COST GUIDES
How much does it cost to move house in 2026?
Updated 03/26
From packing boxes to shifting furniture, moving house can be backbreaking work – but that’s where removal companies come in. Find out how much does it cost to move house with professional help in this handy guide.
Fast Facts
For a local small move where both properties are within around 50 miles, you can expect a price of around £400–£500
For longer-distance moves, add around £35 per hour and £1.50 per mile to get a ballpark price
Hiring a professional removal company can save you time, stress, and physical effort on moving day. But what's the costs involved?
House removal costs work out at approximately £50–£80 per hour for two removal professionals and a van. But when working out average removal costs in the UK, there's other factors to consider.
We spoke to Checkatrade member, Wilkinson's Removals & Storage for their professional advice about house removal costs to help you budget.
How much does it cost to move house in the UK?
| Removal service | Typical hourly rate | Average cost of moving house |
|---|---|---|
| Removal (team of 2 + a van) | £50–£80 | £500–£700 |
| Packing services | £35 | £400 |
| Last updated: March 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||
The costs above are a good place to start. But the average cost of removal will ultimately depend on:
How far there is to travel
How much needs to be moved
How much additional help you need with packing
It's also important to note that the costs in this guide do not factor in fluctuations in fuel costs, which could increase the price you pay at the time of your move.
Let's get into it.
What is the average cost of house removals?
For a local small move where both properties are within around 50 miles, you can expect a price of around £400–£500
Keep in mind that removal companies will often have a two-hour minimum charge for a man and van type removal service.
Long distance removal costs
If you are relocating to another part of the UK, the average cost will fall around £1,025
You can also work out the cost for a longer-distance move by adding around £35 per hour and £1.50 per mile to get a ballpark price
Mover costs by house size
| Size of property | Average cost of removal | Packing costs | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom house | £450 | £250 | £750 |
| 2 Bedroom house | £600 | £325 | £925 |
| 3 Bedroom house | £900 | £400 | £1,300 |
| 4 Bedroom house | £1,200 | £600 | £1,800 |
| Last updated: April 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
As a rough guide, here are the costs you can expect to pay for moving house in the UK (prices include packing and removals) by property size:
1-bedroom house – £750
2-bedroom house – £925
3-bedroom house – £1,300
4-bedroom house – £1,800
Packing costs
Packing can make for tiring work. For an extra pair of hands to help with the job:
We recommend budgeting around £200 for packing services
This will account for the typical rate of around £50 per hour per packer for 4 hours
Keep in mind that the required packing materials (i.e. bubble wrap) may not always be included in this rate.
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View professional removal company profiles, read customer reviews, and contact them directly for a quote. Enter your postcode below to get started.
You can also read our guide to how to choose a removal company for more hiring tips.
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What affects the cost of moving house
The total cost of moving house will be determined by the following key factors:
Location
If it's local or long-distance removals
Amount of furniture/boxes to move (scope of work)
How many people are needed to help (moving heavy furniture will require a team of at least two)
How many rooms in the property
Access (what floor you are on, for instance)
Fluctuating fuel prices
If an overnight stop is required for the removal team (for long-distance removals)
Seasonality (summer tends to be the busiest time, especially August)
What do house removal companies include?
Most removal companies offer:
Loading and unloading your belongings
Transport to your new home
Basic insurance cover
Add on house removal costs
Packing and unpacking
Handling big-ticket, specialist items like pianos
Furniture dismantling and reassembly
Change of date fees, if move-in dates change
Hourly waiting charges, if your removal team has to wait around because of delays
Additional time if access or parking is difficult
Late key/cancellation waivers
Storage
How long does professional house removal take?
It's tricky to estimate exactly how many hours will be required for the removal until you get underway.
That said, most moves are completed within one day, but larger homes or long-distance moves may take longer.
An experienced removal company can steer you on how long it will realistically take.
Moving house cost calculator
Use our cost estimator below to get a guide price for your removal cost based on your property's size and items:
Job Estimate Calculator
Can I move house myself?
For smaller moves, a DIY option may be cheaper. But for most households, the convenience is worth the cost.
If you do opt for the DIY approach when moving, keep in mind you'll need to:
Put aside at least a couple of days for the job
Source boxes and other packing materials to keep your possessions safe during transit
Hire a large enough van well in advance
Make sure you have a family member, friend or neighbour on-hand to help move heavy items on the day
Our moving house checklist has more tips on how to move house yourself.
Tips to keep professional moving costs down
Get multiple quotes: Aim for at least three quotes from local movers, and don't be shy to see if your preferred movers will price match
Ask for itemised quotes: This helps you compare like-for-like costs, including labour and packing materials (such as wardrobe cartons and bubble wrap)
Take on the packing yourself: And declutter beforehand!
Move on a weekday or during the quieter months: If that's something you can control
Don't skimp on van costs and order a small van: You could end up having to do multiple trips, which can quickly add to van hire costs
Invest in a larger team of professional movers: They'll get the job done quicker
Check their reviews and ratings: Makes sure they're efficient and reliable
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
Book your home moving company as early as possible — availability fills up quickly, especially at weekends and month-end.
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Before being given our seal of approval, our tradespeople must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding The Checkatrade Standard.
To find checked and reviewed removal companies for a stress-free move, search your postcode below. It's that simple.
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House removal costs FAQs
What is the cheapest day to move house?
Moving house on weekdays – especially Tuesday to Thursday – are often cheaper than weekends, when demand for removal companies is higher.
Do removal companies pack everything for you?
Yes, many removal companies offer full or partial packing services for an additional cost, including supplying boxes and packing materials.
How far in advance should I book a removal company?
It’s best to book 4–6 weeks in advance, especially during busy periods like summer or month-end.
How long does it take to move house with a removal company?
Most moves are completed within one day, but larger homes or long-distance moves may take longer.
Do removal companies dismantle and reassemble furniture?
Many companies offer this service, but it’s not always included as standard — check your quote to be sure.
Are my belongings insured during the move?
Most removal companies include basic goods-in-transit insurance, but you may want extra cover for high-ticket items, such as a piano.
Can removal companies provide storage?
Yes, many removal companies offer short-term or long-term storage solutions if there’s a delay between moving out and moving in.
Do I need to be there on moving day?
It’s recommended to be there on move day, as you may need to answer questions and check everything is loaded correctly.
Are professional house removal services worth it?
For many homeowners, a professional house removal services is worth every penny. Here's why:
Efficient and organised: Experienced movers can complete the job much faster
Reduces risk of damage: Proper handling helps protect your belongings
Less stress: Ideal for larger moves or tight timelines
Added convenience: Optional packing and storage services can simplify the process
To find reliable and trusted local removal companies for a stress-free move, start searching today. It's that simple.
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