How Much Do Removal Companies Cost?

Moving house is one of life’s biggest upheavals. There’s the excitement of a fresh start, but also the stress of packing up everything you own and getting it from one place to another, and in one piece. 

That’s where removal companies come in. But many people pause before picking up the phone, asking: how much do removal companies cost?

In this blog, we’ll break down typical removal costs in the UK, what affects the price, what removal companies actually do and whether they provide things like boxes. We’ll also look at how to find a removal company you can trust.

What do removal companies do?

A removal company is there to take the heavy lifting off your hands. Their main job is to safely transport your belongings from your old property to your new one, but most offer a range of services to make the process smoother.

For a standard move, a removal company will load your packed belongings into a van, drive them to the new address and unload them where you want them. But many go beyond this. Some offer full packing services, dismantling and reassembling furniture or providing short-term storage if your moving dates don’t quite match up.

It means you can be as hands-on or hands-off as you like. If you’d rather pack yourself and just need a van and crew, you can. If you want them to handle the whole process, that’s also an option – and it’s one that can save a lot of stress on moving day.

How much do removal companies cost in the UK in 2025?

The cost of a removal company depends on the size of your property and whether you pack yourself or book a full packing service.

In 2025 typical prices according to research by Zoopla look like this:

1-bedroom flat

• Self-pack: from £420
• With packing service: from £830+

2-bedroom house

• Self-pack: from £530
• With packing service: from £1,220+

3-bedroom house

• Self-pack: from £800
• With packing service: from £1,770+

4-bedroom house

• Self-pack: from £1,200
• With packing service: from £2,350+

These ranges are averages across the UK, and costs can climb higher if you’re moving long-distance or need extra services like storage or dismantling furniture.

What affects the cost of a removal company?

No two moves are the same, so prices vary. Let’s run through the key things that affect how much you’ll pay.

Size of the property

Bigger homes usually mean more belongings, which take more time, more people and larger vehicles to move. The cost rises not just because of volume, but also because larger moves often require multiple trips or bigger lorries.

Distance of the move

A local move is far cheaper than relocating to another part of the country, as mileage has a big impact on cost. Longer journeys also mean higher fuel expenses and more time for the crew, which gets reflected in the quote.

Packing services

If you want the company to handle all the packing, the convenience comes at an extra price. Many people choose this option for fragile or valuable items, as it usually comes with added insurance protection.

Dismantling and reassembly

Taking apart and reassembling wardrobes, beds and other large furniture often carries an additional charge. It can save you time and effort on moving day, but it does add to the bill.

Access challenges

Narrow stairs, parking restrictions or long walks to the van can all make a move trickier, which increases the cost. If movers expect these difficulties, they may need to bring more staff or specialist equipment.

Day of the week

Weekends and Fridays are the most popular moving days, so removal companies often charge more at these times. Booking for midweek or during quieter periods can often bring down the overall price.

Naturally, some of these factors are things you can’t control or change in your own situation and with your property. But understanding these factors helps you decide which services you really need and where you might save money.

Do removal companies provide boxes?

The answer is usually yes, but it depends on the company and the package you book.

Many removal companies will provide sturdy cardboard boxes and packing materials either as part of the service or for an extra fee. If you’ve booked a full packing service, they’ll bring everything with them. If you’re packing yourself, you can often buy or rent boxes directly from the company.

Boxes from a removal company are generally stronger and better sized than supermarket spares, which reduces the risk of damage. They’ll often supply packing tape, bubble wrap and paper. Always ask upfront so you know what’s included.

Packing services vs self-packing

Another choice that affects costs is whether you pack yourself or let the movers handle it.

• Self-packing is cheaper, but takes a lot of time and effort. You’ll need to source boxes, pack carefully and label everything.
• Packing services save you the stress. Movers arrive with all the materials and do it quickly, often in a single day. The downside is the added cost, which can be several hundred pounds on top of the removal fee.

For valuable or fragile items, many people find professional packing worth the money, as it often comes with insurance coverage.

Insurance and peace of mind

Speaking of insurance, this is another area to factor into the cost. Most removal companies offer insurance that covers your belongings while they’re in transit. Check the details carefully though, because some policies only cover items they’ve packed themselves, which is another reason to consider their packing service.

It’s always worth confirming what’s included. If insurance isn’t part of the quote, you may need to buy it separately.

How to find a removal company

Choosing the right removal company makes all the difference to your moving experience. Here are a few ways to find one you can trust:

• Ask for recommendations from friends, family or colleagues who’ve moved recently.
• Check online reviews to see what other customers say.
• Look for accreditation, such as membership of the British Association of Removers (BAR).
• Get multiple quotes to compare prices and services.
• Check what’s included in each quote so you’re comparing like with like.

Do your homework. Don’t be tempted to go for the cheapest option. Reliability and good service matter far more when all your possessions are on the line.

Tips to keep removal costs down

Moving is expensive enough without adding unnecessary extras. Ways to keep the cost of a removal company under control are:

• Declutter to reduce the number of belongings you move
• Choose midweek or off-peak dates to save money
• Do your own packing to cut costs
• Have everything boxed and ready so movers can work quickly
• Compare at least three quotes before booking

These small steps can shave hundreds off the final bill.

But sometimes hiring help is money well spent

While DIY moving is possible for many of us, removal companies come into their own for certain situations. 

If you’re moving a large family home, relocating a long distance or have lots of heavy furniture and fragile items, paying for professionals makes sense. The peace of mind, speed and reduced stress are often well worth the investment.

The hidden costs of moving

It’s not just the removal company fee to think about. Moving comes with a string of extras, including:

• Stamp duty
• Conveyancing fees
• Surveys and valuations
• Estate agent fees
• Redirecting post
• Cleaning services

Factoring these in helps you plan your budget more realistically and avoid nasty surprises.

Making moving house less stressful

If you’re juggling the costs of moving, you might also be worried about selling your property in time. But that’s where we can help. At Sell House Fast, we buy homes directly for cash across the UK, often completing in a matter of days.

Because you’re working with reputable cash buyers for houses, you get certainty, and that can make planning your move far easier – no waiting for chains to resolve, no risk of buyers pulling out and no hidden fees.

With us, you’ll get:

• A personalised, tailored service
• A simple and transparent process with no hidden costs
• Completion in as little as a week
• A stress-free way to move forward with confidence

If you’re ready to sell your house fast and make your move smoother, get a free cash offer and find out how easy we can make your next move.