Self-packing vs professional packing
Pack it yourself and save, or pay the pros and save your weekend? An honest comparison of cost, time, risk and insurance.
Self-packing saves £150–300 but takes 2–3 days of your own time, and goods-in-transit insurance may not cover self-packed boxes. Professional packing is done in 3–4 hours on move day, all materials are included, and your belongings are insured during transit. If you have fragile or high-value items, professional packing is worth the extra cost.
Self vs professional packing
A quick side-by-side on the factors that matter most.
- Cost
- Self-packing
- £20–£50 (materials only)
- Professional packing
- £150–£400 (service fee)
- Time
- Self-packing
- 2–3 days of your own time
- Professional packing
- 3–4 hours on move day
- Breakage risk
- Self-packing
- Higher — packing skill varies
- Professional packing
- Lower — trained packers
- Insurance
- Self-packing
- Goods-in-transit may not cover self-packed boxes
- Professional packing
- Full cover — packer-packed goods are insured
- Materials
- Self-packing
- You source boxes, wrap, tape
- Professional packing
- All materials included in price
Cost compared
What you actually pay each way:
- Self-pack materials
- Typical cost
- £20–£50
- What is included
- Boxes, wrap, tape — more for bigger homes
- Partial pro packing
- Typical cost
- £80–£150
- What is included
- Pros handle fragile and kitchen items; you do the rest
- Full pro packing
- Typical cost
- £150–£400
- What is included
- Whole home packed, materials included
- Hidden cost: breakages
- Typical cost
- Varies
- What is included
- DIY breakages can erase the material saving entirely
Professional packing prices scale with home size and number of fragile items. Prices are indicative and accurate as of June 2026.
Time & effort
Packing a home is the most time-consuming part of moving. Done yourself, a two-bedroom home takes 2–3 full days; done professionally, a trained team packs the same home in 3–4 hours on move day.
If your time is scarce — a job, children, a tight completion date — paying for packing buys back 2–3 days you would otherwise lose.
“Professional packers work in a fast, systematic wrap-fill-label rhythm, which is why they can pack in hours what takes an individual days.”
— GiantVan operations data, 2025
Breakage risk & insurance
This is the part most people overlook. Professionals use the right materials and technique, so breakage rates are lower. Just as importantly, insurance treats self-packed and professionally packed boxes differently.
Goods-in-transit policies often limit or exclude cover for boxes packed by the customer. If your items arrive damaged and you packed the box yourself, the insurer may decline your claim. If you have valuables or fragile items, professional packing is the safest choice.
“Some goods-in-transit policies limit or exclude cover for boxes packed by the customer — professional packing is sometimes required for full cover on fragile items.”
— BAR / industry policy guidance, 2025
The trade-offs at a glance
Self-packing
- Cheaper — £20–£50 in materials
- Pack at your own pace over 2–3 days
- Higher breakage risk if technique is poor
- Goods-in-transit insurance may not cover self-packed boxes
Professional packing
- Fast — 3–4 hours on move day
- Lower breakage risk with trained packers
- Belongings insured during transit
- Adds £150–£400 to the cost of your move
Want the professionals to pack?
Add full or partial packing to your Giant Van move. Get a quote in 60 seconds.
“Best removal service I've used”
Sarah, London
When to choose each
A quick steer to help you decide.
- Choose self-packing if…You have time, a small home, few fragile items, and a flexible moving date.
- Choose partial packing if…You are happy to pack clothes and books but want professionals handling fragile and kitchen items.
- Choose full packing if…You are short on time, moving a big home, have lots of valuables, or want full insurance cover.
- Either way…Label every box by room and keep an essentials box with you on the day.
Packing service FAQs
Is professional packing worth the money?
How much does a professional packing service cost in the UK?
Are self-packed boxes covered by goods-in-transit insurance?
How long does it take to pack a house yourself?
Can I mix self-packing and professional packing?
Want the pros to pack?
Add full or partial packing to your move — quote in 60 seconds.
