Will I be insured if I pack myself?

Most reputable removal companies will be covered the by the same goods in transit policy.  The official line is that any items you pack yourself will not be covered by insurance.  They take the stance that the items may not have been properly packed and therefore the removal company cannot be held liable for any damage.  However if there is visible damage to the box, for example the box was dropped, then this is covered by insurance.  If you are looking at keeping costs down, the best compromise is to pack the books, cds and clothes yourself and ask the removal company to pack your china and breakables.