Removal Company Costs in the UK 2026: What You'll Actually Pay

What Removal Companies Charge in 2026

Removal costs vary significantly based on the volume of your belongings, the distance of the move, the day of the week, and which services you include. The figures below are based on typical market rates in 2026 for moves within England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may vary.

These are the realistic numbers — not the best-case quotes you'll see advertised. Use them to budget properly and to sense-check quotes you receive.

Average Costs by Property Size

**One-bedroom flat or studio**

A local move (under 50 miles) with a small team and a single van typically costs between £350 and £600. If you're moving further — say, from London to Manchester — expect to pay £700 to £1,100.

**Two-bedroom property**

A two-bedroom house or flat is one of the most common move types. Local removal costs typically fall between £500 and £850. A long-distance move of 100 miles or more is likely to come in at £900 to £1,400.

**Three-bedroom house**

The step up in volume is significant. Local moves typically cost £750 to £1,200. Long-distance moves range from £1,200 to £2,000 depending on access, distance, and the amount of furniture.

**Four or five-bedroom house**

Larger moves with multiple van loads, sometimes requiring an overnight stay for the crew, typically cost £1,500 to £3,000 locally and £2,500 to £4,500 for long-distance moves.

These figures assume a standard house contents with no particularly awkward access. Properties with stairs, narrow doorways, no parking, or items requiring specialist handling will push costs higher.

What Affects the Price

**Distance.** Fuel, motorway tolls, and crew time all increase with mileage. Some firms charge per mile above a local radius; others quote a flat fee for the full move.

**Volume of belongings.** More items means more time, more crew, and potentially more vehicles. A pre-move survey (either in person or by video) is how firms calculate this accurately.

**Day of the week and time of month.** Fridays are the most popular day to move and the most expensive — often 10–20% more than midweek. The last few days of the month see similar demand, as many mortgage completions fall then. If you have flexibility, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday in the middle of the month.

**Access and parking.** A fourth-floor flat with no lift will cost more than a ground-floor property with a large drive. If the removal van can't park close to the property, carrying items further takes longer and increases cost. You may need to arrange a parking suspension with your local council (typically £50–£150).

**Storage.** If there's a gap between leaving your old home and getting into the new one, you'll need to store your belongings. See our guide on using storage units when moving for typical costs.

Additional Services and Their Costs

**Full packing service.** The removal firm packs everything for you, including all breakables. This typically adds £200 to £600 to a standard move depending on property size. It is time-consuming work, and the quality of packing affects how much protection you have under the firm's insurance.

**Part-packing service.** You pack everything except fragile or high-value items, which the firm handles. Adds roughly £100 to £250.

**Dismantling and reassembly of furniture.** Flat-pack furniture, beds, and wardrobes often need to come apart to move safely. Expect £50 to £150 for this as an add-on, depending on the amount of furniture.

**Specialist items.** Pianos, hot tubs, large aquariums, and antiques require specialist equipment and expertise. A piano, for example, typically costs £150 to £400 to move, often handled by a specialist subcontractor.

**Packing materials.** If you want the firm to supply boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper without a full packing service, this typically adds £50 to £150 depending on the volume.

What Is and Isn't Included in Standard Quotes

Read every quote carefully. Standard removal quotes typically include:

• Loading and unloading
• Transportation between properties
• Basic transit insurance (usually limited to £40–£60 per item)

They typically do not include:

• Packing materials or packing labour
• Disconnection or reconnection of appliances
• Garden furniture or sheds
• Items in loft spaces not pre-packed
• Parking permits or suspensions

The difference between an itemised quote and a vague one can run to hundreds of pounds on the final bill. Always ask for a written, itemised breakdown.

How to Keep Costs Down

Get at least three quotes and use them to negotiate. If you have a preferred firm but their quote is higher, it is entirely reasonable to mention a competing figure and ask if they can match it.

Do as much packing as possible yourself, in advance. Firms typically charge by the hour once on-site; the less they have to do, the lower the final bill.

Be flexible on day and date if you can. Midweek completions are cheaper for removals, and also tend to give solicitors more time if anything goes wrong in the chain.

Store your removal receipt and any written quote in your Property Passport UK account with your completion documents. If there's a billing dispute later, having the original written quote is essential.