Yes, many removal companies will pack for you. Professional packers can box kitchenware, wrap fragile items with care, and save you hours of work while reducing the risk of damage in transit.
This guide explains what packing services usually include, how UK pricing is typically calculated, the benefits of using trained packers, and which items movers often won’t pack.
You’ll understand the differences between full, partial, and fragile-only packing, see practical cost ranges by property size, and get clear steps for items you should handle yourself.
Use the checklists, tables, and tips to decide whether to book full packing, buy materials to do it yourself,
What Packing Services Do Removal Companies Offer?
Packing services are available in several options designed to protect your belongings and speed up moving day. Professional teams combine experienced packers, a staged inventory approach, and the right materials to reduce damage and make loading quicker, which also helps if you need to make an insurance claim.
Typical service types are full-house packing, partial or room-by-room packing, fragile-only packing, and supply-only options for DIY packers. Below are short descriptions and common use-cases to help you match the service to your needs.
Removal companies commonly offer these main packing service types:
- Full packing service: Everything is packed from top to bottom using professional materials and clearly labelled boxes, ideal if you want a hands-off move.
- Partial packing: Packers focus on specific rooms or high-effort areas so you can save money while getting help where it matters most.
- Fragile-only packing: Specialist wrapping for glassware, china, artwork, and electronics with carefully chosen protective materials and techniques.
- Supply-only: Boxes and packing materials are supplied to customers who prefer to pack themselves but want reliable, high-quality materials.
Each option fits different budgets and schedules; the section below explains what a full-house packing service usually covers.
Full House Packing Service: What It Includes
A full house packing service means trained packers bring all the materials, pack every room, and label boxes to make unpacking straightforward.
It normally starts with an on-site or video survey to estimate materials and time, then moves on to systematic packing of kitchenware, clothing, books, furniture parts, and fragile items using boxes, bubble wrap, wardrobe boxes, and tape.
Teams label boxes by room and priority, prepare a simple inventory, and can dismantle and reassemble furniture where needed to protect large pieces. The result is reduced loading time on moving day and often clearer insurance handling because items were professionally packed.
Partial and Fragile Item Packing Options
Partial packing lets you choose which rooms or item types the packers handle, reducing cost while still protecting the most at-risk belongings. Common setups are having packers handle the kitchen and fragile items while you box clothes and books, or booking fragile-only packing for antiques and electronics.
Specialist fragile packing uses double-boxing, corner protectors, and custom crating for odd-shaped or high-value items to minimise movement and impact. Many households find that a mix of partial packing plus supply-only materials gives the best balance of protection and value.
At Stokes Removals & Storage, a family-run, fully insured service serving Leicestershire, we offer full packing, partial packing, fragile-only packing, and supply-only packing materials. We provide free, no-obligation quotes and can help you choose the right mix of services for your move and budget.
| Service Type | What’s Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | All rooms are packed with labelling, inventory, and protective materials | Customers wanting a turnkey move |
| Partial packing | Selected rooms or items packed, flexible scope | Budget-conscious customers needing targeted help |
| Fragile-only | Specialist wrapping, custom boxes, careful handling | Antiques, glass, electronics, and art |
| Supply-only | Boxes and packing materials are supplied for customers to pack their own items | DIY packers who need quality materials |
This table summarises the service types so you can compare scope and suitability before requesting quotes.
How Much Does Professional Packing Cost In The UK?
Packing costs depend on property size, the number of fragile or specialist items, access, and the time required. Companies commonly charge by the hour per packer or offer a fixed price for a full-house pack.
The main price drivers are the number of boxes, item complexity (for example, a piano or large antiques), how many packers are needed, travel time, and any specialist materials or crating.
A free in-home or video survey gives the most accurate quote because estimators can check volumes and access.
Below is a practical cost table with approximate ranges to help with your planning. Treat these prices as estimates and request a formal quote for a precise price.
Factors that influence packing prices:
- Property size and volume of belongings determine labour and materials.
- The quantity of fragile or irregular items requires extra time and specialist materials.
- Access and parking difficulties, which add handling time and may increase crew size.
- Timing and surge demand, such as weekends or peak seasons, affect availability and rates.
| Property Size | Example Service | Typical Price Range (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom flat | Partial or full packing completed in a single day | £150 – £300 |
| 2-bedroom house | Partial or full packing with fragile packing | £250 – £450 |
| 3-bedroom house | Full packing with inventory | £400 – £700 |
| 4-bedroom house | Full packing and specialist crating | £600 – £1,000 |
These ranges are indicative; for a tailored price, request a survey and a free, no-obligation quote from your local provider.
Stokes Removals & Storage follows a pricing approach based on free, no-obligation quotes and local surveys across Leicestershire. We consider access, volume, and any specialist packing needs so you get a clear, practical estimate.
What Are The Benefits Of Choosing Professional Packing Services?
Using professional packers brings clear benefits: you save time, reduce stress, better protect fragile items, and make loading and unloading smoother on moving day. Quality materials and proven techniques lower the chance of breakage, while labelled boxes and simple inventories speed up unpacking and any claims process.
Trained teams also reduce physical strain and delays, letting you focus on the admin side of the move. Below are the key benefits and what they mean in practice.
- Time savings: Professional teams pack far faster than most DIY efforts, giving you hours or days back.
- Damage reduction: Correct materials and techniques reduce the risk of breakage in transit.
- Insurance clarity: Professionally packed items are easier to document and can simplify liability discussions if something goes wrong.
These reasons explain why many people choose professional packing for complex or time-sensitive moves.
As a fully insured local business, Stokes Removals & Storage uses trained, uniformed crews, quality packing materials, and clear insurance cover for professionally packed items. Contact us for a free quote and advice on the packing level that suits your move.
Time and Stress Savings When Movers Pack for You
Professional packing can turn several days of DIY work into a few hours, which is especially helpful for busy households or families with young children. Crews follow efficient steps, survey, pack, label, and inventory, to speed the whole process and reduce last-minute packing errors that often cause damage.
To get the most from the service, prioritise boxes by what you’ll need first and tell the team which items must stay accessible.
Safety, Insurance, and Quality Packing Materials
Professional packers use a range of materials, including single and double-walled boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, wardrobe boxes, and strong tape, chosen to suit each item’s fragility and weight. Correct packing limits movement and impact in transit.
Insurance and claims processes often refer to whether items were packed professionally, so having trained staff pack your goods can make discussions simpler if damage occurs.
Helpful steps include photographing high-value items before packing, keeping an inventory, and flagging anything that needs custom crating. These small actions improve outcomes and support smoother claims handling if needed.
Are There Items That Removal Companies Won’t Pack?
Yes, for safety, legal, and liability reasons, many removal companies won’t pack certain items. Typical exclusions include hazardous materials, perishables, high-value personal documents, and some live plants or animals.
The reasons are usually safety regulations, contamination risk, and transport limits that make professional handling impractical or illegal. Below is a practical list of common exclusions with suggested actions so you can plan around items movers won’t accept.
- Hazardous materials: Flammable liquids, gases, batteries. Arrange a specialist courier or dispose of them safely.
- Perishables: Food and plants, consume, give away, or transport personally to avoid spoilage.
- Valuables and documents: Jewellery, passports, deeds, carry these with you or use an insured courier service.
- Live animals: Usually not transported by removal vans, arrange specialist transport or travel with the animal yourself.
| Item Category | Reason for Exclusion | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Hazardous materials | Safety and transport law | Use specialist disposal or courier |
| Perishables | Spoilage risk | Personal transport, or consume, or give away |
| Valuables and documents | Security and liability | Carry personally or use an insured courier |
| Live plants and animals | Welfare and transport limits | Arrange specialist transport |
This table explains why certain items are excluded and suggests safe alternatives so your move stays compliant and secure.
Preparing Items Not Covered by Packing Services
For items movers won’t pack, make an inventory and photograph each piece, then choose a secure transport option, personal transfer, a specialist courier, or short-term insured storage, depending on value and sensitivity.
Use sturdy, clearly labelled boxes for the items you’ll carry, and keep essential documents and valuables on your person during transit.
If you’re unsure about any particular item, discuss it with your removal company during the survey so they can advise on permitted handling or recommend local specialists. Planning for excluded items avoids last-minute stress and helps ensure nothing important is left behind.
This guide gives the practical information you need to decide whether to book professional packing, combine services, or self-pack. Use the checklists and tables above to brief estimators and get accurate quotes.
If you’d like local help, Stokes Removals & Storage can provide free, no-obligation quotes and tailored packing options across Leicestershire. Contact us by phone or visit our local address to arrange a survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose The Right Packing Service For My Move?
Pick the service that fits your needs, budget, and schedule. Think about how big your home is, how many fragile items you have, and how much time you can spend packing. If you’re short on time or have lots of delicate items, a full packing service makes sense.
If you want to save money, consider partial packing or supply-only options. Speak to your removal company for tailored advice based on your situation.
Can I Pack My Own Items And Still Hire Professional Movers?
Absolutely. Many people use a hybrid approach: they pack non-fragile items themselves and leave delicate or high-value items to the professionals. This reduces costs while ensuring your most important belongings are handled correctly. Just tell the removal team which items you’ll pack so there’s no confusion on moving day.
What Should I Do If I Have Special Items That Require Custom Packing?
If you have antiques, artwork, or large electronics that need custom packing, mention them during the initial consultation. Professional packers can provide bespoke solutions like custom crating and specialist materials to protect unique or valuable items. Give details on size, weight, and fragility so the team can prepare properly.
How Can I Ensure My Items Are Insured During The Move?
Check the insurance options offered by your removal company. Most movers include basic liability cover, but you may want extra insurance for very valuable items. Take photographs and keep an inventory to support any claim. Discuss coverage limits and additional costs with the company before you book.