How much does it cost to move a 1-bedroom flat?

The average cost to move a 1-bedroom flat locally in the UK is between £350 and £700. This usually requires a 2-man crew and a Luton van for half a day.

Do removal companies charge extra if there is no lift?

Yes. Moving from a 2nd or 3rd-floor flat without a lift significantly increases the physical labor and time required. Most companies will add a surcharge or quote a higher hourly rate to account for this.

Is a man and van cheaper for moving a flat?

For a small studio or lightly furnished 1-bed flat, a man and van service charging by the hour (£45-£65/hr) is usually cheaper than a full-service removal company. However, for a fully furnished 2-bed flat, a professional removal company is often more efficient.

What happens if the removal van can't park near my flat?

If the van has to park far away, the 'long carry' will increase the time it takes to load. In cities like London, you may need to arrange and pay for a parking suspension with your local council beforehand.

Can I move a flat in one day?

Yes, almost all local flat moves (studio to 2-bedroom) are completed within a single day, typically taking between 3 to 6 hours depending on access and volume.

Flat Removals Guide

Flat Moving Costs UK 2026

Moving flat in the UK? Discover average removal costs for studio, 1-bed, and 2-bed apartments, including how floor level and lift access affect your quote.

Calculate Your Move Get Free Moving Quotes

Quick Answer| Last updated: May 2026

The average cost to move a flat in the UK ranges from £250 for a studio to £700 for a large 2-bedroom apartment. Factors like no lift access, long carries to the van, and weekend moves can increase these prices by 10-25%.

Key Takeaways

•Flat moves are generally cheaper due to lower volume, averaging £250 to £700.
•Access is crucial: no lift or a long walk to the van will increase labor costs.
•A Man and Van service is often the most cost-effective option for studio and 1-bed flats.
•Parking suspensions may be required if you live on a busy street.

Average Flat Removal Prices 2026

Flat Size	Estimated Cost (Local)	Time Estimate
Studio Apartment	£250 – £450	2 – 4 Hours
1-Bedroom Flat	£350 – £700	3 – 5 Hours
2-Bedroom Flat	£500 – £900	4 – 7 Hours

Key Factors Affecting Flat Moving Costs

Moving a flat is often more complex than moving a house of the same size due to access logistics. Here is what removal companies look for when quoting:

Floor Level: The higher the floor, the longer the move takes. Ground floor is cheapest; 4th floor without a lift is the most expensive.
Lift Availability: A working lift speeds up the process significantly. If the lift is too small for large items like sofas, the crew will have to use the stairs, increasing the cost.
Parking Restrictions: If the removal van has to park 50 meters away from the entrance, it adds hours to the labor time.
Volume of Belongings: Even a 1-bed flat can have a lot of furniture. The more items you have, the larger the van and crew required.

Money-Saving Tips for Flat Moves

Declutter early: Flats have limited storage; don't pay to move things you don't need.
Dismantle furniture: Do this yourself to save the movers' time and your money.
Book mid-week: Tuesday and Wednesday are often cheaper than Fridays.
Check the lift: Ensure the lift is working and booked for your exclusive use if possible.