The Complete UK Guide → London
The Complete UK Guide to London removals. Fully insured, fixed price.
From £299
The Complete UK Guide
Deciding to hire movers is one of the best things you can do on moving day. A professional team handles the heavy lifting, protects your belongings, and gets you into your new home faster than doing it yourself. This guide covers everything you need to know: what movers cost in the UK, how to choose the right company, what to expect on the day, and why Giant Van is trusted by thousands of households every year. If you are moving across the street or across the country, read on before you book.
Local Expert Answer
Quick AnswerProfessional removal services across London and the wider UK. If you are moving within the M25, relocating from London to another city, or moving between regions, the Giant Van team handles the logistics from start to finish. The company operates across all London boroughs and serves destinations throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. Call 020 3129 6180 to discuss your specific location and get a written quote for your move.
£50,000Transit Insurance
Same DayAvailability
Typical Properties in The Complete UK Guide
Understanding the property mix helps us plan the right crew size, van, and equipment for your move.
Semi-Detached
28%
Terraced Houses
26%
Flats & Apartments
22%
Detached Houses
18%
Bungalows
6%
Average Property Era: Mixed stock
What Does It Mean to Hire Movers?
To hire movers means you pay a professional removal company to transport your possessions from one address to another. The crew arrive with a van, load your items safely, drive to your new home, and unload everything where you want it. That is the core service. Most companies, including Giant Van, also offer extras such as packing, disassembly of furniture, storage, and specialist handling for fragile or heavy pieces.
Hiring movers is different from hiring a man and van. A full removal service includes a team, the right size vehicle, protective materials such as blankets and trolleys, and proper liability cover. A man and van is typically one driver and a smaller vehicle suited to single rooms or studio flats. For whole-house moves or anything above a one-bed property, a full removal crew is nearly always the right choice.
There are two main service levels. A basic removal covers load, transport, and unload. A full-service removal adds packing and unpacking, which means the crew wraps every item, boxes it, moves it, and puts it back in place at the other end. The second option takes more pressure off you, especially if you are short on time or have a lot of fragile items like artwork, glassware, or antiques.
Understanding what you are buying helps you compare quotes accurately. Always confirm what is included before you sign anything.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers in the UK?
Cost depends on the size of your home, the distance you are moving, the day of the week, and the level of service.
As a general guide for UK moves in 2026:
- **Studio or one-bedroom flat, local move**: £300 to £600 - **Two-bedroom home, local move**: £500 to £900 - **Three-bedroom home, local move**: £750 to £1,400 - **Four-bedroom home, local move**: £1,100 to £2,000 - **Long-distance moves** (over 100 miles): add 30 to 60 per cent to the above
Packing services add roughly £150 to £500 depending on volume.
Storage, if required, typically runs £30 to £80 per week for a standard unit.
Several factors push the price up.
Moving on a Friday or at the start or end of the month costs more because demand is high. Access issues, such as no parking near your door or a third-floor flat with no lift, add time and therefore cost. Specialist items like a piano or a hot tub require trained handlers and dedicated equipment.
Several factors bring the price down.
Flexible dates, especially mid-week moves in the middle of the month, attract lower rates. Being fully packed before the crew arrives saves labour time. Booking several weeks in advance allows companies to plan routes efficiently.
Always get at least three written quotes.
A legitimate removal company will survey your home, either in person or via video, before pricing the job. Be wary of any company that quotes without seeing what you have. Call Giant Van on for a no-obligation quote tailored to your specific move.
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Giant Van Removal Pricing Guide
Prices vary by home size, distance, date, and service level. As a guide, a local one-bedroom move starts from around £300, a three-bedroom home from approximately £750, and a four-bedroom house from roughly £1,100. Long-distance moves and packing services are priced separately. Call 020 3129 6180 for a tailored quote based on your exact requirements. All prices are confirmed in writing before you commit.
Property SizeStarting Price
Studio / 1-bed flatFrom £149
2-bed houseFrom £249Most Popular
3-bed houseFrom £399
4-bed houseFrom £549
Man and van (hourly)From £39/hr
All prices include a fully insured crew, van, and moving blankets. Packing services available as add-ons.
Get your exact priceTips for Hiring Movers: What to Check Before You Book
7 Tips
These checks will protect you.
Ask for the policy details in writing. Standard cover is typically £10,000 to £50,000 for goods in transit. If you own high-value items, ask whether additional cover is available.
Check cancellation terms. Some companies charge up to 50 per cent of the job value if you cancel within 48 hours. Know this before you sign.
A pattern of ignored negative reviews is a red flag. Look for mentions of punctuality, care with belongings, and clear communication.
Are they employed directly or subcontracted? Directly employed crews tend to be better trained and more accountable.
Ask the company to recommend a vehicle based on your home size. A three-bedroom home typically needs a 7.5-tonne lorry or a large Luton van.
Make sure you receive a written confirmation of the date, time, service, and price before paying a deposit. Giant Van provides all of this as standard and can be reached on .
How Removals in The Complete UK Guide Work
- 01
Tell us about your move
Enter your collection and delivery addresses, select your property size, and list any large items. See a fixed price in under 60 seconds.
- 02
Choose your moving day
Pick a date and time slot that works for you. Add packing materials or extra helpers if you need them.
- 03
Relax while we move you in
A fully insured crew arrives on time, wraps and loads your belongings, and delivers everything to your new home.
All Included
What Is Included When You Hire Movers?
A standard removal service from a company like Giant Van typically includes the following: **Loading.** The crew carry every item from your home to the vehicle.
They use trolleys, sack trucks, and furniture sliders to protect floors and walls.
Large items are wrapped in blankets or stretch wrap before they go on the van.
**Transport.** Your belongings travel in the company's vehicle, which is fully insured.
The driver plans the route and manages any access requirements at both ends.
**Unloading.** At your new home, the crew carry everything in and place it where you ask.
If you have labelled boxes by room, a good removal team will follow your instructions precisely.
**Basic protective materials.** Most companies include blankets and stretch wrap in the base price.
Cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and packing paper are usually charged separately unless you opt for a full-service package.
**Dismantling and reassembly.** Many companies include standard flat-pack furniture.
Beds, wardrobes, and dining tables are typically dismantled at the origin and put back together at the destination.
Ask specifically whether this is included or charged as an extra.
What is not usually included in the base price: packing labour, packing materials, specialist item handling (pianos, pool tables, large safes), cleaning, and storage.
Giant Van offers all of these as optional add-ons.
Call to discuss a package that covers exactly what you need.
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DIY Move vs Professional Removal
DIY Move
- Van hire: £80–200 per day plus fuel
- No transit insurance for belongings
- Physical effort and injury risk
- Friends needed — plans fall through
- Multiple trips if van too small
Professional Removal
- Fixed price — no surprise charges
- £10,000 goods-in-transit insurance
- Trained crew handles heavy items
- Right-sized van every time
- Furniture blankets and straps provided
Step-by-Step: How to Hire Movers for Your Move
01
Follow these steps to hire movers with confidence and avoid the most common pitfalls.
02
**Step 1: Decide your moving date.** Pin down your move date as early as possible.
Removal companies book up fast, especially around bank holidays and summer months. Six to eight weeks' notice is ideal. Four weeks is the minimum for a smooth booking process.
03
**Step 2: Assess your volume.** Go room by room and note the number of boxes, large furniture items, and any specialist pieces.
This assessment is what removal companies use to size the job. The more accurate you are, the more accurate your quotes will be.
04
**Step 3: Request at least three quotes.** Contact several companies and ask for a home survey, either in person or video.
Provide the same information to each company so you can compare like for like. Be specific about access restrictions, parking, and whether stairs or lifts are involved.
05
**Step 4: Compare the quotes.** Do not simply pick the cheapest.
Check what each quote includes. A lower headline price may exclude packing materials or a second crew member, making it more expensive in practice.
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Hiring Movers in the UK: What You Need to Know
The UK removals industry operates without a formal licence requirement, which means quality varies significantly between companies.
This makes the checks described earlier even more important for UK customers.
The average house move in England takes 8 to 12 weeks from offer to completion.
The removal itself typically takes between 4 and 12 hours on moving day, depending on property size and distance. Completion day in the UK is notorious for delays. Keys are often not released until 2 or 3 pm, even on a morning-targeted move. A good removal company builds this uncertainty into their planning and does not pressure you when things run late.
UK road conditions are another practical consideration.
Moving through central London or any city centre involves narrow streets, permit-only parking zones, and low bridges. Giant Van operates across London and the surrounding regions and has experience navigating these challenges. If you need a parking suspension or a parking bay exemption, your local council handles these and they typically take 5 to 10 working days to process. Your removal company should advise you on this.
Leasehold flats often have restrictions on moving times.
Many buildings require you to book the service lift in advance and restrict moves to specific hours, usually 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays. Check your lease and speak to the building management before confirming your booking.
For long-distance moves between countries within the UK, such as England to Scotland or Wales, costs and logistics increase.
Allow extra time for route planning and overnight stops if the distance is over 300 miles.
Verified Reviews
What Our Customers Say
Smooth move from start to finish
VerifiedBooked online in under a minute and the crew turned up right on time. Everything was wrapped carefully and nothing was damaged. Genuinely the easiest move I've had.
JT
James T.Fixed price — no nasty surprises
VerifiedThe quote I got online was exactly what I paid. No hidden fees, no extra charges on the day. The two-man crew were professional, fast, and really friendly.
SK
Sarah K.Same-day booking saved our move
VerifiedOur original movers cancelled last minute. Giant Van had a crew available the same day. They handled a full 2-bed flat and had us settled in by evening.
DM
David M.
A Note From Our The Complete UK Guide Team
Verified DriverThe Complete UK Guide Operations
We know The Complete UK Guide well. Our drivers navigate the local streets daily, handling everything from narrow terraced house access to large detached properties. Every move is treated with care because our reputation in The Complete UK Guide depends on it.
The Complete UK Guide Operations, Giant Van Driver
Why Hire Movers from Giant Van?
Giant Van provides professional removal services across London and the UK. When you hire movers through Giant Van, you get a trained, experienced crew who treat your belongings with the same care they would give their own.
Every move is covered by comprehensive goods in transit insurance and public liability insurance, so you have real protection if something goes wrong. The Giant Van fleet is fully equipped with protective materials, trolleys, and the right vehicle for your home size. There are no hidden charges. Your written quote is your final price, subject only to changes you request.
Giant Van serves a wide range of customers: families moving between houses, young professionals relocating for work, landlords clearing properties between tenancies, and businesses moving offices. The team is experienced across all property types, from Victorian terraces with narrow doorways to modern high-rise apartments with service lifts.
Booking is straightforward. Call to speak with a member of the team who will discuss your requirements, arrange a survey, and provide a clear quote. There is no obligation and no pressure.
Customer communication is a priority. You receive confirmation of your booking, a reminder ahead of the move, and a named point of contact on the day itself. If your completion is delayed, the Giant Van team stays with you rather than walking away at an arbitrary time. That reliability is what keeps customers coming back and recommending the service to friends and family.
£50,000
Transit Insurance
Accredited
Industry Certified
When Is the Best Time to Move?
UK moving demand follows seasonal patterns. Off-peak months typically offer lower prices and more crew availability.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season (higher demand, book early)
Off-Peak (better availability, lower prices)
Alternatives to Hiring Movers: What Are Your Options?
6 Tips
Understanding the alternatives helps you pick the right level of service for your situation.
Best suited to one-bedroom flats, single-room moves, or when you plan to do most of the carrying yourself. Costs roughly £50 to £150 per hour. The drawback is that you bear more of the physical effort and the vehicle may not fit everything in one trip.
This is the cheapest option in cash terms, often £80 to £200 for a day's hire, but it demands physical effort, driving confidence with a large vehicle, and enough helpers. It also carries risk: damage caused by you is unlikely to be covered under a standard hire policy, and accidents in unfamiliar vehicles are more common than people expect.
You fill it at your own pace. They collect and deliver to your new address. This works well for long-distance moves where timing flexibility is important, but it does not solve the loading and unloading problem unless you hire helpers separately.
This can save money on long-distance moves but requires significant planning.
Call to find out what works best for your specific move.
Full Removal Service vs Man and Van: Which Is Right for You?
4 Tips
Moving home is one of life's biggest events.
Getting the right help makes the difference between a stressful day and a smooth one.
When you hire movers from Giant Van, you work with a team that has helped thousands of UK families get settled in their new homes.
From your first call to the last box, the focus is on doing the job right.
Ready to get started?
Call Giant Van on 020 3129 6180 today.
Our team will walk you through your options, answer your questions, and provide a clear, written quote with no hidden costs.
Moving day should be the start of something good.
Let us handle the hard part.
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in Real-Time
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- Live GPS tracking on every move
- Instant fixed-price quotes
- Manage bookings on the go
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The Complete UK Guide — FAQs
How far in advance should I hire movers?
Book at least four weeks before your move date, and ideally six to eight weeks for moves during busy periods such as summer, bank holidays, or end of month. Removal companies fill their diaries quickly, and late bookings often mean you get a limited choice of dates and crew. The earlier you book, the more flexibility you have on price and timing.
Are my belongings insured when I hire movers?
Yes, reputable removal companies carry goods in transit insurance that covers your possessions during the move. Giant Van includes this cover as standard. Always ask for the policy details in writing before your move. If you own high-value items such as antiques, fine art, or jewellery, check the policy limits and ask about additional specialist cover if needed.
Can movers pack my belongings for me?
Yes. A full packing service means the crew wrap, box, and label everything before moving day. This costs more than a basic removal but saves considerable time and reduces the risk of damage to fragile items. Giant Van offers packing as an optional add-on. You can also choose partial packing, where the crew handle only fragile or complex items while you pack the rest.
What happens if my completion is delayed on moving day?
UK completions often run late, sometimes by several hours. A professional removal company will wait with your possessions rather than leaving you stranded. Confirm this before you book. Giant Van builds flexibility into every move and stays with the job until the keys are in your hand and everything is safely inside your new home, regardless of how the day unfolds.
Do movers dismantle and reassemble furniture?
Most full-service removal companies include basic dismantling and reassembly, such as beds, wardrobes, and flat-pack furniture, as part of the standard service. Specialist items like a piano, snooker table, or large safe require additional expertise and are usually quoted separately. Always confirm what is included in your specific quote so there are no surprises on moving day.
How much does it cost to hire movers for a three-bedroom house?
A three-bedroom house local move in the UK typically costs between £750 and £1,400 in 2026. The exact price depends on distance, access at both addresses, whether packing is included, and the day of the week. Mid-week moves in the middle of the month are generally cheaper. Call Giant Van on for a precise quote based on your move.
Can I leave items in drawers and wardrobes when movers collect them?
Soft items like clothes can usually stay in drawers, though crews will often wrap the furniture in stretch film to keep them secure. Heavy items such as books or crockery should be removed to prevent damage and to keep the furniture within a safe carrying weight. Your removal company will advise you during the survey. When in doubt, empty and box everything in advance.
What is the difference between a removal company and a man and van?
A removal company provides a trained team, a suitable vehicle, protective materials, and full insurance for a managed move. A man and van is typically one driver with a smaller vehicle, suited to small loads or studio flats. For homes with two bedrooms or more, a full removal team is faster, safer, and usually better value once you account for the time and effort a man and van job requires from you.
Reviewed by Giant Van Moving Experts, Moving Specialist Team at Giant Van — The Complete UK Guide operations
Last updated: June 2026Verified pricing
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