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Estimate Packing Time for Your Move

October 20, 2015

Why does it seem that the last 10% of packing can seem like 90% of the job? When estimating the time it will take to pack your apartment, condo or home, you always want to err on the side of more time than you think you’ll need. Even if it seems like an outrageous amount, better to plan to have the time available than be caught short on time when you really need it. So how can you estimate how long it will take to pack your belongings? We are glad you asked – because THAT is what this post is about.

From those intent on packing themselves to those who see the wisdom in hiring a professional to pack their belongings, the bottom line is getting your items packed up in a way that allows for safe transport to the new location. As human beings, we are generally optimistic about our ability to accomplish certain tasks. What we often forget is that there are all sorts of little things that add up over the course of the packing process. And if we are not careful to leave a buffer, we can get stuck needing more time than we budgeted.

Things like running out of packing supplies, the added time to label things properly and pack things well. The time it takes to find used boxes or tape new ones together. The time it takes to move and stack packed items so the boxes are out of the way and still easy to access come moving day.

Three Ways to Estimate Packing Time

Method 1 – Roughly estimate the “worst case” time scenario you can think of. Then add another 50% to that. Yep, we are serious! It

Method 2 – Figure out how long it would take to pack ONE average box – start to finish – Include taping the box together, wrapping the contents, packing the box full, taping it shut and labeling the contents on the outside (top AND end). Then, if you are good at mentally calculating volume, walk around your entire home and estimate how many PACKED boxes per room. Do the same for closets, attic/basement, garage, storage, etc. ADD the boxes together and add 20% to the total (just in case). Then, multiply the number of GRAND TOTAL number boxes by the time per box. Take the total time and add 20% more time to it. NOW you have an approximate number of boxes AND the rough time you will need to pack them!

Method 3 – Unless you have moved several times or are one smart cookie when it comes to estimates like this, it may even take you more time than you calculate.  If you can, it makes sense to pay a professional to pack your house for you. Professional packers are both fast and efficient. They pack your belongings with care and understand how to pack for efficient loading of the truck on moving day and for the safety of your belongings while in transit. As soon as you try a whole house packing service, you’ll see what we mean!

For a quote on packing as part of a move with Cummings Moving Company, request a Free Moving Quote.


Cummings Moving Company | Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage | San Francisco Movers

Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company proud of its well-established reputation in San Francisco and throughout the region – reflected in their extended residential, small business and Realtor referrals. The company is a female, minority, and veteran-owned and operated moving company with over 45 years of exceptional client service – spanning the entire country and beyond. For more information about quality, stress-free moving, in San Francisco please call 415-387-4000 or from the Peninsula call 650-629-3000. Request a Free Moving Quote HERE or continue to explore our website and San Francisco Blog.

The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.

Filed Under: Bay Area Movers, Moving Tips - Residential, Moving Tips- Small Business, Planning a Move, San Francisco Movers

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We were pleased in every way with our experience with your company.  The crew arrived on time, were thoughtful, efficient, and professional in their delivery of this service, and everything went very well with the move.  We would recommend Cummings without r…
Monique
I want to thank you once again and offer kudos to all those who were involved in my most recent move. As all of you know, this last move was my 5th within 6years. And I have used Cummings each and every time! And, even though this last move was with a lot l…
Peggy R
Just wanted to let you know that the move went so well today, thanks to your crew. The three men (sorry, I didn’t get each of their names) worked so efficiently and it was a difficult move out of an old SF apartment with two long flights of steep stairs. They …
Barbara - San Francisco
The crew was excellent.  They were careful and considerate.  We would use Cummings again if we had to move.
Rick
Thank you for completing our move from Brisbane to Bakersfield yesterday. Your crew was on time, courteous, professional. They made the experience easier! We will certainly recommend you to friends!
Lee & Rebecca - Brisbane
Hi, Amy. The 4-man crew was great – they finished quickly, took care of our possessions, and were careful not to track the rain into our old house and our new house. It was raining pretty hard at times so they had to lay down some paper and plastic sheetin…
Steve K
We’ve used Cummings twice and had a great experience both times. They helped us pack and move while fitting into our busy schedule. This is really a great company. Thanks again for the help!
Jennifer Z
Our moving experience exceeded all expectations!! Your staff were fantastic–extremely professional, competent and work done with smiles! We are most grateful for how smoothly the move went–no hassles, no breakage of our belongings, and when the guys left i…
Terry
Amy, this is a long overdue expression of gratitude for the excellent service your company provided me in connection with my move within Mill Valley.   I was impressed with every contact I had with your company.  The person who made the estimate was friendly…
Claudia J L
Everything went well, as expected. Crew members were friendly and hard-working. Foreman Miguel handled everything very professionally. Prior to move Aislinn was helpful in answering various questions. Elias did a great job estimating ( total for job came with …
Ian & Karen - San Mateo
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Since 1969 - Serving San Francisco
and the Bay Area

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On the Peninsula
650-692-3000

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