Moving Cost Calculator UK

Quick Answer| Last updated: May 2026

The average UK house move usually costs between £800 and £2,500 depending on property size, distance, packing services, access, and moving date. A 1-bedroom flat typically costs £350 - £700, while a 3-bedroom house averages £800 - £1,500 for a local move. Use the calculator below for a personalized estimate.

Local vs. Long-Distance Moves

Local Move Costs: If you are moving within the same town or city (typically under 30 miles), removal companies often charge an hourly or half-day rate. Because travel time and fuel costs are minimal, local moves are significantly cheaper. A standard 3-bedroom local move usually costs between £800 and £1,200.

Long-Distance Move Costs: Moving across the country (e.g., London to Edinburgh) changes the pricing structure entirely. You are paying for the time the crew spends driving, the fuel, and potentially overnight accommodation. Long-distance moves are usually quoted as a fixed price based on mileage and volume.

Packing and Storage Costs

Packing Costs: Opting for a professional full packing service adds roughly £250 to £500 to your bill, depending on property size. This covers the labor of the packing team (who usually arrive the day before) and the cost of all materials like heavy-duty boxes, bubble wrap, and wardrobe cartons.

Storage Costs: If your property chain is delayed, you may need temporary storage. Removal companies charge weekly rates for containerized storage, plus a handling fee to unload and reload your items. Expect to pay £15–£25 per week per standard storage container (approx. 35 sq ft).

London Moving Costs

Moving in London carries a premium. Base rates are higher due to operating costs, and companies must factor in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), Congestion Charge, and frequent parking suspensions. Expect London quotes to be 15-25% higher than the national average.

Manchester Moving Costs

Manchester offers more competitive moving rates than the South East. However, city centre moves involving high-rise apartments without dedicated loading bays can still incur access surcharges. A typical 2-bed move in Manchester averages £600–£850.

Birmingham Moving Costs

As a major transport hub, Birmingham benefits from highly competitive removal pricing. Local moves in the West Midlands are generally very affordable, though properties in the Clean Air Zone may attract a small vehicle surcharge from some operators.

Stairs and Access Charges

Time is money in the removals industry. If your property has multiple flights of stairs, a broken lift, a long walk from the parking spot to the front door, or requires a smaller shuttle van because a large lorry cannot fit down a narrow lane, the job will take longer. Removal companies will add an access surcharge to cover the extra labor hours required.

Weekend and Urgent Move Pricing

Fridays and weekends are the most popular times to move, as people try to avoid taking time off work. Because demand outstrips supply, weekend rates are almost always higher. Similarly, if you need an urgent, last-minute move within 7 days, you will likely pay a premium rate as companies have to rearrange schedules or pay staff overtime.

Determine Your Property Size

The volume of your belongings (based on the number of bedrooms) is the biggest factor. It dictates the van size and the number of movers required.

Calculate the Distance

Local moves under 30 miles are usually charged at a flat or hourly rate. Long-distance moves factor in extra fuel, travel time, and potential overnight stays.

Assess Access Difficulties

If you live in a top-floor flat without a lift or have a long walk to the parking spot, removal companies will charge more for the extra labor time.

Add Extra Services

Decide if you need professional packing (usually £200-£500 extra), furniture dismantling, or temporary storage, and add these onto your baseline cost.