelming.
Now you have a clearer view of the flexible space in between. Partial-service and self-pack options give you room to stay involved where you feel confident while still relying on professionals for the work that requires training, equipment, or heavy lifting. This balance helps you protect your schedule, your budget, and your peace of mind during a major transition.
You just learned about what partial-service moving is, and how it can benefit you during a cross country move. If your plan is to have a hands-on approach to packing, you’ll likely want to know more about the best ways to prep and pack your stuff. Head over to the ultimate guide to stress-free packing to learn more.
Or, maybe you’re ready to start a conversation and get some quotes from moving companies. We’re ready too: Get a quote today and speak with us about your partial-service moving options.
