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Moving to a new house can be an exciting yet daunting experience, and one of the key considerations is the cost of hiring a removal company. In the UK, the expenses associated with house removals vary depending on numerous factors, such as the —
- size of the property,
- distance travelled,
- location,
- and additional services required.
So, here’s the brief to your question, “How much does house removal cost in the UK?” House removal costs in the UK vary based on the factors mentioned above, with an average ranging from £806 to £1,181 for a 3-bedroom house travelling 50 miles including packing and furniture dismantling services.
To help you plan your budget effectively, let’s get into the details of house removal costs in the UK as of 2024.
How Much Does House Removal Cost in the UK
The average cost for moving a 3-bedroom house 50 miles in the UK is £1,181. Let’s break down the cost:
- Loading and unloading for a 3-bedroom house with 875 cubic feet: £806
- Packing materials, including 30 large boxes: £250
- Dismantling and reassembling 3 double beds: £125
- Total combined cost: £1,181
Here’s a breakdown of removal costs by size of property for a 50-mile move:
| 1 bedroom house | £356 – £606 (with packing) |
| 2 bedroom house | £576 – £826 (with packing) |
| 3 bedroom house | £806 – £1,056 (with packing) |
| 4 bedroom house | £1,056 – £1,306 (with packing) |
Factors Affecting Removal Costs
Several factors can influence the cost of your house removal:
- Distance Travelled: The further you move, the more you’ll pay. Some companies charge an hourly rate plus a mileage fee, while others have a flat rate per mile.
- Volume of Items: The more belongings you have, the more space they’ll take up in the removal van, leading to a higher cost.
- Location: Removals in big cities are typically more expensive than in smaller towns. Expect to pay more closer to London.
- Additional Services: Packing, furniture dismantling and reassembly, and storage services all add to the cost.
- Special Items: Fragile items like antiques may require specialist services, increasing the price.
- Move Date: Tuesdays are the most expensive days to move, while Sundays are the cheapest. Summer is also a peak season with potentially higher prices.
- Access to Property: If access to your property is difficult, such as living in a top-floor flat without a lift, removal companies may charge extra.
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Removal Costs by Location
Here’s a table showcasing Removal costs by location:
| Location | Lowest Average Cost | Average Cost | Highest Average Cost |
| London | £740 | £1,547 | £2,354 |
| Manchester | £949 | £1,306 | £1,662 |
| Bristol | £680 | £893 | £1,106 |
| Cardiff | £604 | £730 | £856 |
| Leeds | £835 | £1,011 | £1,188 |
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Removal Costs by Distance
Here’s a table showcasing Removal costs by distance:
| Distance Travelled | Cost (£25 p/h + £0.50 per mile) | Cost (£1 per mile) |
| 50 miles | £45.83 | £50 |
| 100 miles | £91.67 | £100 |
| 200 miles | £183.33 | £200 |
| 300 miles | £275 | £300 |
| 500 miles | £458.33 | £500 |
These costs are averages and may vary depending on specific circumstances and providers.
Visit our informative blog to learn about the man-and-van hourly rate in London.
Tips to Keep Removal Costs Down
There are a few things you can do to keep your removal costs down:
- Declutter before packing: Get rid of unwanted items to reduce the volume you need to move.
- Compare removal quotes: Get quotes from several companies to find the best deal.
- Book in advance: Booking in advance, especially outside peak season, can help you secure a better price.
- Pack yourself: Consider packing your own boxes to save on packing service costs.
- Use free packing materials: Ask friends or family for free packing materials like boxes.
Additional Removal Services
When budgeting for your move, don’t forget to factor in additional costs such as:
Packing Costs
Most removal companies offer different packing options to assist with your move:
- self-pack,
- part-pack,
- or full-pack services.
If you choose to self-pack, they’ll provide packing materials. With part or full packing, they’ll handle packing, loading, and unloading the items you specify at your new home. The packing cost depends on the number of items you’re moving, so fewer boxes mean a cheaper move.
So, you’ll need to factor in the cost of boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc.
For a 3-bedroom house, packing services typically cost around £250, including 30 large boxes and labour.
Furniture Removal Costs
Lots of removal companies provide a service to take apart and put back together your furniture. While you can do it yourself, it might be tricky if you’re not used to it. If you need this service, just tell your removal company during the pre-move survey, and they’ll check it out for you.
Dismantling and reassembling furniture can cost around £125 for 3 double beds.
Fragile Packing Service
Make sure you choose a removal company that knows how to handle delicate items carefully. They’ll use extra precautions to protect your fragile belongings. Packing and moving valuable or fragile items might cost more because it requires extra care and sometimes specialised equipment.
The cost varies depending on the item’s value, but expect to pay more for specialist packing of fragile items.
Self-storage Costs
Self-storage is a popular option for people moving house, allowing them to manage the process gradually, especially if they’re between homes.
The price of storage depends on how long you’ll use it and the size of the storage unit you need.
Insurance
Removal companies typically offer insurance for your belongings during the move.
Parking fees
You may need to pay for parking permits for the removal van at both your old and new homes.
Waiting time
If the removal company has to wait for you to be ready, you may be charged an hourly rate.
Self-Move vs. Removal Company
While hiring a removal van and doing it yourself may seem cheaper, it can be time-consuming and stressful. Removal companies are experienced and can complete your move quickly and safely.
International Moves
International moves are naturally more expensive than domestic moves. The average cost for a 3-bedroom house can be:
- £2,997 for a 40ft shipping container
- £260 per 100kg for air freight
- £265 per pallet for road freight.
Removal Cost Calculator
So, how to calculate the cost of house removal? The best way to find out how much removals will cost is to get quotes. The removal cost calculator makes it easy. Just enter details like your property size and current and new postcodes, and you’ll instantly receive online quotes from five trusted removal companies.
Do I Need a Removals Survey to Get an Accurate Removals Cost?
To get an accurate removal cost, it’s important to have a pre-move survey done by a couple of removal companies. During this survey, a removal assessor will visit your home to assess your needs and provide a precise quote.
Removal quotes are based on how much stuff you have to move. By visiting your home, the removal company can see exactly what needs to be moved and identify any access issues or items requiring special care.
During the survey, be sure to point out anything you’re not taking with you so it’s not included in the quote. Also, mention items that aren’t visible, like items in your loft or shed, to avoid surprises on a moving day.
Unexpected Removal Costs and Penalty Charges
Sometimes, things don’t go smoothly on a moving day. If issues arise, you might face extra charges from your removal company. It’s important to ask them what happens if someone in the chain falls ill and to understand any potential fees before hiring them.
A recent study suggests that over 115,000 home moves are delayed each year because of late funds or sellers taking longer to leave. Around 20,500 moves have even been cancelled due to fund delays. Chains of homeowners are particularly prone to delays, with one in four reporting problems on moving day.
Delays or cancellations not only cause inconvenience but also financial burdens. About 26% of affected homeowners incur costs averaging £509, with 14% losing over £1000.
Typical costs of delays include —
- charges from removal companies for waiting time,
- storage fees,
- cancellation fees,
- accommodation costs,
- and late completion fees.
Ensure your quote covers these costs.
If there’s a delay in getting the keys to your new home, you might have to pay a late key charge. This covers the removal team’s extra waiting time. Some firms offer a ‘late key waiver‘ for around £40-£50 to avoid these charges.
Also, be aware of your moving firm’s cancellation policy. Cancelling last minute due to house purchase problems may result in losing money, though most companies are flexible and can accommodate a new moving date.
Do You Need Removal Insurance?
Your removal company might offer insurance, but it’s important to understand what protection they provide. It’s often limited to ‘transit insurance,’ which covers your belongings only while they’re being moved.
However, this coverage is typically minimal – as low as £40 per item, regardless of its value. So, make sure you check. Good companies may offer up to £10,000 cover per item and £50,000 total cover.
Also, check if your insurance will be void if you pack your items yourself.
While your removal company’s insurance is important, you may also want to check if your home insurance policy covers your belongings during a move by a removal company.
Why Easy Way Removals for the Smooth House Removal Journey?
For reliable house removals in London, choose Easy Way Removals. Our moving team is fast and efficient and made up of insured and licensed professionals. We have vans of all sizes and offer rubbish cleaning services.
Careful packing and unpacking are part of our service.
Book now by calling us or contacting us online for a quote. Schedule a moving appointment that suits you, make sure our professionals have parking, and enjoy the best home removal experience.
We’ll provide a quote within 24 hours, transport your items safely and quickly, and prioritise your satisfaction. Get 10% off for a full house removal service.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, figuring out how much it costs to move house in the UK can be tricky. Things like how big your place is, how far you’re going, and what extra services you need can all affect the price. But if you get a few quotes and understand what’s involved, you can make your move go more smoothly and save money, too. So, whether you’re moving to a one-bedroom flat or a four-bedroom house, always remember to ask: How much does house removal cost?
FAQs
Are there any hidden costs of home removals?
Yes, potential hidden costs of home removals include late key charges and underestimated volume fees, adding to the overall expense. It’s important to clarify these with your removal company beforehand.
Can I move house myself?
Yes, you can move house yourself by renting a van and packing and moving independently, but it requires time, effort, and planning. Hiring a removal company offers convenience but comes with additional costs.
What are the best tips for choosing a removal company?
Get quotes from multiple companies, compare services and prices, and prioritise firms with good customer reviews and pre-move surveys.
