How Much Are Movers? The Complete UK Cost Guide

Understanding how movers price their services helps you compare quotes accurately.

Most removal companies price by one of three methods: hourly rate, fixed price by property size, or a custom quote based on a survey.

Hourly rates typically run from £50 to £100 per hour for a two-person crew plus van.

A local move that takes four hours would therefore cost between £200 and £400. Be cautious with hourly pricing if you have a large volume of items, as jobs often take longer than estimated.

Fixed pricing by property size is more predictable.

Here are typical market rates for a standard local move (under 20 miles):

- One-bedroom flat: £300 to £500 - Two-bedroom house: £450 to £750 - Three-bedroom house: £600 to £900 - Four-bedroom house: £800 to £1,200 - Five-bedroom house or larger: £1,000 to £1,800

For long-distance moves (over 100 miles), expect to add roughly 30% to 60% to these figures.

Fuel, driver time, and overnight stays for the crew all add to the cost.

Weekday moves are generally cheaper than weekend moves.

Saturday bookings can add 10% to 20% to a quote. Bank holidays and the end of the month, when many tenancy contracts end, are the most expensive times to book. Choosing a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday can save you a meaningful amount without any sacrifice in service quality.

Packing services add between £150 and £400 depending on the size of your home.

Storage, if needed between moves, typically costs £25 to £60 per week for a standard unit.

Removal costs vary across the UK not just by distance but by region.

London moves are typically 15% to 25% more expensive than equivalent moves in the Midlands or the North of England. This reflects higher operating costs, congestion charges, parking permit requirements, and the complexity of navigating urban streets with a large vehicle.

Moves in central London often require a parking suspension, which costs between £40 and £70 per bay per day and must be arranged with the local council in advance.

Your removal company can handle this for you, but it is an additional cost to factor into your budget.

Scottish moves, particularly to the Highlands and Islands, carry distance premiums and sometimes ferry costs.

A removal from London to Edinburgh typically costs between £900 and £1,600 for a three-bedroom house. Moves within Scottish cities such as Glasgow or Edinburgh are priced similarly to equivalent English city moves.

Wales and Northern Ireland have their own pricing dynamics.

Northern Ireland moves from mainland UK require a sea crossing, which adds ferry or air freight costs depending on volume. Cross-channel moves to the Republic of Ireland from Northern Ireland are treated as international removals and require customs documentation.

In all regions, the same cost-saving principles apply: book midweek, book early, reduce your volume, and get multiple written quotes.

Giant Van operates across the UK and can advise on region-specific costs and logistics when you call .