What drives the cost of moving
Three things move the bill the most: the size of your home (how much there is to pack and carry), the distance between properties, and how much of the work you do yourself versus paying a firm to do it.
Timing matters too. Fridays, weekends, bank holidays and the end of the month are the busiest and most expensive times for removals, because that is when most completions land. Shifting your move to a quieter day can save a meaningful amount.
Typical moving costs
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Removals (2 to 3 bed) | £400 to £1,000 | More for long distance or larger homes |
| Removals (4+ bed) | £800 to £1,500+ | Larger vans/teams and more time |
| Professional packing | £150 to £400 | Optional; saves time and breakages |
| Packing materials (DIY) | £30 to £100 | Boxes, tape, bubble wrap |
| Short-term storage | £25 to £75/week | If completion dates don't line up |
| Mail redirection | £35 to £70 | Royal Mail, 3 to 12 months |
| Utility & broadband set-up | £0 to £150 | Connection and account fees |
| Council tax overlap | £0 to £300 | Brief period paying on two homes |
Rough removals cost by home size
A guide to removals alone (the largest single item), assuming a local move.
| Property size | Local move | Long distance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 bed flat | £300 to £600 | £500 to £900 |
| 3 bed house | £500 to £900 | £800 to £1,300 |
| 4+ bed house | £800 to £1,500 | £1,200 to £2,500+ |
Ways to cut the cost of moving
- Get at least three removal quotes and book early, last-minute moves cost more.
- Move mid-week or mid-month; Fridays and month-ends are the most expensive.
- Declutter before you move, you pay to transport everything, so sell or donate first.
- Pack non-fragile items yourself and let removers handle the breakables.
- Ask whether your removals firm includes insurance, and check what it covers.
- Source free boxes from local shops or online giveaways instead of buying them.
How to plan your moving budget
Treat the move as a project with its own line items rather than a vague day-of cost.
List everything that moves
Room by room, note large furniture and the number of boxes. This drives the removals quote and tells you whether to declutter.
Get three quotes
Request quotes for the same date and inventory so you can compare like for like, and ask what insurance is included.
Add the extras
Build in packing, storage, mail redirection, utility set-up and any council tax overlap so nothing is forgotten.
Fold it into completion cash
Add the total to your stamp duty, legal fees and survey so your cash-at-completion figure is realistic.
Build moving costs into your completion budget
Moving costs land right when your savings are lowest. Treat them as part of your cash-at-completion figure alongside stamp duty, legal fees and the survey, not an afterthought.