E.E. Ward Moving & Storage

A full service move is a comprehensive relocation solution where a professional moving company handles every aspect of your move, from packing your belongings and disassembling furniture to loading, transporting, and unloading everything at your new home. It’s designed to provide a hands-free moving experience for the client.

The Standard Definition vs. The Real-World Value

Ask ten different moving companies "what is a full service move," and you will likely get ten similar answers. Most will present you with a checklist of tasks—a transactional menu of services that covers the physical logistics of getting your household goods from one place to another. While this definition isn't wrong, it misses the entire point.

For over 140 years, we've seen that people don't move just to change a zip code. They move because life is changing. A move is almost always the physical manifestation of a major life event: a new job, a marriage, a growing family, or the need to downsize. Viewing a full-service move as a mere list of chores is like describing a surgeon's work as just "cutting and sewing." It ignores the profound expertise, trust, and purpose behind the action.

The true value of a full service move emerges when you align the services with the underlying life event driving the relocation. It’s not just a luxury service for the busy; it's a strategic tool for managing the immense stress and complexity of major transitions.

What's Typically Included in a Full-Service Move?

To establish a baseline, let's cover the tactical components that a high-quality, professional moving company offers in a full service moving package. This is the foundation upon which a truly strategic, stress-reducing experience is built. A comprehensive plan typically includes:

• Professional Packing and Unpacking Services: A trained moving crew arrives with all necessary packing supplies, from moving boxes and wardrobe boxes to protective wrap and padding. They expertly pack every item in your home, ensuring fragile belongings are secure. Upon arrival, they can also perform unpacking services, placing items on flat surfaces for you to organize.
• Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly: Large, bulky furniture items like bed frames, sectional sofas, and large dining tables are professionally disassembled for safe transport and then reassembled correctly in your new home.
• Loading and Unloading: The moving labor is handled by experts who know how to load the moving truck efficiently and safely, protecting your items with moving blankets and securing them for the journey. They handle all the heavy lifting at both ends of the move.
• Transportation: A professional driver operates the moving van or truck to transport your belongings, whether it’s a local move across town or a long-distance, cross-country move. For interstate moves, this is a critical component handled by experienced van lines.
• Debris Removal: After unpacking, the moving company will remove all the used packing supplies and moving boxes, leaving your new home clutter-free and ready for you to settle in. This turnkey moving approach ensures you aren't left with a mountain of cardboard.
• Storage Solutions: If there's a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, full service movers can coordinate secure short-term storage or long-term storage for your household goods.
• Specialty Item Moving: For unique or high-value possessions, services like piano moving, art crating, or special handling for antiques are available. This is often called white glove moving.

Why This Checklist Falls Short

Looking at that list, it’s easy to focus on the time and physical effort saved. And while that's a significant benefit, it's only the surface layer. The real challenge of moving isn't just the physical labor; it's the immense mental and emotional load it places on you precisely when your energy is needed elsewhere—on starting a new job, on merging two lives into one, or on helping your family adjust to a new environment.

The 'Why' Behind the Move: More Than Just a New Address

Recent data confirms what we've witnessed firsthand for decades: moves are deeply personal and increasingly driven by major life milestones. In fact, a 2022 analysis showed that 26.5% of movers cited family-related reasons for their move, including changes in marital status or establishing a new household according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This isn't just about needing more square footage; it's about life's fundamental shifts.

When you're navigating such a significant transition, your focus should be on the people and the purpose, not on the process. This is where the concept of a "stress offload" becomes paramount. Moving is consistently ranked as one of life's most stressful events. The value of a true full service move is in its ability to absorb that stress for you. Professional service movers are described as a way of "taking the load off (literally) so you’re free to think about other things," as noted by home experts at This Old House.

By delegating the logistical burden to a trusted moving company, you preserve your mental and emotional bandwidth. This is particularly crucial for those managing complex life changes. For example, researchers highlight that a key benefit for individuals in transition is "Reduced stress: Knowing your move is in capable hands means less anxiety and more peace of mind." This sentiment, shared by the University of Georgia Online, underscores the psychological benefit that outweighs the physical one. The Better Business Bureau reinforces this, calling a full-service approach a "low-stress way of getting all your belongings from Point A to Point B." When you hire a professional team, you’re not just buying labor; you’re investing in tranquility during a turbulent time.

A Strategic Comparison: Finding the Right Moving Approach for You

Understanding that a move is more than just a task list helps clarify your options. Your choice isn't just between different moving companies; it's between entirely different philosophies of relocation. Let's compare the three primary approaches.

DIY Moving (The Self-Service Approach)

This is the classic method: you rent a moving truck, rally friends and family, and handle every single task yourself, from sourcing moving boxes and packing your fragile items to the back-breaking labor of loading and unloading furniture.

Best For: Small, local moves with a simple inventory and a tight budget where you have ample time and physical ability to manage the entire process.

Primary Consideration: Cost. While it appears to be the cheapest option upfront, hidden costs (truck rental, fuel, insurance, packing supplies, time off work) can add up. The most significant cost, however, is the immense personal stress and physical risk involved.

Task-Based Full Service (The Checklist Approach)

This is how many view a full-service move. You hire a company to execute a list of services: they pack, they load, they drive, they unload. It's efficient and saves you from the physical labor. The focus is on the "what" and "how" of the move.

Best For: Individuals who are primarily looking to save time and avoid physical strain but are still able to manage the emotional and organizational stress of the larger life event.

Primary Consideration: Convenience. This approach treats the move as a purely logistical problem. The service is often excellent, but it can feel transactional if the company doesn't understand the "why" behind your relocation.

Life-Event Management (The Strategic Approach)

This elevated view of a full service move reframes the service as a comprehensive relocation management tool. The moving company acts as a partner, understanding the context of your move and proactively solving problems. A dedicated moving coordinator works with you to build a plan that not only moves your belongings but also minimizes disruption to your life. The focus is on preserving your mental energy for the transition itself.

Best For: Anyone navigating a significant life event—a corporate relocation, combining households, downsizing, or a major family shift. It's for those who recognize that their time and emotional well-being are their most valuable assets during the transition.

Primary Consideration: Peace of Mind. While the initial moving quote may be higher than a DIY move, the value comes from mitigating stress, preventing costly mistakes, and allowing you to focus on what truly matters. It's about offloading the entire mental burden, not just the physical tasks.

Answering Your Key Questions About Full-Service Moving

When considering a comprehensive service, several practical questions naturally arise. Drawing on our long history in the industry, here are direct answers to some of the most common concerns.

Is Professional Packing Service Really Worth It?

For many, this is the tipping point. The answer depends almost entirely on the complexity of your move and the value of your time and sanity. If you're moving from a small apartment with minimal belongings, self-packing might be feasible. However, for a larger home, or during a stressful life change, professional packing services are invaluable. A team of professional packers can accomplish in one day what might take you weeks. They use the right materials and techniques to protect your items, which drastically reduces the risk of damage. Many companies also offer a "fragile-only pack," a hybrid option where experts handle delicate items like dishes and artwork while you pack durable goods like books and clothes.

How Much Does a Full-Service Local Move Cost?

The cost of any move, especially a full-service one, is highly variable. There's no flat rate. The final price is determined by several factors, including:

• The volume and weight of your belongings.
• The distance between your old and new home.
• The specific services you select (e.g., full pack vs. fragile-only pack).
• Accessorial charges (e.g., handling stairs, long carries from the truck to your door, or the need for a shuttle service on a narrow street).

The only way to get an accurate number is to request an in-home estimate or a detailed virtual survey. A reputable mover will provide a thorough walkthrough and give you a binding estimate, which locks in your cost and prevents unpleasant surprises. Be wary of any company that gives a quote over the phone without seeing your items.

What Are the Red Flags to Watch for in a Moving Company?

Trust is the cornerstone of the moving industry. Protecting yourself means knowing what to look for—and what to avoid. Here are critical red flags:

• No In-Home Estimate: A company that offers a quote without a visual survey of your belongings cannot provide an accurate price. This is often a tactic used by a moving broker or a less reputable mover to low-ball a quote and add charges later.
• Large Upfront Deposit: Reputable moving companies do not require large cash deposits before a move. Payment is typically rendered upon delivery.
• Lack of Proper Credentials: An interstate mover must have a U.S. DOT number. All licensed and insured movers should be able to provide proof of their credentials and information about their valuation coverage options, such as Full Value Protection and the more basic Released Value Protection.
• Vague Paperwork: You should receive a clear, detailed contract, often called a Bill of Lading, that outlines all the services, costs, and terms before the moving crew begins work.

How a Full-Service Approach Adapts to Modern Moving Trends

The nature of moving is evolving. The rise of remote work and shifts in family structures have changed how and why people relocate, making a strategic, full service approach more relevant than ever.

The Rise of the Long-Haul, Cross-Country Move

Moves are getting longer. More people are making interstate moves, not just local ones. A long-distance move inherently adds layers of complexity. You're not just moving your home; you're navigating different state regulations, complex logistics, and longer timelines. This is where the expertise of established van lines like North American Van Lines, United Van Lines, or Mayflower Transit becomes critical. A full-service move in this context isn't a convenience; it's a strategic necessity. A dedicated moving coordinator becomes your single point of contact, managing the detailed inventory list, coordinating transport, and keeping you informed every step of the way.

Matching Specific Services to Your Life Event

The strategic value of a full service move shines when you map specific services to the challenges of your unique life event.

• Combining Households? You're not just moving; you're merging. Professional packing helps standardize the process, while short-term storage solutions provide a crucial buffer to sort through duplicate items without cluttering your new home.
• Downsizing? This is an emotional and logistical puzzle. Specialty item moving services ensure family heirlooms and antiques are handled with care. Debris removal is essential for clearing out years of accumulated possessions responsibly.
• Relocating for a Job? Your focus needs to be 100% on your new role. A complete, turnkey moving solution—from packing the first box to reassembling your home office—means you can hit the ground running without distraction.

Making the Right Choice for Your Needs

Ultimately, there is no single "best" way to move. The right choice depends entirely on your specific circumstances, priorities, and the life event you are navigating. The key is to honestly assess your needs regarding stress, time, and mental energy.

For the Corporate Relocator

Your primary asset is your ability to focus on your new professional responsibilities. Any time spent coordinating logistics or packing boxes is time taken away from a successful transition. For you, a comprehensive, life-event management approach is a strategic investment. It minimizes disruption and ensures your home life is settled quickly, allowing you to perform at your best from day one.

For the Newly-Married Couple

You are at the start of a major, joyful, yet inherently stressful new chapter. The process of combining two households is fraught with decisions and emotions. The value of a full service move is in offloading the physical and mental stress of the logistics, freeing you both to focus on building your new life together, not on arguing over who taped which box.

For the Overwhelmed Parent or Family

Juggling the needs of children, pets, work, and school during a move is a monumental task. A child’s sense of security is tied to routine and familiarity. A full-service approach allows you to focus your energy on maintaining stability for your family. By having a professional moving crew manage the chaos, you can be fully present for your children, helping them adjust to a new home and community.

Choosing a moving company is about more than finding a truck; it's about finding a partner you can trust to handle one of life’s most significant events with the care it deserves. For over 140 years, E.E. Ward Moving & Storage, based in Columbus, OH, has been that partner for families and businesses. Our legacy is built on a deep understanding that we're not just moving furniture; we're moving lives. It's why we have a 4.8 rating from over 600 reviews and why we strive for 5-STAR experiences every time. If you are preparing for a major life transition, let our experienced team provide a personalized assessment. Contact us today for a transparent, no-obligation moving estimate and discover the peace of mind that comes from a truly full service move.

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