Comparison Guide
Packing Yourself vs Packing Service
Should you pack your own boxes or pay the movers to do it? Compare the costs, time savings, and insurance implications.
Quick Answer| Last updated: May 2026
Packing yourself is cheaper (costing just £50-£150 for materials) but takes days of stressful work, and movers won't insure breakages in boxes you pack. A professional packing service costs £150-£600+ but saves massive amounts of time, ensures fragile items are packed safely, and provides full insurance cover for breakages.
Comparison Overview
| Feature | Pack Yourself (DIY) | Professional Packing |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | £50 - £150 (materials only) | £150 - £600+ (materials + labour) |
| Time Required | 3-7 days of your time | 1 day (done by movers) |
| Insurance Cover | Total loss only (no breakages) | Full breakage cover |
| Stress Level | High (living in boxes for weeks) | Low (done day before move) |
| Best For | Strict budgets, small flats | Busy professionals, large houses |
Pack Yourself (DIY)
Pros
- • Significantly cheaper
- • Forces you to declutter as you go
- • You know exactly what is in every box
- • Complete privacy for personal items
Cons
- • Extremely time-consuming and tiring
- • Movers won't insure items you packed
- • Risk of poor packing leading to damage
- • Living amongst boxes for weeks
Professional Packing
Pros
- • Saves you days of exhausting work
- • Fully insured against breakages
- • Professional materials used correctly
- • House stays normal until the day before
Cons
- • Costs hundreds of pounds extra
- • Strangers handling your personal items
- • They pack everything (including rubbish if not binned)
Frequently Asked Questions
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