Failing that, do removals firms tend to offer the metal wire equipment
crates (things like a shopping trolley on its end with a wire door) to
home movers that we could pack?

They seem to offer either plastic crate hire, or let you buy cardboard
boxes. Do yourself a favour and take them up on it. It is much nicer having
lots of similar sized boxes as they stack well. Use SMALL boxes for books,
or they'll refuse to lift them.

Christian.