Property Passport UK

Moving House Cost Calculator 2026

Estimate the total cost of moving house in the UK — removal company, packing service, storage, cleaning, address changes, and council tax overlap. See where every pound goes before moving day.

Moving Cost Calculator

e.g. banks, DVLA, HMRC, employer, GP, dentist

Estimated total moving cost

£1,034

Cost breakdown

Removal company£700
Royal Mail redirect (12 months)£34
Address change admin (5 changes × £10)£50
End-of-tenancy/outgoing cleaning£250
Total£1,034

Don't forget:

  • Utilities reconnection and meter readings
  • Boiler service at new property
  • TV licence transfer or new registration
  • GP and dentist registration at new address

What costs are involved in moving house?

Moving house involves more costs than most people anticipate. The headline figure is usually the removal company, but the full picture includes packing materials or a professional packing service, end-of-tenancy or outgoing property cleaning, a Royal Mail redirect, admin time for address changes across banks, DVLA, HMRC, and other organisations, plus any overlap period where you are paying council tax on two properties simultaneously.

How to reduce moving costs

Book your removal company as early as possible — demand peaks at month-ends and during school holidays, which drives up prices. Moving on a weekday is usually cheaper than a Saturday. Self-packing saves £200–£500 if you start early enough. Decluttering before the move reduces the volume being transported and can lower the quote significantly.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to move house in the UK?
The total cost of moving house in the UK typically ranges from £1,000 to £4,000, depending on property size and distance. The removal company is usually the largest single cost: a local move for a 2–3 bed property costs around £700–£1,000, while a national move can reach £1,500 or more. Add packing, storage, cleaning, address changes, and any council tax overlap and the full cost can exceed £2,500 for a larger property.
How do I find a good removal company?
Get at least three quotes from different removal companies so you can compare price and services. Look for membership of the British Association of Removers (BAR) or the National Guild of Removers & Storers (NGRS), which means the company has agreed to a code of practice and offers a dispute resolution service. Read recent reviews on Google or Trustpilot, and always check what insurance is included.
What is a Royal Mail redirect and do I need one?
A Royal Mail redirect forwards post from your old address to your new one for up to 12 months. It costs £33.99 for a 12-month redirect at the time of writing. It is a useful safety net to catch any post from organisations whose address records you have not yet updated — banks, subscriptions, or less obvious contacts. It does not replace updating your address, but it prevents important letters going missing during the transition.
How long does it take to change my address everywhere?
Allow 4–6 weeks to complete all address changes. Priority changes include your bank accounts and credit cards, HMRC (for tax and National Insurance), DVLA (driving licence and vehicle registration), the electoral roll, your employer, and any pension providers. Secondary changes include subscriptions, loyalty cards, insurance policies, your GP, dentist, and optician. The Royal Mail redirect catches post you miss during this process.
Should I hire a packing service?
A packing service saves considerable time and effort, especially for larger properties. A partial pack (fragile items only) adds around £100–£300 to the removal cost; a full pack adds £250–£750 for a 2–3 bed property. Professional packers are also faster and may offer better insurance coverage for breakages than a self-pack move. If you have valuable or fragile items, a professional pack is worth the extra cost.

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