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myCost of Removals
At a glance
- Average UK house removal cost is around £1,000
- Typical timescale 1 to 2 days depending on distance and property size.
- A breakdown of house removal costs by property size, distance and service type.
- Extra costs to consider for home removals and how long a house move usually takes.
- How to find and hire a local removals company.
Moving home and looking for a house removals quote?
They say moving house is one of the most stressful life experiences, but it doesn't have to be.
The key is finding a removals company to handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Hiring the right removals company is the first step.
Ready for a quote?
We have a range of local removal specialists ready to offer you a free quote!
In this guide, you'll discover what's included in a removals service, which extra costs to watch for, how long a move usually takes and tips for hiring a local removals company.
£900
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost To Move House?
The cost of house removals in the UK depends mainly on three factors:
- Size of the property. The bigger the home the more belongings to move.
- Distance of the move. Longer moves cost more fuel, time and logistics.
- Level of service. Extras like packing or furniture dismantling add to the price.
To give you a clear idea, here's a breakdown of the average UK house removal costs by property size and distance of the move.
Removals Costs (Up to 50 Miles)
| PROPERTY SIZE | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | £320-£420 |
| 2 Bedroom | £520-£640 |
| 3 Bedroom | £800-£950 |
| 4 Bedroom | £1,000-£1,150 |
| 5 Bedroom | £1,300-£1450 |
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Removals Costs (Up to 150 Miles)
| PROPERTY SIZE | AVERAGE COST |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | £400-£500 |
| 2 Bedroom | £750-£920 |
| 3 Bedroom | £870-£1.000 |
| 4 Bedroom | £1,060-£1,220 |
| 5 Bedroom | £1,380-£1,500 |
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What's Included in a Removal Service?
When you hire a professional home removals company, most offer a core package designed to make your move as smooth as possible. While optional extras like packing and storage can be added, here's what's typically included as standard removals service.
- Loading and unloading. Trained removers will carefully load all your furniture and belongings into the van and unload them at your new home. Most companies provide protective blankets and securing straps to prevent damage in transit.
- Transport. Your possessions are transported safely in a fully equipped removals van, with the size of the vehicle matched to your property and volume of items.
- Insurance cover. Most reputable removal firms include basic goods in transit insurance, offering peace of mind in the unlikely event of damage or loss. Higher value items may need extra cover, which can usually be arranged at the time of booking.
- Standard equipment. As part of the service, most removal companies use supply dollies, lifting straps and protective coverings to make sure items are removed efficiently and securely.
Factors that Affect House Removal Costs
The cost of a house removal varies depending on several factors, and knowing what these are can help you budget and plan more effectively.
The Size of Your Property
Larger homes usually have more belongings to move, both inside and outside. This increases labour time and transport requirements. Also think about items in garages and sheds that will require removal.
The Distance of the Move
The further you're moving, the higher the transport costs and labour fees. Long distance moves take more time and fuel which adds to the total price. International removals will increase costs significantly.
The Location of Your Property
Where you're relocating to also impacts removal costs you're quoted.
Moves in London typically cost more than those in other parts of the UK. For very long distance moves, many removal companies charge a cost per mile beyond a set distance, often starting after 150 miles.
Labour Costs For House Removals
Labour is often the largest part of the removals bill. The cost depends on the size of your property, the number of staff needed, and how many vehicles are required for the move.
As a guide, average labour costs are:
- 1 bedroom property. £320-£520
- 3 bedroom property. £800-£1,050
- 5 bedroom property. £1,500-£1,750
These prices cover a removals team to load, transport, and unload your belongings safely. Costs will also vary depending on location. For example, moves in London or the South East often involve higher labour rates than other parts of the UK.
Removal Timescales
Most local moves can be completed in a single day. However, the exact timescale depends on the property size, and how much packing is involved.
Typical timings are:
- Packing 1-2 days in advance (if you pack yourself). Professional packing services may complete this in less than a day.
- Loading. 2-4 hours for smaller homes, 6-8 hours for larger properties.
- Transport. Same day for local moves. Long distance may take a full day of travel.
- Unloading and unpacking. 2-6 hours depending on property size and access.
For larger homes or long distance relocations, the whole process may take 2-3 days. Most removals companies will provide a personalised schedule after assessing your property and belongings.
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Additional Costs
Beyond the standard removals fees, there are a few extra expenses you may need to budget for, depending on your property and removal needs.
Packing Materials and Services
If you hire a removals company to supply and pack your belongings, expect to pay £30 to £100 for a standard move (approximately 30 boxes, tape and protective materials). Costs increase for larger homes or extra items. Professional packing services can save time and reduce the risk of damage.
What's the best way to pack a TV for moving to protect it from damage? What would a professional service do?
"If you have a box then wrap in bubble wrap and place in box tape up thoroughly if not bwrap in a blanket or sheet then bubble wraps just make sure it’s secure in the back of the van or car"
Storage Costs
If there's a gap between your move out and move in dates, you may need short or long term storage.
Typical UK storage units cost £50 to £150 per week. Some removals companies can arrange storage as part of their service.
Cleaning (End of Tenancy/Pre-Move)
Many people hire professional cleaners for their old or new property.
End of tenancy cleaning for a one bedroom property can cost £80 to £150, for a one bedroom property to £250 to £500 for a four or five bedroom home.
Parking Permits and Access Charges
Temporary permits may be required for removal vans in restricted areas. £20 to £50. Narrow streets, long driveways, or restricted loading zones can incur extra charges.
Flat Pack Furniture Assembly
To hire a handymanfor flat pack furniture assembly, it typically costs £20 to £60 per hour.
Can I Conduct a House Removal Myself?
It is very possible for your to conduct a home move yourself as a DIY project. However, it takes a lot of effort and a lot of hard work.
A professional removal company will typically manage all stages, ensuring all your belongings are handled safely and efficiently. .
Packing Your Belongings
All items need to be packed securely for transport. You can either pack yourself or hire the removal team to do it. Professional packing services include boxes, tape and protective materials to keep fragile items safe.
Dismantling and Reassembling Furniture
Large furniture may need to be taken apart before moving. Removal teams can dismantle, transport and reassemble items in your new home, making the process easier and safer for both your belongings and movers.
Moving Goods
The removals team loads all items onto the vehicles, ensuring fragile and heavy are handled appropriately. Transport can be local or long distance, with extra considerations for overnight trips on longer moves.
Hiring Contractors For Removals Checklist
Choosing the right removals company is essential to ensure a smooth, safe and stress free move. Asking the right questions can save time, avoid unexpected costs and give you confidence that your belongings are in safe hands.
Below is a list of questions that you should consider asking when finding the right removals specialists for the job.
- Qualifications and Experience. Does the company have relevant removals experience? Can they provide references or photo's of previous work?
- Insurance and Guarantees. Do they offer insurance for damage to your goods or properties? What is their level of insurance cover? Are there any guarantees on their work?
- Logistics and Equipment. Do they have appropriate vehicles and equipment for your move? How many trips will be required?
- Timing and Team. How long will the move take, and how many contractors will be working on it?
- Preparation. Is there anything you need to do before the move to help the team work efficiently?
- Time and Timescale. What time will the removals team arrive at your property? Is it a morning move or on an afternoon schedule? How long will the move take?
- Search for “house removals near me” for removals quotes from local companies
FAQs
When should I book a house removal service?
You should aim to begin contacting removals companies as soon as you find out your moving date. Most removals contractors need around 7-14 days' notice before the date of the required work.
You should avoid booking the removal service until you're sure that the sale is going through, as you may be subject to some additional charges if you need to cancel or change the removals date.
You should avoid booking the removal service until you're sure that the sale is going through, as you may be subject to some additional charges if you need to cancel or change the removals date.
How long does a removals job take?
There are many things that will affect the length of the removals job. The factors include the distance of the move and the number of items that need to be moved.
The majority of removals jobs can be completed within a day. However, if you have a lot of goods or if you are moving quite a distance from your current home, the removals job may take several days to complete.
The majority of removals jobs can be completed within a day. However, if you have a lot of goods or if you are moving quite a distance from your current home, the removals job may take several days to complete.
Do I need to get the locks changed at my new house?
It is usually recommended that you change the locks on your new home simply for your own peace of mind. You never know who may have a copy of the key to your new home, so it's definitely best to get the locks changed so that you don't have to worry about someone entering your home without consent.
Do I need to get removals insurance?
Most decent removals companies include insurance as part of their work. However, you should check with them before the moving day to understand the level of protection that their insurance offers.
When do I have to pay the removals company?
Most removals companies will require the payment in full before the day of the job. You will usually be asked for payment at least a week in advance of the moving day. This is a standard practice for those who are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR).
