Packing Services and Moving Companies
Many packing and moving companies offer a variety of packing services for an extra cost. These typically include a full, part, fragile or self-pack service as well as the option of providing clients with the wrapping materials.
Your house removals team will have professional packers and movers on hand to help. They'll also have the necessary experience in packing and loading a wide variety of items.
- Moving Company Packing Services
- Packing Options for Different Types of Moves
- How Much Does A Packing Service Cost?
- Is It Worth Paying For Packing?
- Is There Anything They Won’t Pack?
- Do Moving Companies Dismantle Furniture?
- Can Moving Companies Help Pack for Storage?
- Can I Use my Own Packing Materials?
- How Long Before Moving Day would the Packing Service take Place?
- Does the Packing Service Come with Full Insurance?
Moving Company Packing Services
1. Full-packing service
Most packing and moving companies offer a full-packing service as standard. This means the team will arrive at your property a day or two before the move, and pack up your whole home. They can pack a range of items including plates, cutlery, books and artwork, organising their packing room by room.
This packing service is ideal if you don’t have the time or energy to pack your home for moving day or you require a last-minute move. We recommend this type of packing service if you're moving offices to minimise any damage to your stock or equipment.
2. Part-packing service
Another removal packing service is the part-pack service aimed at those who don't require all items to be packed. If you’re capable and have the time to pack some items but need help with certain items such as bulky or awkward furniture, this service will be ideal for you.
You’ll have to let the removal company know which items they will be packing, then they can tailor their quote depending on the difficulty of the items.
3. Owner-packed service
If you want to pack for your move yourself, then most packing and moving companies provide an owner-packed service. They can provide you with the packing materials and equipment at an extra cost so you can safely pack your personal belongings. Removal companies will typically provide you with packing supplies including:
- Cardboard boxes or large containers
- Crates
- Wardrobe boxes
- Bubble wrap
- Tape
4. Fragile packing service
If you have any valuable or fragile items you’d like packed with extra care, it’s worth getting a fragile packing service when moving house. The professional packers will pack your delicate glassware and china using bubble wrap and packing techniques to eliminate the risk of damage.
5. Piano packing service
Most packing and moving companies offer additional removal services to help with unique items such as pianos. They will be trained and experienced in using equipment to protect the piano when being carried out of your home and into the vehicle.
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Packing Options for Different Types of Moves
Different types of house move will require certain packing services to ensure full protection of your personal belongings. Learn the best type of packing service required for your move type.
International moves: Part-load packing services are commonly used for an international move. We work with insured and trusted international removal companies to make your overseas move smooth, whether you're going by sea, air or road freight. Our partners can provide professional international packing services to ensure your most valuable items are protected throughout the move.
Moving fine art and fragile antiques: Packing and moving art or fragile items require specialist services. Many of our partners offer antique and fragile item packing services to provide full protection and peace of mind during your move. Our professional packers will securely pack and label your items so you know where everything is when it comes to unpacking.
Moving large furniture: A blanket wrap packing service is best suited for large pieces of furniture that can't be disassembled. It will help protect your furniture from scratching against other items. Rest assured, our removal companies always arrive fully equipped and prepared.
How Much Does A Packing Service Cost?
A removals packing service for a 3-bedroom house will cost £250 on average.
The price includes the cost of 30 large packing boxes and the labour for packing. The cost of packing and moving house will depend on how many items you’re taking with you and whether you require a full or part packing service.
This will include visiting your house before the move and professionally packing your belongings. They will also load them onto the van and unload them at the new house. Expect to pay extra for a piano packing service.
Below is an example of how much a packing service would add to the average removal costs.
| Removal Services | Avg. Value | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|---|
Loading and unloading (50 miles distance) | 875 cubic feet (3-bed house) | £806 |
Packing services and materials | 30 large boxes | £250 |
Dismantling and reassembling furniture | 3 double beds | £125 |
Total | £1,181 |
The data shown above has been taken from our Average Removal Company Cost article.
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Is It Worth Paying For Packing?
Although a removals packing service is an additional cost to factor in, it can save you money in the long run. You may also choose to tip the removal company if you’re happy with the packing service provided.
If you’re not confident in safely packing your valuable items, you risk damaging them during transit. A removal company will have a team of professional packers that have the skills and experience to securely pack your items.
A packing service comes with many advantages over self-packing.
- Ideal for last-minute moves
- Helps if you're too busy to pack
- Take care of heavy and awkward items
- Items are protected with professional equipment
- Avoid damage if done yourself
Is There Anything They Won’t Pack?
There are certain items that removal companies won’t pack and move as they are classed as dangerous items. These are some of the items that removal companies won’t pack.
- Nail polish remover
- Paints and paint thinner
- Lighter fluid
- Petrol
- Fireworks
- Oxygen bottles
- Propane Cylinders
- Motor oil
- Matches
- Radio-pharmaceuticals
- Cleaning solvents
- Batteries
- Firearms
- Aerosols
- Fire extinguisher
To learn more, read What Not to Pack When Moving House.
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Do Moving Companies Dismantle Furniture?
The average cost of a furniture dismantling service for a 3-bedroom house is £125.
The majority of packing and moving companies will offer furniture dismantle and reassemble services. Make sure you discuss exactly what needs to be dismantled so they can give you an accurate quote for the service.
A lot of furniture like beds, wardrobes, tables and desks need to be dismantled. But if you lack the experience, you should use professional movers to minimise the risk of damage to your items as well as yourself. Don't forget to include this in your list of questions to ask removal companies when comparing quotes.
Can Moving Companies Help Pack for Storage?
Many moving companies will also offer self-storage services for an additional fee. According to the Self Storage Association UK, the average storage costs in the UK are £23.94 per square foot. If your chosen removals company does not own or have access to storage facilities, they may still be able to help you pack for self-storage.
To protect your possessions from any risk of damp or damage whilst in storage, you'll need high-quality packing materials. These are items many removal companies will be able to provide. Their team should also have experience in moving large and awkward items. This means they should be able to help when loading and unloading your belongings at the unit.
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Can I Use my Own Packing Materials?
If you don’t use a packing service, you can use your own packing materials. The movers will still load your self-packed items on to the van.
As part of a self-packing service, you can opt to pack and use your own packing equipment. Alternatively, you can do the packing yourself and the removal company can provide the necessary equipment if needed.
How Long Before Moving Day would the Packing Service take Place?
Depending on the type of packing service, the movers and packers will arrive at your home a day or 2 before the move. This is to ensure everything is ready to go on the day. For a full packing service, they will likely pack 2 or more days prior to moving day. If you’re using a part-pack or self-pack, the movers will arrive a day before, depending on their schedule.
Does the Packing Service Come with Full Insurance?
All Compare My Move partnered removal companies must have Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance. This will cover you from any loss or damage to items while they are being moved. It’s worth noting that this cost should be included in the final removal cost and should not be an extra charge.
To learn more, read our guide on removals insurance.
Saving Time and Money During Your Move
Many Compare My Move removal companies will offer a packing service to help with your moving day. We can connect you with up to 6 local removal firms to help save you up to 70% on the cost of your move.
