Thinking about using a full packing service for your house move? Professional packing can take one of the most time-consuming jobs off your hands, giving you more time to focus on everything else involved in moving home.

But what does a full packing service actually include? From providing packing materials to carefully wrapping fragile belongings, here’s what you can expect from a professional removals packing service.

Why Choose a Full Packing Service?

Packing an entire home can take days, particularly if you have accumulated belongings over many years. For busy families, people working full-time or anyone facing a tight moving schedule, professional packing can make the process considerably easier.

A full packing service can be particularly useful if:

• You have a busy work or family schedule.
• You want to reduce the risk of damage to your belongings.
• You are moving at short notice.
• You are moving a large property with lots of contents.
• You are relocating a long distance or overseas.
• You simply want to take some of the stress out of moving home.

Instead of spending evenings and weekends working through cupboards and boxes, a professional team can handle the packing for you.

If you’re planning a wider house removal, combining your removals and packing services can also make the whole process easier to manage.

What Does a Full Packing Service Include?

While services can vary between removals companies, a full packing service will typically cover the majority of your household belongings.

Professional Packers at Your Home

A trained packing team will come to your property, usually shortly before your moving date.

They will work systematically through your home, packing belongings room by room and making sure items are properly protected before they are placed into boxes.

Depending on the size of your home and how much you own, packing may take several hours or a full day. Your removals company should be able to give you a better idea of the timescale following a removals survey.

Professional Packing Materials

One of the biggest advantages of using a professional packing service is that you don’t have to source everything yourself.

A removals company will typically provide suitable materials such as:

• Double-walled removal boxes in a range of sizes.
• Packing paper.
• Bubble wrap and protective materials.
• Strong packing tape.
• Labels and markers.
• Wardrobe cartons for hanging clothes.

Using the right materials helps protect your belongings during handling, loading, transportation and unloading.

Packing Your Household Belongings

A full packing service generally covers most of the contents of your home, including:

• Kitchenware such as plates, glasses, pans and utensils.
• Small kitchen appliances.
• Books and ornaments.
• Pictures and decorative items.
• Clothes and shoes.
• Bedding and towels.
• Toys and children’s belongings.
• Hobby equipment.
• General household items.

Fragile belongings are carefully wrapped and cushioned before being placed into appropriate boxes.

The aim isn’t simply to get everything into boxes. Professional packers organise and protect your belongings so they can be safely handled during the move.

How Are Boxes Labelled?

Good organisation can make a big difference when you arrive at your new home.

Boxes are typically labelled according to the room they came from, with additional descriptions where useful. For example:

• Kitchen – Glasses & Mugs
• Bedroom – Bedding
• Living Room – Ornaments

This helps the removals team identify where boxes need to go when unloading and makes it much easier for you to find what you need when you start unpacking.

What Doesn’t a Full Packing Service Include?

“Full packing” doesn’t necessarily mean absolutely everything in your home will be packed.

There are some belongings that you may be advised to keep with you, particularly items that are personal, valuable or needed immediately.

These can include:

• Passports and identification.
• Important legal or financial documents.
• Bank cards and cash.
• Prescription medication.
• Jewellery and particularly valuable personal possessions.
• Essential toiletries and clothing.
• Items you will need immediately after arriving at your new home.

Your removals company should be able to explain what they recommend you keep with you and what can be included in the packing service.

How Are Fragile and Valuable Items Packed?

Fragile belongings require additional care during a move.

Professional packers can individually wrap delicate items using appropriate protective materials before placing them into suitably sized boxes. Items such as china, glassware and ornaments may receive additional cushioning to reduce movement inside the box.

Heavier belongings should generally be packed underneath lighter items, helping to reduce the risk of damage.

If you own particularly valuable or unusual items, let your removals company know before moving day. Artwork, antiques, large mirrors and other specialist items may require additional protection or bespoke packing solutions.

Specialist items such as pianos may also require separate arrangements and specialist handling.

What Happens on Moving Day?

One of the biggest benefits of a full packing service is that much of the preparation has already been taken care of before moving day.

Rather than still working through cupboards and packing boxes when the removals team arrives, your belongings should be organised and ready for loading.

This means you can concentrate on other parts of the move, such as:

• Looking after children or pets.
• Completing last-minute cleaning.
• Taking meter readings.
• Checking cupboards and loft spaces.
• Handing over your keys.
• Getting to your new home.

For many people, this reduction in last-minute pressure is one of the biggest advantages of professional packing.

Is a Full Packing Service Worth It?

A full packing service is an additional cost, but it’s worth considering what your time is worth too.

Packing an entire home can take several days, particularly if you’re trying to fit it around work and family commitments. Professional packers can complete the job efficiently while giving you the reassurance that your belongings are being prepared for transportation by experienced professionals.

A full packing service can be particularly worthwhile if:

• You have a large property.
• You have a lot of belongings.
• You are moving on a tight timescale.
• You are moving long distance or overseas.
• You have young children.
• You have limited time available for packing.
• You want to make your moving day as straightforward as possible.

Could Part-Packing Be a Better Option?

You don’t always have to choose between packing everything yourself and paying for a full packing service.

A part-packing service can give you a middle ground.

For example, you could pack straightforward items such as clothes and books yourself, while asking professional packers to handle more time-consuming or fragile areas such as the kitchen, glassware and ornaments.

This can reduce the amount of work you need to do while keeping the overall cost lower than a full packing service.

How Far in Advance Should You Arrange Packing?

It’s a good idea to discuss packing requirements with your removals company as early as possible, particularly if you have a large home or a fixed moving date.

During your removals survey, tell the company approximately how many belongings you have and whether you need a full or part-packing service. This allows them to plan the appropriate number of packers, materials and time needed.

If your moving date is approaching quickly, don’t assume it’s too late. Contact your removals company and ask what options are available.

Make Moving Day Easier With Professional Packing

A full packing service can remove one of the biggest jobs from your moving checklist. From supplying professional packing materials to carefully wrapping your belongings and organising boxes by room, experienced packers can help make the entire moving process more manageable.

If you’re planning a house move and don’t have the time, confidence or inclination to pack everything yourself, professional packing could be a worthwhile investment.

Thinking about using a professional packing service for your move? Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements and find out how we can help make your move easier.