Professional Packing vs Self-Packing in Dublin | Which Should You Choose?

Professional Packing vs Self-Packing in Dublin: Which Should You Choose?

Should you pack everything yourself before moving, or is it worth using professional packers?

Choosing between self-packing and a professional packing service Dublin customers can arrange depends on the size of your move, how much time you have, the type of belongings being moved and whether your goods are travelling locally, going into storage or moving internationally.

For some people, packing themselves is perfectly practical. For others, professional packing can save considerable time and help ensure fragile, awkward and valuable belongings are properly prepared for transport.

A third option is partial packing, where you pack straightforward belongings yourself and leave the more difficult or fragile items to the professionals.

Get Cracking Relocations & Storage provides professional packing services in Dublin for house moves, apartment removals, office relocations and international moves.

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Professional Packing Service Dublin vs Self-Packing

There is no single packing solution that suits every move.

Someone moving from a small apartment may be comfortable packing clothing, books and general belongings themselves.

A family moving the contents of a larger house may feel differently once every kitchen cupboard, wardrobe, television, mirror, picture and piece of glassware has to be safely prepared.

There are three main choices:

• Full professional packing
• Partial professional packing
• Self-packing or Packed by Owner (PBO)

Understanding the differences can help you decide which approach is most suitable for your move.

What Is a Full Professional Packing Service?

With full professional packing, the moving team packs the agreed contents of your home or office.

The exact service should be confirmed when requesting your quotation, but packing may include:

• Moving cartons and appropriate packing materials
• Kitchen packing
• Glassware and crockery
• Books and household belongings
• Clothing and wardrobe contents
• Pictures and mirrors
• Televisions and agreed electronics
• Furniture protection
• Room-by-room carton labelling
• Agreed furniture dismantling
• Packing for storage
• Export packing for international relocations where required

A full professional packing service Dublin customers choose can be particularly useful when there is a large volume of belongings or limited time before moving day.

Who Should Consider Professional Packing?

Professional packing may be particularly useful if:

• You have a large house or apartment
• You work full time
• You have young children
• You have a large quantity of fragile belongings
• You are moving at short notice
• You are relocating internationally
• Your belongings are going into storage
• You simply do not want to spend evenings and weekends packing

Moving already involves keys, utilities, cleaning, work commitments, schools, solicitors or landlords and arrangements at the new property.

Having professional packers prepare the agreed contents can remove a substantial task from your moving checklist.

What Is a Partial Packing Service?

Partial packing can be an excellent compromise.

You pack the simple belongings yourself while professional packers handle the fragile, difficult or time-consuming items.

Items You Might Pack Yourself

• Clothes
• Books
• Bedding
• Towels
• Children’s toys
• Non-fragile personal belongings

Items You May Prefer Professional Packers to Handle

• Glassware
• Crockery
• Mirrors
• Pictures
• Artwork
• Televisions
• Delicate ornaments
• Fragile furniture
• Other specialist belongings

Partial packing can help manage costs while leaving the most complicated packing to an experienced moving team.

What Does PBO or Packed by Owner Mean?

In removals terminology, PBO normally means Packed by Owner.

This means the customer has packed some or all of the belongings rather than having them professionally packed by the removal company.

Self-packing can work very well, but suitable cartons and packing materials should be used and all boxes should be properly closed, labelled and ready for handling before the removal crew arrives.

Self-Packing and Insurance

Insurance is not automatically included with your shipment or removal.

If you require insurance cover, request it from Get Cracking in advance. Cover can be arranged at additional cost, subject to the destination, method of transport, declared value of the goods and applicable policy terms and conditions.

For road removals within Ireland and Europe, applicable Inland cover may be available.

Owner-packed or PBO belongings can be subject to specific conditions and exclusions, so these should be reviewed carefully when requesting insurance cover.

When Does Self-Packing Make Sense?

Packing yourself can be a practical choice when:

• Your property is relatively small
• You have plenty of time before moving day
• You are organised
• You have relatively few fragile belongings
• You have suitable packing materials
• You want to spread the work over several weeks

If you decide to self-pack, start earlier than you think you need to.

The first boxes are usually straightforward. Books, decorations and belongings you rarely use can often be packed several weeks before the move.

The difficulty tends to appear during the final days when kitchens, wardrobes, bathrooms, electronics and everyday belongings are still unpacked.

Professional Packing vs Self-Packing: Which Saves More Time?

Time is one of the biggest differences between the two options.

Someone packing around work and family commitments may have only a few hours each evening.

Professional packers can concentrate entirely on preparing the property and work systematically from room to room.

The amount of time required depends on:

• Property size
• Shipment volume
• Number of fragile items
• Furniture
• Packing requirements
• Number of packers required

When requesting a quotation, tell Get Cracking exactly what you would like professionally packed.

Using the Right Moving Boxes and Packing Materials

Good packing starts with suitable cartons and protective materials.

Random boxes collected from shops or previous deliveries may already be weakened and may not be suitable for stacking inside a removal vehicle.

Professional packing materials may include:

• Removal cartons
• Book cartons
• Wardrobe cartons
• Packing paper
• Bubble wrap where appropriate
• Packing tape
• Furniture protection
• Mattress protection
• Specialist protection for fragile items

If you prefer to pack yourself, see our moving boxes and packing materials in Dublin.

Do Not Make Moving Boxes Too Heavy

One of the most common self-packing mistakes is filling a large carton entirely with books or other heavy belongings.

A box can become extremely heavy very quickly.

Use appropriately sized cartons and distribute heavy items sensibly.

At the same time, avoid leaving excessive empty space inside a box because loosely packed items can move around during handling and transport.

Professional Packing for Kitchens

Kitchens are often among the most time-consuming rooms to pack.

A kitchen may contain hundreds of individual items including:

• Plates
• Bowls
• Glasses
• Mugs
• Cookware
• Small appliances
• Utensils
• Serving dishes
• Decorative items

Fragile belongings need appropriate individual protection and should be packed so they cannot move excessively inside the carton.

This is one reason customers sometimes choose professional or partial packing for the kitchen even when they pack the rest of the home themselves.

Packing TVs, Mirrors and Artwork

Large televisions, mirrors, pictures and artwork require more consideration than ordinary household belongings.

The appropriate protection depends on the item’s:

• Size
• Shape
• Construction
• Fragility
• Value
• Destination
• Method of transport

Tell Get Cracking about particularly large, fragile or valuable pieces when requesting your quotation.

Some belongings may benefit from custom crating for fragile items.

What Should You Keep With You on Moving Day?

Even when using a full professional packing service Dublin, some belongings should remain with you.

Consider keeping:

• Passports
• Important personal documents
• Medication
• Money
• Jewellery
• Keys
• Phones
• Chargers
• Essential work equipment
• Essential toiletries
• Change of clothing
• Children’s immediate essentials

Keep these items clearly separated from everything being packed or collected by the removal crew.

Create a First-Night Moving Box

A clearly labelled first-night box can make arriving at your new home much easier.

Consider including:

• Kettle
• Tea and coffee
• Mugs
• Basic plates and cutlery
• Toilet roll
• Cleaning supplies
• Phone chargers
• Basic tools
• Children’s bedtime belongings
• Pet supplies where applicable

Keep this carton accessible rather than placing it underneath dozens of other boxes.

Professional Packing for International Moves

Packing becomes particularly important when household belongings are travelling internationally.

Goods moving a short distance around Dublin can experience a very different journey from belongings travelling through several transport and handling stages.

An international relocation may involve:

• Professional export packing
• Detailed inventories
• Customs documentation
• Temporary storage
• European road transport
• Sea freight
• Air freight
• Destination delivery

If you are leaving Ireland, tell Get Cracking from the beginning so the appropriate packing and transport arrangements can be discussed.

Learn more about Worldwide Relocations and UK & European Relocations.

Packing Belongings for Storage

Storage is another situation where good packing becomes important.

Belongings may remain packed much longer than during a direct house move, so use strong cartons and label everything clearly.

Instead of simply writing:

Kitchen

use something more descriptive, such as:

Kitchen – Glassware – Fragile

If some belongings are going into storage while others are travelling directly to the new property, use a clear labelling system to separate them.

Get Cracking provides storage services in Dublin that can be incorporated into a relocation where required.

Common Self-Packing Mistakes

Many customers successfully pack their own belongings.

Problems usually occur when packing is rushed or unfinished.

Common mistakes include:

• Boxes that are too heavy
• Weak or damaged cartons
• Open boxes
• Items sticking out of boxes
• Unlabelled cartons
• Insufficient protection for fragile belongings
• Loose belongings throughout the property
• Leaving most packing until the night before
• Still packing when the removal crew arrives
• Failing to mention additional belongings during the quotation

The aim should be to have all agreed belongings ready for transport before loading begins.

Do Not Forget Sheds, Attics and Garages

When preparing an inventory, people often concentrate on the main rooms and forget less frequently used areas.

Check:

• Attics
• Garages
• Sheds
• Under-stair storage
• Garden furniture
• Balconies
• Storage lockers
• Utility rooms

These areas can contain a surprisingly large amount of additional volume.

Declutter Before You Pack

Before you or professional packers start filling cartons, decide what genuinely needs to move to the new property.

Separate belongings into:

• Moving
• Storage
• Selling
• Donating
• Appropriate disposal

Reducing unnecessary volume can make packing and moving considerably easier.

Professional Packing for Office Moves

A professional packing service Dublin businesses can use is not limited to residential moves.

Office relocations may involve:

• Files
• Desk contents
• Computers
• Monitors
• Meeting-room equipment
• Kitchen contents
• Artwork
• Office furniture
• Archive material

Clear labelling becomes particularly important during commercial relocations because cartons and crates need to reach the correct floor, department or workstation.

If your company is relocating, see Office Relocations Dublin.

How Much Does a Professional Packing Service in Dublin Cost?

There is no single packing price because every move is different.

Cost can depend on:

• Volume of belongings
• Property size
• Number of packers
• Packing materials required
• Quantity of fragile belongings
• Specialist packing requirements
• Furniture dismantling
• Local or international transport
• Storage requirements

Tell Get Cracking which rooms or belongings you would like professionally packed so the quotation can reflect the actual work required.

Request a Packing & Removal Quote

Is Professional Packing Worth It?

For some customers, professional packing is extremely useful.

For others, self-packing is completely suitable.

If you have several weeks available, enjoy organising and have relatively few fragile belongings, self-packing may work very well.

If you have a larger property, limited time, fragile belongings or a complicated relocation, professional packing may offer considerably greater convenience.

Partial packing provides another alternative.

You can pack the straightforward belongings yourself while leaving the more challenging items to professional packers.

How to Choose a Professional Packing Service in Dublin

Do not choose a packing company based only on the headline price.

Find out exactly what the quotation includes.

Questions worth asking include:

• Are packing materials included?
• Which belongings will the crew pack?
• Are fragile belongings included?
• Is furniture protection included?
• Is dismantling required?
• Is dismantling included?
• Are specialist items included?
• Will boxes be labelled?
• Is unpacking available?
• Can belongings go into storage?
• What happens if the actual volume is greater than originally advised?

A clear quotation makes it much easier to understand the service being provided.

Professional Moving Standards

Professional packing is part of a wider removal service, so it is also worth considering the standards and industry credentials of the moving company you choose.

Get Cracking Relocations is a FIDI Affiliate and FAIM-accredited international mover.

View Get Cracking on FIDI

Get Cracking is also a member of the International Association of Movers – IAM.

Visit IAM

Get Cracking is a FEDEMAC Commercial Member.

View Get Cracking on FEDEMAC

Get Cracking is also a member of the British Association of Removers – BAR.

Visit BAR

Why Choose Get Cracking for Professional Packing in Dublin?

Get Cracking Relocations & Storage provides packing alongside residential and commercial removals in Dublin, throughout Ireland and internationally.

Depending on your move, you can discuss:

• Full professional packing
• Partial packing
• Packing materials
• Furniture protection
• Moving boxes
• Storage
• Office packing
• International export packing
• Specialist crating
• Furniture dismantling where required
• Unpacking where arranged

Professional packing can be incorporated into the wider relocation rather than being organised separately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Packing Services Dublin

Can I Pack Some Boxes Myself and Have Get Cracking Pack the Rest?

Yes. Partial packing can be suitable if you want to pack straightforward belongings yourself while professional packers handle more fragile or difficult items.

Tell Get Cracking exactly what you want professionally packed when requesting your quotation.

What Does PBO Mean?

PBO means Packed by Owner.

It refers to belongings or cartons packed by the customer rather than by the professional moving company.

Can I Request Insurance if I Pack My Own Boxes?

Insurance is not automatically included with a removal.

If you require cover, request it from Get Cracking in advance. Owner-packed belongings may be subject to specific policy conditions, limitations or exclusions, so review the applicable terms carefully.

Can Professional Packers Pack My Kitchen?

Yes. Kitchen packing can form part of an agreed professional packing service.

Kitchens are one of the most popular areas for professional packing because they often contain a large quantity of fragile individual items.

Can I Buy Moving Boxes if I Pack Myself?

Yes.

See our moving boxes and packing materials.

Can You Pack Belongings Going Into Storage?

Professional packing can be arranged for belongings going into storage.

Discuss this when requesting your quotation so packing, collection and storage can be planned together.

Do International Moves Require Different Packing?

They can.

International shipments may pass through several handling and transport stages and may require export packing, inventories and documentation depending on the destination and transport method.

Should I Pack Important Documents and Valuables Myself?

Keep passports, important personal documents, medication, money, jewellery and particularly important personal items with you rather than placing them into the general removal.

Professional Packing or Self-Packing: Which Should You Choose?

If you have enough time, appropriate materials and a manageable amount to move, self-packing can be a practical solution.

If time is limited, your property is large or you have a substantial quantity of fragile or difficult belongings, a professional packing service Dublin customers can arrange may make the move considerably easier.

For many customers, partial packing provides the best balance between convenience and doing some of the work themselves.

The important thing is to make the decision early rather than discovering the night before moving day that half the property still needs to be packed.

Planning a move in Dublin, elsewhere in Ireland or internationally?

Get a Moving & Packing Quote from Get Cracking

Get Cracking Relocations & Storage
01 866 5999
info@getcracking.ie  sales@getcracking.ie