packing service?

lelole

Ok, so I know this is the exact opposite of moneysaving, more like laziness and money wasting, but have been thinking about the idea (maybe) of trying a packing service when we move...

I have asked for a quote (just from one, as still toying with idea) and looks like it might be about £200 on top of moving cost...

Has anyone tried it? How does it work? Worth doing or a complete waste of cash?

Thanks

Leah

PasturesNew

I know somebody who did it, it was brilliant. They moved so fast. No tiring, no slowing down, simply pick an item up, wrap, box, repeat... done. Box in the van. Next.

It was worth every penny.

The person had a whole house full of expensive paintings, knick knacks, pottery, sculptures... everywhere. Stuff everywhere.

And they just did it, like trojans. No slacking.

That was Pickfords, I think it cost about an extra £100 or so in the mid 90s. But it was worth it.

That same person is on the move again this year - and has said to me already "packing service - compulsory".

Do it.

fuzzipeg

I used one and it was the best money I spent during the whole moving process. Husband and I were getting nowhere fast with the packing lark so two guys came the day before we moved for 2-3 hours and packed everything. Then they came back the next day, dismantled the bed, packed it all incredibly neatly into the back of a van, drove it to new house and re-built the furniture. All for £600.

I thought it was an utter bargain.

hth, Fuzz

andyrules

Agree, i tried this when I moved with a baby and toddler. We got up, went out for brekkie then on to new house. The van arrived shortly after. Well worth it.

bitsandpieces

Getting someone else to pack will be quicker (doing it yourself always takes longer than you think) and they may pack things better than you would, making breakages less likely. If the £200 includes materials, you might save a few quid on buying your own, too.

On the other hand, packing yourself is cheaper. And you can make sure you pack anything expensive very carefully. I haven't paid for a packing service in my last few moves (it would have been more than £200 more, in my case), and am happy with my decision. It's also easier to clean after you've packed up most things.

martindow

I also got the removers to pack which was very good value I thought. They got most of it done the afternoon before the move and the final bits on the leaving morning. So much better than weeks of chaos and half filled boxes.

Pickfords also would only insure breakables if they did the packing.

Charlton_Taz

Definately money well spent. When OH and I last moved...the removal company charged us an extra £80 for packing, and I swear that was the best £80 I have ever spent in my life!!! Nothing to worry about in the week before moving...then on the actual moving day they turned up at 8am..packed everything...then delivered everything to new house and were gone by 4pm...absolutely brilliant! Effectively turning what could have been a rather stressful day into a lovely one!

Fire_Fox

If you have a lot of belongings the best thing you can do is to take the opportunity to have a major clear out - eBay what is worth money, charity shop or Freecycle the rest. Most of us seem to just move possessions we rarely use or look at from house to house and, as you say, the packing can seem overwhelming.

Emmzi

I used Clark and Rose last time and they were fab. You just make yourself a flask of tea and get a good book, and ask them to pack the chair you are sitting on last.

lelole

Wow thanks for all the replies, and to my surprise most of them seem to be very positive about the packing idea - I must admit I do like the idea of not having to stress too much, especially as we have a toddler and both have demanding jobs...

I have spoken to my other half and based on your replies he feels it would be worth doing too...

Do they also pack the contents of lofts as well?

Thank you for reassuring me!

Leah

amandajp_2

I would also recommend a packing service. We moved in May and paid an extra £200 for a 4 bed house to be packed. Personally we always unpack ourselves so we can put things where we want them.

With regards to lofts, most removal companies will only remove items if the lofts are boarded and have light. Ours was boarded but no light, so we just moved everything down to the spare room and they packed it from there.

Amanda