Disclosed is a palletizing device (10) with a vertically mobile transfer station (14) which is in conveying communication with upstream conveying equipment (18) for conveying items, packaged goods, packages (20), or the like, to be palletized. The transfer station (14) is followed in the conveying direction (22) by a vertically mobile loading station (16) which is in conveying communication with a stacking position (28) for palletizing the items, packaged goods, and/or packages (20). The transfer (14) and loading stations (16) which are independently adjustable in the vertical positions thereof are associated with a common support structure, having separate guide devices (30) for vertically mobile guiding and drive devices for vertical position adjustment of the transfer (14) and loading stations (16), respectively.In addition, a method for handling such a palletizing device (10) is disclosed wherein the base planes (26, 48) of the transfer (14) and loading stations (16) are approximately flush at least while a layer of items, packaged goods, and/or packages (21) is pushed over between the two stations (14, 16).