The Most Overlooked Services Full-Service Movers Can Handle

Imagine returning from a relaxing vacation to a fully set-up new home. The beds are made, the furniture is arranged, the TV is mounted, and there isn’t a single cardboard box in sight. This isn’t a fantasy; it’s the reality of a true full-service move. Most people think movers just transport items from point A to point B, but a comprehensive moving service goes far beyond heavy lifting.

Beyond the Boxes: The Full Scope of Packing and Unpacking

A genuine full-service packing experience is a complete, systematic process designed to protect every single one of your belongings. Professional movers arrive with specialty dishpack boxes for china and glassware, wardrobe boxes that allow clothing to transfer directly from closet to closet, and custom-sized boxes for electronics and delicate items.

Insight from the Team

“Full service is where the client isn’t expected to do anything. We’ll even make the beds for you, so all you have to do is relax!”

Chris Ortiz – Moving Logistics Coordinator

Professional Packing That Protects Everything

Your kitchen receives meticulous attention. Professional packers create individual bundles for each piece of china, using premium packing paper that won’t leave newsprint residue. Crystal stemware is wrapped individually, then nested in divided dishpack boxes with cushioning between each layer.

Electronics are photographed before any cables are disconnected. Each cable is labeled with color-coded tags that correspond to connection points, ensuring effortless setup at your new home. Clothing can be hung on hangers and transferred directly into wardrobe boxes, arriving wrinkle-free.

Family heirlooms and antiques receive specialized attention. Fragile items may be double-boxed with cushioning material between layers. Mirrors and artwork are wrapped in protective blankets and placed in custom mirror boxes with corner protectors.

The Transformative Unpack Service

The true value becomes apparent when you arrive at your new home. Instead of facing a wall of identical brown boxes, a full-service unpacking team transforms your space in hours.

In the kitchen, the team places dishes directly into cabinets according to your preferences. They can organize pantry items by category, arrange spices alphabetically, and even line drawers before placing utensils. Throughout your home, clothing is hung in closets organized by type or color. Books are shelved in the order you specify. Bathroom items are placed in medicine cabinets and vanities.

The team will assemble bed frames, position mattresses, and make beds with your linens. You can literally sleep in a fully made bed on the first night.

Perhaps most importantly, all the packing debris disappears. The team breaks down every box, gathers all packing materials, and hauls it all away. You’re left with a clean, organized, clutter-free space. This service alone can save you a significant amount of work.

Setting Up Your New Home: From Bare Rooms to Livable Spaces

Complete Furniture Assembly and Placement

Professional movers have the tools and expertise to assemble virtually any furniture correctly and efficiently. That complex bed frame with hydraulic storage? They’ve assembled dozens. The multi-shelf bookcase system? They know the common pitfalls. The sectional sofa with multiple configurations? They understand proper connection methods.

You can provide a detailed floor plan with furniture placement marked, and movers will arrange everything to your exact specifications. This eliminates the exhausting process of moving heavy furniture multiple times. 

Electronics Setup and TV Mounting

Full-service movers can set up your entire entertainment center, transforming a tangle of cables into a fully functional system. This includes connecting cable boxes, gaming consoles, streaming devices, sound systems, and media players.

Professional TV mounting prevents costly mistakes and safety hazards. The process includes proper stud location, appropriate hardware selection for different wall types, level installation, professional cable management, and height optimization based on seating arrangements.

Post-Move Cleanup: The Final Touch

After all the heavy lifting and unpacking, a full-service team performs a comprehensive cleanup that leaves your home move-in ready. This includes gathering all packing materials, breaking down and bundling boxes for recycling, removing floor protection, sweeping and vacuuming all areas, and hauling all debris away.

Specialty Services That Make the Difference

Piano Moving with Expert Assessment

Moving a piano requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Pianos range from 300 pounds for small uprights to 1,200 pounds for concert grands, and are extremely delicate instruments with thousands of precisely calibrated components.

An exceptional moving service includes assessment by a trained pianist who evaluates the piano’s condition before and after the move. This creates a baseline for comparison and identifies existing issues. Professional piano movers use piano-specific dollies, heavy-duty straps, and protective padding. After delivery, the trained pianist reevaluates the instrument, ensuring that no damage occurred during transport.

Custom Crating for Fine Art & Antiques

Standard boxes don’t provide adequate protection for valuable artwork, antiques, or extremely fragile items. Custom crating services create purpose-built wooden crates with museum-quality protection tailored to each specific item.

The process includes item assessment, crate design with climate control considerations, construction with quality materials, custom interior protection, and clear labeling. For clients working with institutions like the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art or relocating valuable collections, this level of care is essential.

Navigating Local Challenges with Expert Knowledge

Ferry Logistics for Island Moves

Relocating to or from Washington’s beautiful Islands requires coordinating with Washington State Ferry schedules, a complexity that can derail an entire moving day without proper planning. Professional movers with local expertise secure ferry reservations in advance, optimize timing to account for loading and crossing time, and have contingency plans for delays. This expertise minimizes ferry crossings through efficient packing, reducing both time and toll costs.

Building Regulations and HOA Coordination

Many condos and planned communities have specific moving requirements. Full-service movers handle all coordination, including elevator reservations, certificates of insurance, loading dock access, common area protection, and compliance with restricted hours. This is particularly valuable in Seattle high-rises, where elevator availability can make or break a moving schedule.

Challenging Terrain and Access

Western Washington’s diverse geography creates unique moving challenges. Hillside homes in Gig Harbor, Bremerton, and Edmonds often feature steep driveways, multiple levels, and limited access.

Professional movers arrive with specialized equipment for steep inclines, strategies for multi-level homes, techniques for narrow staircases, and plans for long carry distances to waterfront properties. Experienced movers have encountered similar challenges dozens of times and arrive prepared with appropriate equipment and crew size.

FAQ’s About Full-Service Moves

What does a “full-service move” actually include?

A true full-service move includes providing all packing materials, professionally packing your entire home, loading, transporting, unloading, unpacking, assembling furniture, setting up electronics, and cleaning up all debris.

Do I need to be present for the move?

Not at all. Many clients schedule their move while on vacation. You can leave keys with the team, provide a detailed floor plan, and return to a fully prepared home.

How far in advance should I book?

For the most flexibility, book 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (May through September) or at month-end. For moves requiring ferry logistics or building elevator reservations, earlier booking is advantageous.

Design Your Perfect Move

If you’re ready to experience a truly stress-free relocation, contact us today for a free consultation. Our team will create a transparent and detailed quote that covers every aspect of your move, from the first item packed to the final piece of furniture positioned exactly where you want it.

Whether you’re navigating ferry logistics for a move to Bainbridge Island, coordinating a high-rise relocation in Seattle, or relocating a valuable piano to a hillside home in Gig Harbor, our local expertise ensures a seamless transition to your new space.