How Much Packing Service Cost

Packing is one of the most time-consuming and physically demanding parts of moving house. If you’re short on time, worried about breakables, or simply want a hassle-free move, hiring a professional packing service can be a game-changer. But how much does it actually cost? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the cost of packing services in the UK, what’s included, and whether it’s worth the investment.

Packing service costs

Average Cost of Packing Services by Property Size

While the exact cost depends on various factors, here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay for a full packing service in the UK:

  • 1-Bedroom Flat: £180–£250

  • 2-Bedroom Home: £250–£350

  • 3-Bedroom Home: £350–£500

  • 4-Bedroom Home: £500–£700

  • 5-Bedroom Home: £700–£1,000+

These prices usually include packing materials such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, but always confirm what’s included when you get your quote.

Factors That Affect Packing Service Costs

Several variables can influence the final cost of a packing service:

  • Property size: Larger homes take more time and materials to pack.

  • Volume of belongings: Homes with more items or clutter cost more to pack.

  • Type of service: Full packing is more expensive than partial or fragile-only packing.

  • Packing materials: Some companies include them; others charge separately.

  • Accessibility: Long carries, stairs, or limited parking can increase labour costs.

  • Distance of the move: Long-distance relocations require more secure packing.

  • Special items: Pianos, artwork, or antiques may need custom packaging.

Types of Packing Services Available

Professional removal companies typically offer several types of packing services to suit different needs and budgets:

Full Packing Service

  • Entire home packed by trained professionals
  • All packing materials included
  • Furniture dismantling and wrapping
  • Items labelled for easier unpacking

Partial Packing Service

  • Only selected rooms or items are packed
  • Useful for packing difficult or bulky items
  • More budget-friendly

Fragile-Only Packing

  • Glassware, electronics, artwork, and valuables
  • Packed with specialist materials and techniques
  • Minimises risk of damage

Self-Pack with Materials

  • You do the packing
  • Company supplies boxes, bubble wrap, tape, etc.

Unpacking Services (Add-On)

  • Available at an extra cost
  • Items unpacked and packaging removed

What’s Included in a Full Packing Service?

When you book a full packing service, here’s what’s generally included:

  • Strong cardboard boxes in various sizes

  • Bubble wrap, packing paper, and heavy-duty tape

  • Wardrobe boxes for clothing

  • Mattress covers and sofa protectors (if needed)

  • Systematic room-by-room packing

  • Labels on all boxes to identify contents and destination

  • Dismantling and wrapping of large furniture

  • Careful handling of fragile and high-value items

Hourly Rates vs. Flat Fee

Packing services in the UK are typically priced in one of two ways: hourly rates or a flat fee. Each pricing model suits different moving scenarios, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons before booking.

🔧 Hourly Rate Packing Services

With hourly billing, you’re charged based on how many hours the packing team works. This approach is flexible and commonly used for smaller or partial packing jobs.

Typical Rates:

1 packer: £25–£30 per hour
2 packers: £45–£60 per hour

Ideal for:

Fragile-only packing (e.g. kitchenware, electronics)
Packing a single room or set of items
Flexible or last-minute jobs
Households that want to stay within a strict time budget

Advantages:

Pay only for time used
Good for light loads or partial assistance
Easy to scale up or down based on your needs

Considerations:

If the job takes longer than expected, costs can rise quickly
You may need to supervise to avoid inefficiencies

📦 Flat Fee Packing Services

With a flat rate, you’re quoted a fixed price for the entire job based on your property size, the number of items, and the level of service.

How It Works:

Based on home size, belongings volume, and type of packing (full or partial)
Includes all labour and materials
Usually booked after a video survey or site visit

Ideal for:

Full-house packing jobs
Busy homeowners who want a no-surprises price
Moves involving large families or multiple rooms

Advantages:

Predictable cost — no surprises on moving day
Easier to budget, especially when combined with a full removals service
Time-efficient — professionals handle the job without delays

Considerations:

You pay the full price even if it takes less time
Less flexible if your needs change suddenly

Optional Extras That May Add to the Cost

While a standard packing service usually covers the essentials, several optional add-ons can increase the total cost. These extras can enhance convenience and protection during your move — but they come at an additional price. Here’s a breakdown:

💎 Fragile-Only Packing – from £80
For customers who only need help packing delicate items like glassware, ceramics, electronics, or antiques. This service uses high-quality materials such as foam, bubble wrap, and custom inserts to ensure maximum protection.

👔 Wardrobe Boxes – from £10 each
These tall, hanging boxes are designed for transporting clothes without folding or creasing. Ideal for preserving suits, dresses, and coats. Some companies include them in full-packing quotes, but they’re often charged separately.

🛏 Mattress or TV Covers – price varies
Special covers are available for protecting large or valuable items. Mattress bags typically cost £5–£10 each, while padded TV boxes or flat-screen protectors can range from £15–£40 depending on size and brand.

📦 Unpacking Service – quoted separately
Want help setting up your new home? Some movers offer unpacking services, where they empty boxes, dispose of packaging, and even arrange furniture. Pricing is usually based on time and home size.

🔧 Furniture Assembly/Disassembly – additional fee
If your furniture needs to be dismantled before the move and reassembled afterward, removals teams can handle this — but it’s often not included in standard packing rates. Costs typically range from £30–£80 per large item.

🛡️ Insurance Upgrades for High-Value Items
Standard packing services often include basic Goods in Transit insurance. However, for antiques, artwork, or other high-value possessions, you may want enhanced coverage. Premium insurance can be added for peace of mind and may be based on declared item values.

Is a Packing Service Worth It?

Whether or not a packing service is worth the cost depends on your budget, time constraints, and physical ability. Here are the key benefits:

  • Saves time — packers can complete in hours what might take you days

  • Reduces stress — everything is handled for you

  • Minimises damage — trained pros know how to wrap and protect properly

  • Includes insurance — items packed by pros are usually insured

  • Ideal for busy families, the elderly, or last-minute movers

Money-Saving Tips

Hiring a packing service doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few smart strategies, you can keep costs down while still enjoying the convenience of professional help. Here’s how:

📦 Pack Less – Declutter Before the Move
The fewer items you bring, the less time and materials the packers will need. Before your moving date, take time to donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer use. Focus on bulky, low-value, or duplicate items — especially in the kitchen, wardrobe, and attic.

🔄 Do a Hybrid Move – Pack Some Items Yourself
You don’t have to choose between all or nothing. Many movers opt for a hybrid approach — packing lighter, low-risk items like books, clothes, and linens themselves, while hiring professionals for breakables, electronics, and awkward furniture. This can cut your packing service bill significantly.

📅 Book Mid-Week or Off-Season for Lower Rates
Moving companies are busiest on weekends, at month-end, and during the summer. If your schedule allows, try to book on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or during the off-peak winter months. Many companies offer discounts for mid-week or off-season slots due to lower demand.

💬 Compare Multiple Quotes to Get the Best Price
Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Contact several local removal companies or use a comparison service to get multiple offers. Ensure you’re comparing like-for-like (i.e., materials included, insurance coverage, packing type) to find the best deal for your needs.

💡 Tip: Want a quick way to estimate your full move and packing costs? Try our Removal Costs Calculator to get free, no-obligation quotes from local moving experts.

Final Thoughts

Packing services can add £200–£1,000+ to your moving budget, but for many households, the convenience, time savings, and reduced risk of damage are well worth the cost. With flexible options like full, partial, and fragile-only packing, you can choose the service that best fits your move.

Before booking, always confirm what’s included, check if packing materials and insurance are covered, and ask for a breakdown of any optional extras.

Ready to book your packing team? Compare quotes from local professionals to get the best value and ensure your move is as smooth as possible.