A removals packing service costs around £387 on average in the UK. The exact cost will vary based on the size of your home, and your chosen removals company.
For example, packing costs for a 2-bed home are around £333 compared to £575 for a 4-bed home. Packing services are an extra cost on top of your basic removals package. Any other services such as dismantling and reassembling furniture will be charged additionally too.
In this article, we discuss the costs of packing services, what is included and why it's a useful option to consider.
Packing Service Cost by Property Size
While the average price of a full packing service is £387, the exact costs of packing will depend on how many items you’re taking with you and whether you require a full or part packing service.
Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs you can expect to pay based on property size:
| Property Size | Average Packing Service Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | £197 |
| 2 Bedrooms | £333 |
| 3 Bedrooms | £445 |
| 4 Bedrooms | £575 |
Understanding these figures will help you to budget more effectively for your move and ensure you select the right level of packing service for your property size and specific needs.
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Do Removal Companies Pack For You?
Absolutely, many removal companies offer a professional packing service for an additional fee. Expert packers will handle everything safely, because there's nothing worse than unpacking broken china when you're trying to make your first cup of tea in your new home.
Your removal company will typically pop round for a quick assessment or ask you to send them a video walkthrough of your home. This will help them understand exactly what needs packing and give you an accurate quote. Then, usually the day before your move, the packing team arrives with all the right materials (cardboard boxes, bubblewrap, protective padding) and gets everything boxed up properly.
On moving day, the removals team will load everything onto the van and unload it at your new place, relieving some of the stress of moving home.
Is It Worth Paying for Packing?
Yes, there are many reasons why it's worth paying for packing. While removal packing services are an extra cost, they can save you money in the long run.
If you’re not confident in safely packing your valuable items, you risk damaging them during transit. Removal companies have a team of professional packers who have the skills and experience to securely pack your items.
Other benefits of paying for a packing service include:
Ideal for last-minute moves
Helps if you're too busy to pack
Take extra care of heavy and awkward items
Items are protected with professional equipment
Avoid damage if done yourself
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What Is Included in a Packing Service?
What is included in packing and moving services will vary depending on the type of packing you opt for, the removals company you choose and any individual requirements you have.
Full-Packing Service
The packing team will box up your entire home from small items to bulky furniture a few days before your move using high-quality packing materials.
Part-Packing Service
If you want to pack some items yourself, you can opt for a part-packing service. The company will only pack items you have requested which often includes bulky items, awkward furniture or belongings you don't want to get damaged.
Owner-Packed Service
If you want to pack up your home yourself, you can opt to purchase packing materials directly from the removals company at an extra cost. Packing supplies will include items such as cardboard boxes, large containers, wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap and tape.
Fragile Packing Service
Fragile packing services are perfect for delicate items or things of high value that you don't want to risk getting damaged during transit. The removals team use specific packing techniques to keep valuables safe, and many offer white glove delivery services.
Piano Packing Service
Packing and moving companies can often assist with packing for specific items such as piano removals. Their team will be fully trained and ensure the piano is protected and packaged correctly for transit.
What Affects the Cost of a Packing Service?
Factors affecting the cost of packing services include:
Chosen Service
The type of service you choose will alter the total cost. Full packing services will cost significantly more than packing items yourself.
Distance Travelled
Items involved in long-distance relocations are more prone to damage when compared to local moves as they are in transit for a longer period.
Volume
The more items you need to be packed, the more expensive the packing service will be.
Size
The size of the items will affect the overall cost as larger items will take up more space and additional packing materials will be needed.
Weight
Heavier items will cost more to pack as more packing materials and potential reinforcements are required. Special care will need to be taken when these items are packaged and handled, which costs both time and resources.
Value
Higher-value items risk damage so specialist packing and moving are required which costs more than packing standard items.
You may choose to tip the removal company if you’re happy with the packing service provided.
Does the Packing Service Come with Full Insurance?
All of Compare My Move's removal partners must have Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance to join our network. This helps to protect movers from any loss or damage to items during transit. Insurance costs should be included in the final removal cost.
To learn more, read: Guide to Removals Insurance
Next Steps: Finding A Removal Company
Compare My Move connects users with up to 6 removal companies in their local area. Fill out our removal comparison form and save up to 70% on your moving costs.
Whether you need short or long-distance moving services, our partners are trustworthy and have passed our strict verification process. Removal companies are required to provide proof of Goods in Transit and Public Liability Insurance.
All data unless otherwise stated is based on the average service cost data for Compare My Move users in addition to our own research. See how our data works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can moving companies help pack for storage?
Most moving companies can help you pack items for storage in addition to removals. To protect your possessions from any risk of damp or damage whilst in storage, they will use high-quality packing materials.
Their packing team should also have experience in moving large and awkward items and can help when loading and unloading your belongings at the self-storage or container storage unit.
Do removal companies provide boxes?
Yes, removal companies will provide boxes if you have chosen to use their packing services. Unless you're using the materials to pack items yourself, these will be included in the packing costs.
If you request additional boxes specifically for items such as wardrobes or books on the moving day, you will likely be charged extra for these. It's useful to request these in advance to avoid any unexpected costs.
When does packing happen before moving day?
Depending on the type of packing service, the movers and packers will arrive at your home a day or two before your move to ensure everything is ready for your moving day.
For a full packing service, they will likely pack two or more days before moving day. If you’re using a part-pack or self-pack service, the movers will arrive a day before, depending on their schedule.
A pre-move survey will help a removals company to assess how many boxes and packing materials are needed.
