Price Guide

How Much Does a Removal Company Really Cost?

Compare prices for 12 services across 342 UK locations. Data-driven pricing updated for .

12 services priced 342 cities covered Updated

National pricing

Removal Company Prices

National average prices. Select a city below for local pricing.

All prices include materials and labour unless stated otherwise. Prices verified 2026

Local Move (1-Bed Flat)

Low

£250

Average

£400

High

£600

3-5 hours

More details

Professional removal of a 1-bedroom flat within the same town or city (up to 20 miles). Includes 2 removal staff, a medium van, loading, transport and unloading at the new address.

~96% labour, ~4% materials

What affects the price

  • Amount of furniture and belongings
  • Floor level and lift access at both properties
  • Parking availability for the van
  • Whether any items need disassembling

Local Move (2-Bed House)

Low

£400

Average

£650

High

£950

4-7 hours

More details

Professional removal of a 2-bedroom house within the same area (up to 20 miles). Includes 2-3 removal staff, a large van, loading, transport and unloading.

~97% labour, ~3% materials

What affects the price

  • Volume of belongings
  • Whether a garage or loft needs clearing
  • Access at both properties
  • Day of the week (weekends cost more)

Local Move (3-Bed House)

Low

£600

Average

£950

High

£1,400

6-9 hours

More details

Professional removal of a 3-bedroom house within the local area (up to 20 miles). Includes 3 removal staff, a large or Luton van, loading, transport and unloading at the new property.

~97% labour, ~3% materials

What affects the price

  • Volume of contents including garage, loft and shed
  • Number of large or heavy items
  • Access and parking at both addresses
  • Whether packing materials are included

Long Distance Move (3-Bed)

Low

£1,000

Average

£1,500

High

£2,500

1 day

More details

Professional removal of a 3-bedroom house over a long distance (50-200 miles). Includes 3 removal staff, a large van, loading, transport, fuel and unloading. May require an overnight stay for the crew.

~98% labour, ~2% materials

What affects the price

  • Exact distance between properties
  • Volume of belongings
  • Whether the move is to or from London or the South East
  • Time of year (summer and month-end are busiest)

Packing Service (Per Room)

Low

£40

Average

£70

High

£120

1-2 hours per room

More details

Professional packing of the contents of one room into boxes. Includes wrapping fragile items, boxing everything up and labelling. Packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, paper) included.

~60% labour, ~40% materials

What affects the price

  • Amount of contents in the room
  • Number of fragile or valuable items
  • Whether specialist wrapping is needed (artwork, mirrors)
  • Whether unpacking at the other end is included

Storage (Per Month)

Low

£70

Average

£130

High

£250

Ongoing monthly

More details

Secure storage of household contents in a container or warehouse facility. Price per month for a typical 1-2 bed household volume. Includes insurance and 24-hour security.

What affects the price

  • Volume of items stored (measured in cubic feet or containers)
  • Location of the storage facility
  • Length of storage commitment (discounts for longer terms)
  • Whether collection and delivery is included

Man and Van (Half Day)

Low

£120

Average

£200

High

£300

Up to 4 hours

More details

Hire of one person with a large van for up to 4 hours. Suitable for small moves, furniture deliveries, tip runs or moving a few items between addresses.

~98% labour, ~2% materials

What affects the price

  • Amount to move and number of trips needed
  • Distance between locations
  • Whether help with heavy lifting is needed (1 or 2 people)
  • Van size required (transit, Luton, extra-long wheelbase)

Man and Van (Full Day)

Low

£250

Average

£380

High

£550

Up to 8 hours

More details

Hire of one person with a large van for a full day (up to 8 hours). Good for small house moves, flat clearances, multiple deliveries or moving between nearby addresses.

~97% labour, ~3% materials

What affects the price

  • Total volume of items to move
  • Number of locations or stops
  • Whether a second person is needed (adds £100-£150)
  • Van size and fuel costs for longer distances

Piano Moving

Low

£150

Average

£300

High

£600

1-3 hours

More details

Specialist removal of an upright or grand piano. Includes protective wrapping, specialist equipment (piano trolley, straps, ramps), skilled movers and transport. Local move within 30 miles.

~92% labour, ~8% materials

What affects the price

  • Type of piano (upright, baby grand, full grand)
  • Stairs or steps at either property
  • Distance of the move
  • Access width through doorways and hallways

Office Move (Small)

Low

£500

Average

£1,200

High

£2,500

1 day

More details

Professional removal of a small office (up to 10 workstations). Includes moving desks, chairs, filing cabinets, IT equipment and boxes. Crate hire, disassembly and reassembly included.

~90% labour, ~10% materials

What affects the price

  • Number of desks and workstations
  • Amount of IT equipment and servers
  • Distance between offices
  • Whether the move needs to happen outside business hours

Furniture Assembly

Low

£40

Average

£70

High

£120

1-2 hours

More details

Disassembly of furniture before a move and reassembly at the new property. Price per item for standard flat-pack or bolt-together furniture such as beds, wardrobes and desks.

~96% labour, ~4% materials

What affects the price

  • Complexity of the furniture piece
  • Number of items to assemble
  • Whether instructions and fixings are available
  • Whether any parts are damaged or missing

Overseas Shipping (20ft Container)

Low

£2,500

Average

£5,000

High

£10,000

4-12 weeks transit

More details

Full international removal using a 20ft shipping container. Suitable for a 2-3 bedroom house. Includes packing, loading, port-to-port shipping, customs documentation and destination delivery.

~92% labour, ~8% materials

What affects the price

  • Destination country and port
  • Volume of contents (20ft fits a 2-3 bed house)
  • Whether door-to-door or port-to-port service
  • Customs duties and import regulations at destination

Popular locations

Removals Costs by City

London

£310–£745

Birmingham

£235–£560

Leeds

£245–£585

Glasgow

£260–£630

Sheffield

£245–£590

Manchester

£245–£585

Bradford

£220–£525

Edinburgh

£285–£685

Liverpool

£245–£595

Bristol

£270–£645

Coventry

£240–£575

Leicester

£215–£515

Local pricing

Find Removal Company Costs in Your City

Browse all 342 cities for local removal company pricing.

Barking and Dagenham Barnet Bexley London
Brighton Milton Keynes Reading Southampton
Bournemouth Bristol Gloucester Plymouth
Colchester Luton Norwich Peterborough
Birmingham Coventry Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton
Derby Leicester Northampton Nottingham
Bradford Leeds Sheffield York
Bolton Liverpool Manchester Warrington
County Durham Middlesbrough Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland
Blaenau Gwent Bridgend Cardiff Swansea
Aberdeen Dundee Edinburgh Glasgow
Belfast

Regional comparison

Local Move (1-Bed Flat) by City

Average cost of local move (1-bed flat) across key UK cities.

London
+24% £495
Manchester
-2% £390
Birmingham
-7% £375
Glasgow
+5% £420
Bristol
+7% £430
Leeds
-3% £390
Cardiff
-2% £395
Belfast
-13% £350

Overview

What Does a Removal Company Do?

A removal company provides professional services covering house moves, man and van services, packing, storage and specialist removals. They cover a range of services from straightforward options to more complex, bespoke work. Choosing the right removal company ensures you get quality results and a professional experience.

You should hire a removal company whenever you need specialist expertise or professional-grade results. The right removal company brings experience, proper equipment, and industry knowledge that makes a real difference to the outcome.

Pricing for removal company services depends on the complexity of what you need, the options chosen, and where you live in the UK. Simpler services sit at the lower end of the scale, while more involved or premium options will be significantly more expensive. The prices on this page give you a realistic range for each type of service so you know what to expect before getting quotes.

When hiring a removal company, always get at least three quotes from different removal companies. Read recent reviews and ask for references. Always check insurance cover and itemised quotes. A reputable removal company will be happy to provide a detailed breakdown of costs and explain exactly what is included in their quote.

Related services

Related Services

Services often needed alongside a removal company.

Man & Van UK price guide £30–£55 End-of-Tenancy Cleaning UK price guide £200–£450 Skip Hire UK price guide £80–£200 Cleaning UK price guide £25–£45 Driving Lessons UK price guide £28–£40 Carpentry UK price guide £70–£200 Handyman UK price guide £40–£120 Locksmith UK price guide £60–£150

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about removal company costs in the UK.

How far in advance should I book a removal company?
Book at least 4-6 weeks before your moving date, or 8-12 weeks if you are moving during peak times (summer, end of month, school holidays). Leaving it too late means fewer options and potentially higher prices. Booking early also gives you time to compare quotes and arrange packing.
Should I pack myself or pay for a packing service?
Packing yourself saves money but takes significant time — allow several days for a full house. Professional packers can do an entire house in one day and their packing is covered by the removal company insurance. If packing yourself, use proper packing materials as newspaper print transfers onto items.
What is removal company insurance and do I need it?
All BAR (British Association of Removers) members include basic liability cover. However, standard cover may only pay a fixed amount per item damaged, not the replacement value. Extended cover or separate transit insurance is worth considering for high-value items like antiques, artwork or electronics.
What should I look for when comparing removal quotes?
Compare quotes on a like-for-like basis: check whether packing, dismantling furniture, insurance, and mileage are included. Ask about hourly vs fixed pricing, overtime charges, and parking or access issues. A video or in-person survey gives a more accurate quote than an online estimate based on bedroom count alone.
Can I claim on insurance if something is damaged during the move?
BAR members include basic goods-in-transit cover, but standard policies often pay a fixed amount per item rather than the full replacement cost. If you have high-value items, ask about extended cover or take out a separate transit insurance policy. Always photograph valuable items before loading and note any damage on the delivery sheet before signing.
Is it cheaper to move on a weekday?
Yes. Most removal companies charge 10-20% more for Saturday moves, and many do not work Sundays. Mid-week and mid-month moves are generally the cheapest because demand is lower. End-of-month Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest and most expensive days to move.
Do I need to arrange a parking suspension for the removal van?
If there is no off-street parking at either property, a council parking suspension ensures the van can park directly outside. This costs around £30-£60 depending on the council and needs to be applied for at least 5-10 working days in advance. Without it, the crew may have to park further away which increases the time and cost of the move.
What is the difference between a removal company and a man and van?
A removal company typically provides a full team (2-4 people), a large vehicle, insurance cover, and packing services. A man and van is usually one person with a transit van, suited to small moves, single items or tip runs. For a full house move, a removal company is usually better value when you factor in the time saved and insurance cover.
What happens if my move falls through or I need to change the date?
Most removal companies allow you to reschedule with reasonable notice (usually 5-10 working days). Cancelling with less notice may incur a charge, typically 25-50% of the quoted price. Check the cancellation terms before booking, especially if your move depends on a property chain completing.
How much does a removal company cost in the UK?
The most common removal company job, local move (1-bed flat), costs between £250 and £600 nationally, with an average of £400. Prices vary depending on the scope of work, materials used, and your location within the UK.
What affects removal company prices?
The main factors are the complexity and scope of what you need, the options and products chosen, and your location. London and the South East are typically 15-35% more expensive than northern regions. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure a fair price.
How do I find a reliable removal company?
Get at least three quotes from different removal companies, check recent reviews and references, and ask for a detailed written quote that breaks down all costs before committing. Always check insurance cover and itemised quotes.
Do removal company prices vary by location?
Yes, significantly. London is the most expensive area, with prices typically 20-35% above the national average. The South East is also above average. Northern England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland tend to be 5-15% below the national average. Our city pages show exact local pricing for 342 UK locations.
Do the prices shown include materials?
The prices on this page include all typical costs. However, when getting real quotes, always confirm what is and isn't included. Some removal companies break out costs separately, while others give an all-in price. Ask for a detailed breakdown before agreeing to any work.
When is the best time to hire a removal company?
Demand for removal company services tends to peak in autumn and winter, which can mean longer wait times and higher prices. If your job isn't urgent, booking during spring or summer may get you a better rate and faster availability. Emergency work will always cost more regardless of the time of year.