How much does it cost to hire movers?
Starting at £33 per hour on average
Updated on 4 June 2026
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Moving house is one of life's biggest milestones, and it's no secret that it comes with a price tag. Whether you're relocating across town or moving from a flat in London to a house in Edinburgh, knowing what to budget makes the whole process far less daunting.
This guide breaks down typical moving costs across the UK, the factors that push prices up or down, and how to make sure you're getting a fair deal.Using market research and Taskrabbit platform insights, you can generally expect to pay £33 per hour for moving services.
Average cost for moving services in major UK cities
Moving costs vary quite a bit depending on where you live. Demand, traffic, congestion charges and the general cost of living all play a role. The table below gives an overview of average moving costs across major UK cities.
| City | Avg Hourly Rate | Avg Invoice Total |
|---|---|---|
| London | £37 | £120 |
| Birmingham | £31 | £102 |
| Bristol | £34 | £83 |
| Reading | £56 | £102 |
| Liverpool | £29 | £41 |
| Milton Keynes | £40 | £57 |
| Edinburgh | £45 | £141 |
What impacts the cost of hiring movers?
Moving costs are rarely one-size-fits-all. A number of variables affect what you'll ultimately pay, and it's worth understanding them before you book.
Distance
The further you're moving, the more you'll pay. Local moves within the same town or city are typically charged by the hour. For longer distances, removal companies usually switch to a fixed-price model based on mileage and load size.
Here's an estimate of costs by distance:
Under 10 miles: £300–£700 for a small to medium home
10–50 miles: £500–£1,200
50–150 miles: £800–£2,000
150–300 miles: £1,200–£3,500
300+ miles (e.g., London to Edinburgh): £1,500–£5,000+
Home size and volume of belongings
The more items you have, the more time it takes and more time means more money. A studio flat might take a couple of hours with one van, while a large family home could require a full day with multiple vehicles and an extra pair of hands. As a rough guide:
Studio or one-bedroom flat: £300–£800
Two-bedroom home: £500–£1,200
Three-bedroom home: £900–£2,500
Four or more bedrooms: £1,500–£5,000+
Remember, these estimates would also be influenced by the distance of your move, and other factors below.
Type of moving service
Not all moving help is the same, and the type of service you choose will have a significant impact on how much you pay. Here's a quick guide to the main options:
Man with a van: A driver and vehicle (sometimes with a helper) who transports your belongings from A to B. Best for smaller moves, single rooms or studio flats where you're doing most of the packing yourself.
Full removal service: A professional team that handles the entire move, from loading and transporting to unloading at your new home. The right choice for larger homes or anyone who wants a hands-off experience.
Packing and unpacking services: A team comes to your home before moving day to pack everything into boxes. This can be booked as a standalone service or as part of a full removal package. You can even get unpacking help to support your move into the new home as well.
Storage: If your new home isn't ready, or you're downsizing, a storage unit gives you a secure place to keep your belongings in the short or long term.
Specialist or heavy items
Standard removal quotes assume ordinary household furniture. If you have items that need special handling, expect to pay more. Typical surcharges for specialist items include:
Piano: £150 to £500 (local), £500 to £1,000+ (long distance)
Antiques or fine art: £200 to £800 (custom crating and specialist handling)
American-style fridge-freezers or large appliances: £50 to £150 extra
Pool table: up to £600
Safe: up to £400
Hot tubs or large garden items: £100 to £400 depending on size and access
Timing
When you move can be just as important as where. Moving during peak periods typically costs more because demand for removal services goes up. The most expensive times to move are:
End of the month (when most leases and completions fall)
Fridays (the most popular moving day)
School summer holidays (late July and August)
Bank holidays
If you have flexibility, aim to move on a Tuesday or Wednesday in the middle of the month. You're likely to find better availability and lower rates.
Access and property type
UK housing stock is diverse, and access conditions can add complexity to a move. Things that can push up your quote include:
Long carries from the vehicle to your front door
Stairs with no lift
Narrow corridors or tight stairwells
Older properties with awkward layouts
If you're moving into or out of a flat above the ground floor with no lift, make sure to mention this when getting quotes. Some removal companies charge extra for each floor.
Parking and permits
In many UK cities, removal companies need a parking suspension permit to park their vehicle close to your property. Costs vary by council but typically range from £30 to £60 per day. It's worth sorting this out in advance to avoid delays on moving day.
If there's no parking directly outside your property, movers will need to carry your belongings further, which takes more time.
Packing materials
If you'd rather leave the packing to the professionals, most removal companies offer this as an add-on service. Typical costs for packing labour range from £200 to £600 depending on property size. However, if you plan to do the packing yourself, or the materials aren't included, here is what you can expect to spend:
Small cardboard boxes: £1 to £2 each
Large cardboard boxes: £2 to £4 each
Bubble wrap (per roll): £5 to £15
Packing tape: £2 to £5 per roll
Wardrobe boxes: £8 to £20 each
Packing paper (per ream): £5 to £10
Mattress covers: £5–£15 each
Hidden or additional moving service costs to consider
Even a well-planned move can throw up surprises. Here are some costs that are easy to forget when budgeting:
Cleaning fees: Many landlords require professional end-of-tenancy cleaning. Budget around £150 to £400 depending on property size.
Handyman services: You may need help dismantling furniture, patching walls or hanging things in your new home. Typical rates are £40 to £80 per hour.
Congestion or ULEZ charges: If you're moving in or out of a city centre, your removal company's vehicle may be subject to charges. London's Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) are the most well-known, but cities including Birmingham, Bristol, and Bath also have clean air zones. These charges are typically passed on to the customer, so ask your removal company about them upfront.
Insurance: Standard removal companies include basic insurance, but it may not cover the full value of your belongings. Ask about additional cover for high-value items.
Childcare or pet care: Having children or pets looked after on moving day can make everything go more smoothly and is worth budgeting for.
Utility setup costs: Some providers charge connection fees when you set up new accounts at your new address.
Long-distance fuel costs: For moves over 100 miles, fuel costs can add a meaningful amount to your bill. Some companies include fuel in their fixed price; others itemise it separately. Clarify this before you sign anything.
Common moving scenarios and typical costs
A full house move involves more than just loading a van. Here's a breakdown of what individual tasks and types of moves typically cost in the UK.
| Moving task | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Packing service | £200–£600 |
| Rubbish removal | £100–£300 |
| Single item move | £80–£200 |
| Unpacking service | £150–£400 |
| Full service moving | $1000+ |
| End-of-tenancy cleaning | £150–£350 |
| Man with a van (per hour) | £50–£120 |
| Furniture disassembly/reassembly | £50–£200 |
How to save on moving costs
Moving doesn't have to break the bank. A few smart decisions can make a real difference to the final bill.
Book early: The further in advance you book, the better your chances of securing a good rate, especially if you're moving at a busy time of year such as the summer.
Be flexible with dates: Moving midweek or mid-month is almost always cheaper than a Friday at the end of the month.
Declutter before you move: The less you take, the less you pay. Sell, donate or recycle anything you no longer need before you start packing.
Pack yourself: If you're able to pack your own boxes, you'll save on packing labour costs.
Get multiple quotes: Always compare at least three quotes before booking. Prices can vary significantly between providers.
Use free boxes: Supermarkets, off-licences and online marketplaces are great sources of free cardboard boxes.
DIY vs. hiring movers
It's tempting to rope in some friends and hire a van yourself, especially when you're trying to keep costs down. But it's worth weighing up the full picture before you decide.
When to DIY
A fully DIY move can save money, but it's not the right choice for everyone. It tends to work well when:
You're moving a small volume of belongings, such as from a studio or one-bedroom flat.
You're moving locally and can make multiple trips.
You have friends or family who can help with the heavy lifting.
You're comfortable driving a hired van.
Your budget is tight and time is flexible.
Your items are straightforward to move without specialist equipment.
When to hire help
Hiring a removal company is often the smarter choice in the following situations:
You're moving a three-bedroom home or larger.
You're relocating a significant distance, particularly between cities or across the country.
You have heavy, bulky, or fragile items that require specialist handling.
You're working to a tight schedule, such as a completion date in a property chain.
You live in a flat above the ground floor, particularly without lift access.
You're moving into or out of a city centre where parking is restricted.
You need packing and unpacking support as well as transportation.
You have a physical limitation that makes heavy lifting unsafe.
How to choose the right removal company
When it comes to booking moving services, it pays to do a bit of research first. Here's what you can do to be confident in who you hire:
Read reviews: Check what previous customers say about reliability, care taken with belongings and value for money. Look at Google, Trustpilot, Checkatrade, or in-platform reviews if using an app like Taskrabbit.
Check what's included: Does the quote cover just the van and labour, or does it include packing materials, disassembly and reassembly?
Ask about insurance: What's covered if something gets damaged? Is there an excess?
Confirm the details in writing: Make sure you have a written quote that specifies the date, services and price before you commit.
Look for experience with your type of move: Someone who specialises in man with a van jobs may not be the right fit for a large family home move.
Frequently asked questions about moving services
How much do packing supplies cost?
If you're packing yourself, budgeting for materials is easy to overlook. A rough estimate for a two-bedroom home is around £50 to £150 in supplies, depending on how much you already have and how much padding your fragile items need.
How much does it cost to hire a removal company in the UK?
The average cost of hiring a removal company in the UK ranges from around £300 for a small local move to £2,000 or more for a large home moving a long distance. The exact price depends on property size, distance, services required and time of year.
Do I need to tip movers?
Tipping is not expected in the UK, but it is appreciated if your movers have done a particularly good job. A tip of £10 to £20 per person is a thoughtful gesture if you're happy with the service.
Is it cheaper to use a man with a van or a removal company?
A man with a van is usually the more affordable option for smaller moves, such as a studio flat or single-room relocation. For larger homes with more furniture and more complex logistics, a full removal company often works out more cost-effective overall because they have the right team and equipment to get the job done efficiently.
