So, You’re Thinking About Hiring Packers…
You’ve booked the movers, arranged the change of address, cancelled the broadband, and now… the packing begins. Or does it?
Here’s the thing: packing isn’t just stuffing socks in a suitcase and crossing your fingers. It’s bubble wrap, labels, disassembly, reassembly, tea breaks, and more tape than any one person should own. Somewhere between your fourth box of “miscellaneous cables” and deciding if your blender really needs to make the journey, the idea of hiring professional packers starts to sound less like a luxury and more like basic survival.
But is it expensive? And is it actually worth it in London, where even air seems to be priced by the square foot?
Let’s unpack it.
How Much Does a Packing Service Actually Cost in London?
In short: it depends — but here’s a good ballpark.
For a typical two-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at anywhere between £200 and £600 for full packing, depending on how much stuff you own, how delicate it is, and how quickly you need it packed. For larger homes, it can go higher, especially if there’s an attic of mystery boxes or a secret hoarder room you forgot about.
Some companies charge hourly rates (usually £60–£80/hr for a 2-person team), while others provide fixed quotes after a video survey or in-person visit. Materials (like boxes, wrapping paper, bubble wrap) are often included but not always, and that’s where costs can creep up.
At RAD, we keep things simple: transparent pricing, fair estimates, and advice you can actually use. No sudden add-ons for tape or stairs or “aura disruption handling.”
What’s Usually Included in the Cost of Packing?
Here’s the golden question: What are you paying for really?
A professional packing service generally includes:
- All the packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, furniture covers, tape, labels — the good stuff, not the see-through knockoff stuff from mystery retailers).
- Labelling and inventory so you know what’s what and where it’s going.
- Dismantling furniture if needed — beds, tables, wardrobes, and anything that looks like a puzzle.
- Wrapping fragile items like mirrors, glassware, artwork, heirloom vases (yes, even the one you claim you don’t care about).
- Efficient boxing — not just putting stuff into boxes, but actually making them travel-safe and storage-proof.
Some companies also offer partial packing (just your kitchen or breakables), while others give you a complete white-glove service where you don’t lift a finger except to point.
Are There Any Sneaky Extras I Should Watch Out For?
You bet.
Not all quotes are as honest as they should be. Some companies will dazzle you with a low estimate… and then ambush you with “extras” like:
- “Premium” packing materials (as if there’s a platinum-grade cardboard no one else knows about).
- Surcharges for weekend or evening packing.
- Additional charges for fragile or heavy items, like upright pianos, aquariums, or seven crates of wine glasses (no judgment).
- Fees for disassembling furniture, even though they made it sound as if they included it.
At RAD, we avoid the fine-print booby traps. What you see is what you get — and if something’s optional, we’ll tell you like normal humans, not legal goblins.
How Much Does a Full Packing Service Actually Cost?
Let’s break it down. In London, a full packing service can range from £200 to £600+, depending on:
- The size of your home (a 1-bed flat is very different from a 4-bed townhouse in Richmond).
- How much you want packed — is it just the kitchen and wardrobe, or every single sock and spoon?
- Accessibility (yes, that 4th-floor walk-up matters).
- Timeframe — Last-minute jobs sometimes cost more.
At RAD, we typically quote between £300–£550+VAT for a full-pack job in a 2–3 bed London home, complete with professional-grade wrapping, fragile handling, and a team that won’t nick your biscuits. (Unless offered. Then it’s fair game.)
Can I Just Get Help With Certain Rooms?
Absolutely. Not everything needs the VIP treatment.
Many of our clients only need help with the tricky stuff, like:
- Kitchens (glass, ceramics, 8-year-old bottles of balsamic that still matter).
- Books and offices (no, your back doesn’t want to carry 17 boxes of hardbacks).
- Fragile décor (mirrors, antiques, framed art, grandad’s clock).
We call it partial packing, and it’s a smart way to save money without sacrificing your sanity. We’ll handle the awkward and breakable, and you can take care of the rest — or not, we’re flexible.
Is There a Standard Rate for Packing Services in London?
Not quite. Packing services aren’t one-size-fits-all. However, most professional removals companies in London (including us at RAD) will quote based on:
- Hourly rate (typically £60–£85+VAT per hour for a 2-person team),
- Or a fixed cost per job based on a home survey or detailed inventory.
The important bit? Always ask what’s included. Some firms charge extra for materials (tape, boxes, mattress covers), others include it. At RAD, we give you clear, upfront quotes — no mystery fees, no strange math. Just straight-talking removals with a side of packing wizardry.
Do Packing Services Charge Per Box or Per Hour?
Here’s the short answer: usually per hour. But…
Some companies quote per box, especially when providing storage-only packing or self-packing support. It’s rarer in London’s full-service scene. More often, you’ll be paying for time and the size of your team. One professional packer can pack 30 to 40 boxes per day.
We like to keep it clean. At RAD:
- Full packing = flat rate (based on survey),
- Small jobs = per hour,
- All jobs = efficient and done right.
You’re not paying for the number of boxes we tape, you’re paying for peace of mind. And maybe fewer arguments with your partner about how to wrap a wine glass.
What Affects the Price of a Packing Service the Most?
Glad you asked — it’s not just about square footage. Here’s what really bumps the price up or down:
- Volume of belongings – More stuff = more time = more cost.
- Fragility – Antique mirror collection? That takes time and special care.
- Accessibility – Top floor, no lift, spiral staircase? We’ll still do it — but it adds time.
- Packing materials – Some jobs need crates, wardrobe boxes, or extra fragile padding.
- Time constraints – Same-day emergency pack? It can be done, but at a premium.
At RAD, we assess all this before giving you a quote. No surprises, no “we didn’t see that vase” charges. Just real-life pricing for real-life moving.
How Can I Save Money on Packing Without Compromising Quality?
Believe it or not, you don’t have to choose between your budget and your sanity.
Here are a few cost-saving moves that don’t cut corners:
- Declutter first – Less to pack = smaller job = lower quote.
- Let the pros do the fragile stuff – Pack clothes and books yourself, but leave the china and glass to us.
- Group your items logically – It helps speed up the process (and we charge for time).
- Book midweek or off-peak – Fridays are chaos, Tuesdays are golden.
And hey, if you’re not sure, just ask. We’re happy to build a part-pack, part-DIY plan that keeps your move safe and affordable.
Final Thoughts: Is Hiring Professional Packers Worth the Cost?
Short answer? If you like your sanity, your glassware unshattered, and your friendships intact, absolutely.
Packing isn’t just chucking things into boxes. It’s wrapping, protecting, labelling, lifting, and staying calm when you open a cupboard full of Tupperware lids with no matching bases.
When you hire pros like RAD Removals and Storage, you’re not just paying for tape and cardboard — you’re buying peace of mind, time saved, and your favourite mug arriving in one piece.
We get it, London’s not cheap. But stress-free packing? That might just be priceless.
