Box Movers
The decision between hiring box movers and doing a DIY move comes down to three things: how much stuff you have, how far you are going, and how much your time is worth. A studio flat move across town is a different proposition entirely from relocating a 4-bed house from Bristol to Edinburgh. This guide breaks down the real costs, hidden expenses, and time requirements for both options so you can make a decision based on facts rather than guesswork.
Professional removals cost £250 to £900 depending on property size and distance. DIY costs £200 to £400 once you add van hire, fuel, insurance, and materials. Giant Van house removals start from £149, fully insured with a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating.
The True Cost When You Move with a Moving Company
When you move with a moving company, the price typically includes the van, the crew, insurance, and basic equipment like trolleys and blankets.
A local move (under 20 miles) for a 2-bed flat runs between £250 and £450.
A long-distance move for a 3-bed house costs £500 to £900 depending on distance and access.
Giant Van charges from £149 for house removals.
DIY looks cheaper on paper.
Van hire from Enterprise or Europcar costs £60 to £120 per day for a Luton van.
But you also need to factor in fuel (diesel at around £1.45 per litre adds up fast on a 200-mile trip), insurance excess on the hire van (often £1,000), packing materials (£30 to £80), and any help you recruit needing food and drinks.
The real DIY cost for a 3-bed move often lands between £200 and £400 before you account for your own time.
What Happens After You Have Moved with a Moving Company
When Company Movers Are Worth the Money
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Get a Free Quote →What a Full Removal Service Includes
Professional box movers provide more than a van and muscle.
A full removal service from Giant Van includes a pre-move survey (video or in-person), a fixed-price written quote, all packing materials if you add the packing service, loading, transport, unloading, and furniture reassembly at the destination.
Crews bring moving blankets, ratchet straps, mattress protectors, and floor runners to prevent damage.
Goods in transit insurance covers every item from the moment it leaves your old property until it is placed in your new one.
For specialist items like pianos, glass-top tables, or heavy gym equipment, the crew brings appropriate equipment: piano skids, corner protectors, and appliance trolleys.
A 3-bed house move locally takes 4 to 6 hours with a two-person crew.
The quote includes return mileage, parking, and loading time.
No hidden fees appear on moving day.
This is the core difference between hiring professional box movers and renting a van: predictability.
How a Removals Day Works From Start to Finish
The crew arrives at the agreed time, typically between 8am and 9am.
They walk through the property with you, confirming what goes, what stays, and any items needing special care.
Floor runners go down first to protect carpets and hardwood.
The team loads heavy furniture first: wardrobes, sofas, beds, and appliances.
These go against the van walls, strapped and blanketed.
Removal Company Costs vs DIY Move Costs: A Real Comparison
A DIY move looks cheaper on paper.
A Luton van hire costs £70 to £120 per day from Enterprise or Europcar.
Add fuel (£30 to £60), insurance excess cover (£15 to £25), parking permits if needed (£25 to £50), packing materials (£40 to £70), and a case of beer for the friends you recruited.
The real total for a 2-bed local move sits around £200 to £350.
Professional box movers charge £250 to £500 for the same move, including all materials, insurance, and trained crew.
The gap narrows when you factor in risk.
DIY movers damage an average of 2 to 3 items per move.
A scratched wardrobe, a chipped table edge, or a cracked mirror costs £50 to £200 each to repair or replace, and your friends are not insured.
For long-distance moves over 100 miles, professionals almost always cost the same or less than DIY once fuel, tolls, and a second trip are counted.
Questions about your move?
How to Verify a Removal Company Is Trustworthy
Check three things before booking any removal company.
First, their Trustpilot or Google rating should sit above 4.5 with at least 50 genuine reviews.
Giant Van holds a 4.8 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
Second, ask for proof of goods in transit insurance and public liability cover.
Any company that hesitates is a red flag.
Third, look for British Association of Removers membership.
BAR members follow a code of practice and offer independent dispute resolution.
Avoid companies that quote over the phone without seeing your belongings.
A video survey or home visit produces an accurate fixed-price quote.
Written quotes protect you from surprise charges on the day.
Trustpilot
Trustpilot
BAR
BAR
When DIY Moving Actually Makes Sense
Professional Box Movers vs Renting a Van and Doing It Yourself
Choosing a moving company is straightforward once you know what to look for.
Get at least three written quotes, confirm insurance cover, and check recent reviews.
For a 2-bed flat in south London, expect to pay around £250 to £350 for a local move with a professional crew.
The cost to move household items long distance rises with the volume of goods and the miles covered.
Giant Van offers transparent pricing from £49 for man and van services and £149 for full house removals, with no hidden fees.
Ring +44 7414 655129 for a quote within minutes.
The decision between hiring professional box movers and doing a DIY move depends on your property size, distance, and what you value most.
For anything above a 1-bed flat, professional removals almost always save enough time, stress, and damage costs to justify the fee.
Giant Van runs house removals daily across the UK, from local flat moves in Birmingham to long-distance relocations between London and Edinburgh.
Every move is insured, every quote is fixed, and the crew handles everything from packing to reassembly.
Call +44 7414 655129 for a free no-obligation quote.
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.
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.
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.
Box Movers — FAQs
Are movers from a moving company insured for breakages?
How do I find trusted removal services near me?
How far in advance should I book a removal company?
What happens if box movers damage my furniture during the move?
Do removal companies charge extra for stairs or difficult access?
Can I do part of the move myself and hire box movers for the rest?
Reviewed by Mubashir Gulab, COO & Co-founder at Giant Van
Giant Van Ltd. Registered in England & Wales.
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