Packing Services
Full-pack, partial-pack or self-pack: a real cost-versus-time trade-off
Pros
- Full-pack saves you significant time in the weeks before the move
- Partial-pack is a genuine middle ground: pay for help only where fragility or awkward shapes make it matter most
- Professionally packed boxes may be treated differently under a firm’s liability terms; ask each firm
Cons
- Full-pack is usually the largest optional add-on; ask for it as a separate line on each quote so you can see what it adds
- Self-packed items are sometimes excluded or limited under a firm’s standard cover, so check before assuming everything is covered
About Packing Services
Packing is usually offered as full-pack (the crew packs the agreed contents: least effort for you, but the most expensive option), partial-pack (the crew handles fragile or awkward items such as kitchenware, glassware and artwork while you pack straightforward items like clothing and books) or self-pack (no packing charge, but the time and materials are easy to underestimate, and self-packed boxes are sometimes covered differently from professionally packed ones). There is no universally right choice: it depends on how much time you have before moving day, how much fragile or valuable content you own and how much you value not doing it yourself.
What to confirm in every packing quote
| Question | Why it matters | Get in writing |
|---|---|---|
| Who supplies boxes and materials? | Some firms include cartons and specialist boxes; others charge per item or expect you to buy your own | Included, charged per item, or supplied by you |
| Is unpacking included? | “Packing” does not automatically include unpacking at the new home | Which rooms, and whether items are put away or only unwrapped |
| Exactly what is in scope? | “Fragile items” means different things to different firms | A room-by-room item list attached to the quote |
| How are self-packed boxes treated? | Cover for damage to contents can differ by who packed the box | The liability or insurance wording that applies |
For a fuller comparison of scope, time and responsibility, read is a professional packing service worth it? For specific items, see packing glassware, mirrors and artwork and packing electronics and home-office equipment.
How this works
Check
See if packing services suits your move
Request a quote
Leave your details below, with no obligation
Get matched
We look for a removal firm who covers your area
Frequently asked questions
Does self-packing affect my insurance cover?
It can. Some removal firms’ standard liability excludes or limits damage claims on the contents of boxes you packed yourself, because they cannot see how fragile items were protected inside. Check the policy wording, and consider professional packing for genuinely fragile or high-value items even if you self-pack the rest.
Are you a removals company yourselves?
No. Compare House Movers is an independent comparison and information service. If a firm says it belongs to the British Association of Removers (BAR), check that with BAR before booking. BAR says its members must follow its Membership Criteria and Code of Practice, and that its Advance Payment Guarantee covers a move paid for in advance if a member ceases trading.
Is any pricing on this page guaranteed?
No. This page gives general guidance, not prices or quotes. Always get itemised quotes from more than one removal firm before committing, and check exactly what is included.
What happens after I request a quote?
We look for a removal firm who covers your area to arrange a proper survey (in person or by video). There is no obligation to proceed with any quote.
Request a removals quote
Free and no obligation. Tell us about your move and we will look for a removal firm that covers your area.