Moving Cost Calculator
Get a rough estimate of your removals cost based on home size, hours, and distance — with a typical low–high range.
Estimated cost: £350.00 — typical range £280.00 – £420.00.
Real quotes vary by season (peak summer is 20–40% pricier), service tier (full-pack vs DIY-load), and company. Get 3+ quotes before booking. The ±20% range above reflects this typical spread.
Results update as you type. Estimate excludes packing materials, insurance, storage, and tips. Treat this as a rule-of-thumb starting point, not a quote.
Formula
Two pieces:
labour = hours × hourly_rate and
distance_cost = distance × per_distance_rate.
Add them. The ±20% range either side of the total reflects the typical spread between
cheapest and dearest quote for the same move — useful as a sanity check when you're
collecting bids.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a UK removals company cost?▾
Wide range. A small local move (1-bed flat, same city) commonly runs £350–£600 with a 2-person crew at £60–£90/hr. A 3-bed semi local move is more like £750–£1,200. Long-distance moves add ~£1–£2 per loaded mile. National full-service movers (BAR-registered) sit at the top of the range; man-and-van local services at the bottom. Always get 3 quotes.
What does the hourly rate cover?▾
Typically the crew (usually 2 people) plus a van. UK rates run £60–£90/hr for a 2-person standard van crew, £90–£140/hr for a 3-person crew with a Luton or larger van. Includes fuel for the crew's working time but usually not packing materials, dismantling/reassembly of furniture, or building piano/safe handling.
Does this cover packing materials?▾
No — calculate boxes separately. A typical 2-bed flat needs £50–£100 of boxes, tape, packing paper, and bubble wrap if you're DIY-packing. Full pre-pack service (where the movers pack everything for you) is typically charged as a fixed extra of £200–£600 depending on home size.
When should I avoid moving?▾
Late June through August is peak season — expect 20–40% higher rates, longer lead times, and removalists fully booked weeks ahead. Mid-week moves (Tue/Wed) and off-peak (Oct–Mar excluding Christmas) are typically cheapest. Last weekend of the month is busiest because most tenancies start the 1st.
Should I tip the movers?▾
Discretionary in the UK, where tipping isn't standard. Many people give £10–£20 per crew member on top of the bill if the work was excellent, particularly on hot days or for awkward loads. Refreshments (tea, water, lunch) are widely appreciated and very common.
What's not in this estimate?▾
Buildings insurance during the move (often included in the removals quote, sometimes extra), storage between properties, parking permits or suspensions for the truck (some London boroughs charge ~£50/vehicle/day), specialist moves (piano, safe, art), and any cleaning service for the old or new property. Tot up these extras separately.