The easier way to book quality trades

Download app

Moving house is exciting, but the practical side of it can feel overwhelming very quickly.

There’s usually a lot going on at once: paperwork, deadlines, key handovers, boxes everywhere, and the growing realisation of just how much stuff you actually own.

This guide explains how much house removals typically cost in the UK, what removal companies charge, and the extra costs worth knowing about before moving day.

How much do removal companies charge?

For a standard local move, house removals typically cost around £500–£700 for a two-person team and van.

However, your total moving cost will depend on the size of your home, how far you're moving, and whether you need a packing and unpacking service. Packing services normally average around £400.

We spoke to Checkatrade member, Wilkinson's Removals & Storage, to prepare this cost guide. Read on to discover how much it costs to move house with the help of a removal company in the UK.

Get a quote for house removal costs near you

For an accurate figure for house removal costs in your area, it’s worth getting a selection of quotes from checked local services.

Enter your postcode to browse removal companies covering your area.

House removal costs at a glance

• Standard local move: £500–£700

• Two-person removal team and van: £50–£80 per hour

• Packing service: around £400

• Long-distance house move within the UK: around £1,025

• Small local move (both properties within about 50 miles): around £400–£500

• 1-bedroom house move with packing: around £750

• 2-bedroom house move with packing: around £925

• 3-bedroom house move with packing: around £1,300

• 4-bedroom house move with packing: around £1,800

House moving costs by property size

One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of removals is the size of your current home and how much needs to be moved.

As a rough guide, the average total cost of moving house, including packing, is:

• Cost to move a 1-bedroom house: £750

• Cost to move a 2-bedroom house: £925

• Cost to move a 3-bedroom house: £1,300

• Cost to move a 4-bedroom house: £1,800

Understanding different types of house move and their costs

Removal companies don’t usually charge by the weight of your belongings. Instead, they quote based on the scale of the move, the distance involved, and any extra help you need.

Local house move costs

For smaller local moves, some companies may charge by the hour.

Typical costs:

• Two removal people and a van: £50–£80 per hour

• Small local move within around 50 miles: £400–£500

Long-distance removal costs in the UK

Longer-distance moves usually cost more and are often quoted as a fixed price.

As a guide, add around £35 per hour and £1.50 per mile to get a ballpark price.

• Average long-distance move within the UK: around £1,025

Because longer moves vary so much depending on access, mileage and timing, it’s usually best to get a tailored quote.

Packing and unpacking service costs

Packing is normally charged as an extra.

Typical costs:

• Packing service: around £400

• Extra pair of hands for packing: around £200

• Typical packer rate: around £50 per hour per packer for 4 hours

What affects the cost of moving house?

The final cost of moving house depends on more than just the van and the number of movers. Most quotes are shaped by a few key cost factors, including:

• Size of the move: More rooms and more belongings usually mean more time, more labour and sometimes a larger vehicle

• Number of movers and vehicles needed: Heavier furniture and larger homes may need a bigger team

• Distance between properties: Longer moves increase fuel, mileage and travel time

• Location and access: Limited parking, upper-floor flats and difficult access can all push up the price

• Time of year: Removal companies are often busier in summer, especially in August

• Packing and unpacking: Extra help with packing will increase the total cost

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Additional costs to budget for

The removal quote itself may not be the only cost involved. There are a few extras that can catch people out if they're not discussed upfront.

Common additional costs to be aware of include:

• Packing materials: Boxes, tape and bubble wrap are not always included

• Crating: Fragile, valuable or electronic items may need specialist wooden crates

• Dismantling and reassembly: Some companies charge extra for taking furniture apart and putting it back together

• Insurance upgrades: Useful for valuable or delicate items

• Late key or cancellation charges: These are often non-refundable

• Hourly waiting charges: Delays on moving day can add to the total

• Storage fees: Relevant if there is a gap between moving dates

What should be included in a house removal quote?

A good removal quote should make clear what’s included and what isn’t, so you're not comparing headline prices that cover very different levels of service.

A typical removal quote should include:

• Labour

• Vehicle size

• Estimated duration of the move

• Whether packing is included

• Whether dismantling and reassembly are included

• Insurance cover

• Any mileage or distance charges

• Confirmation of what is excluded

A written quote also makes it much easier to compare like-for-like across different removal companies.

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

How long does a house move take?

The time needed for a house move will vary depending on the size of the property, the amount being moved, and the distance between addresses.

As a general guide:

• Small local moves may be charged hourly

• Larger properties are more likely to be quoted as a full-day or fixed-price job

• Long-distance moves may take longer and involve more planning

House removal cost calculator

If you want an idea of house removal costs in your area before arranging quotes, our cost calculator can help.

Job Estimate Calculator

Get Started

Step 0/3

This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. For an accurate quote, always ask a local removal company to assess the job properly and confirm what’s included before you book.

Cost of hiring a removal company vs DIY

In purely financial terms, a 'DIY move' will usually cost less than hiring a removal company. But for many people, it is not just about cost.

Professional removals can be worth paying for if:

• You're moving heavier furniture

• You have limited time

• You want to reduce the physical strain

• You don't have suitable moving equipment

• You want the move to run more smoothly on the day

For many households, removals are one of those services that feel expensive until you picture doing the whole thing yourself.

House removal cost checklist

• Work out roughly how much you need moved

• Decide whether you need packing help

• Ask what insurance is included

• Check whether dismantling and reassembly cost extra

• Ask about waiting charges, cancellation terms and storage fees

• Compare quotes from a selection of checked removal companies

• Make sure the quote clearly states what is and isn't included

When should you speak to a removal company?

It’s worth speaking to removal companies as soon as you have a likely moving date in mind.

This is especially true if you're moving in summer, need packing help, have a larger property, are moving long-distance, or need storage as part of the move.

Booking early usually gives you more choice and more time to compare quotes properly.

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Find removal companies near you

Comparing local removal companies is the best way to understand what a fair price looks like for your move.

A good removal company should be able to assess the scope of the job, explain what's included, and provide a clear written quote before moving day.

FAQs

How much do removal companies charge?

A two-person removal team and van typically costs £50–£80 per hour, with average house removal costs often coming in at around £500–£700 for a local move.

How much does it cost to move a 3-bedroom house in the UK?

Removal costs for a 3-bedroom house average around £900. With packing added, the average total cost is around £1,300.

How much does a full packing service cost in the UK?

A packing service typically costs around £400.

What day is the cheapest for removals?

Mid-week moves, particularly on a Tuesday or Wednesday, can sometimes be cheaper than weekend or peak moving days.

What month is most expensive to move?

Summer is usually the most expensive time to move, with August often being one of the busiest months for removal companies. Book in advance to secure availability.

How far in advance should I book removals?

It is usually sensible to book around 4–6 weeks in advance, especially if you're moving during a busy period.

Do removal companies charge for waiting time?

Some do. If there are delays with key collection or access on moving day, you may be charged for waiting time.

Is it cheaper to move house yourself?

Yes, in most cases it is cheaper to move yourself, but hiring a removal company can save time, reduce stress and lower the risk of injury or damage.

Checkatrade

Follow us

More House Removal Articles

How much does it cost to sell a house?

House renovation: Cost breakdown 2026

How much does a house extension cost?

View all