House Removals in Old Town Edinburgh
Moving home in Old Town Edinburgh takes careful planning. The tenement closes, steep closes, and cobbled lanes of EH1 demand experience that most removal companies simply don't have. Giant Van specialises in exactly these conditions. We cover the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Canongate, Cowgate, and all surrounding postcodes. Get an instant quote online or message us in the live chat.
Same-day slots are available, and every move is fully insured.
House removals in Old Town Edinburgh, covering all postcodes within EH1 and EH8 including the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Cowgate, Canongate, and Victoria Street. We specialise in tenement stair carries and close access in Edinburgh's historic EH1 1 postcode.
House removals start from £250.
Same-day removals in Edinburgh start from £80.
Long-distance removals from Old Town Edinburgh to London start from £500.
All moves are fully insured with GPS tracking included.
Book online for an instant quote or message us in the live chat.
- £500Transit Insurance
- Same DayAvailability
Homes and Flats We Move in Old Town Edinburgh
Understanding the property mix helps us plan the right crew size, van, and equipment for your move.
Full-Service Old Town Edinburgh Removals
Old Town Edinburgh is one of Scotland's most historic and logistically demanding places to move home. Properties span seven or eight centuries of architecture. You'll find narrow spiral staircases inside closes off the Royal Mile EH1 1, communal tenement blocks on Cowgate EH1 1, and Georgian flats along Victoria Street and West Bow. These are not standard removal conditions.
Our crews have handled moves from ground-floor flats in Canongate EH8 8 and fifth-floor tenements where lifts simply don't exist. We use specialist stair-carry techniques and slim-profile furniture wraps that protect both your belongings and the stairwell walls. Every team member is briefed on Old Town access before your move day.
House removals in Old Town Edinburgh typically start from £250 for a one-bedroom flat. A three-bedroom property including packing averages £600 to £850. These prices reflect the specialist labour required, not inflated call-out fees. We also offer long-distance removals from Old Town Edinburgh to London and other UK cities from £500.
Call for a precise quote based on your exact close or street.
Getting to Your Old Town Edinburgh Property
Parking is one of the biggest challenges for any removal company working in Old Town Edinburgh.
The Grassmarket and West Port areas have controlled loading zones with strict two-hour windows, enforced by City of Edinburgh parking wardens who operate on weekends too.
Johnston Terrace, which runs along the southern ridge of the Castle, has almost no usable stopping space at all.
On the Royal Mile itself, large removal lorries are restricted between 09:00 and 18:00 on most days.
We schedule early morning starts before 07:30 to beat these restrictions and avoid the tourist traffic that clogs the High Street and Canongate from mid-morning onwards.
If your property is on a close, such as Fleshmarket Close or Anchor Close off High Street EH1 1, a compact van replaces the larger lorry as our lead vehicle to fit the entrance width.
Cowgate properties (EH1 1) sit below the South Bridge arches and present a height restriction of approximately 3.9 metres for vehicles.
We always pre-survey routes with height and width in mind. Blair Street and Niddry Street South are also constrained. Our drivers carry City of Edinburgh permit documentation for short-term loading when working in EH1 and EH8 postcodes.
Always let us know your exact close or stair number when booking so we can plan access precisely.
House Removal Prices for Old Town Edinburgh
Our prices for house removals in Old Town Edinburgh reflect the specialist access conditions of EH1 and EH8. Man and van service costs £45 to £300 depending on distance and volume. Full house removals start at £250 for a one-bedroom flat and reach £850 for larger properties with complex stair access. Packing services start from £150.
Piano removals are available from £150 to £400 depending on the instrument and the number of flights involved. Same-day removals in Edinburgh start from £80. Long-distance removals from Old Town Edinburgh to London and other UK cities start from £500. Overnight removals start from £400. Office removals are priced from £300 to £600. Furniture-only moves start at £45.
All prices are confirmed in your instant quote before you commit. Message us in the live chat or book online.
All prices include a fully insured crew, van, and moving blankets. Packing services available as add-ons.
Work Out Your Moving CostOld Town Edinburgh Packing and Prep Advice
These five tips come directly from experience completing hundreds of moves across EH1 and EH8.
Many closes off the Royal Mile have a central column diameter of under 60cm. A standard sofa will not turn at the top landing. Know this before you book so we can plan disassembly or hoisting in advance.
Many tenements on Grassmarket and Cowgate have factors who require written notification before removals. Give at least 48 hours notice to avoid disputes with neighbours on moving day.
Edinburgh City Council requires at least five working days for a suspension application in EH1. We can advise on this, but the application must come from you as the resident.
Saturday mornings on Victoria Street and the Grassmarket are overwhelmed with market visitors and tourists from 09:00 onwards. A Tuesday or Wednesday start at 07:00 saves two or three hours compared with a Saturday slot.
Flats in Old Town are often densely furnished in small rooms. A clear packing list moving house checklist, completed room by room, means nothing gets left in a shared loft or storage room. We can provide packing from £150 if you need help.
How Removals in Old Town Edinburgh 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.
Old Town Edinburgh: No Hidden Fees, No Surprises
Every house removal Giant Van carries out in Old Town Edinburgh includes a clear set of services as standard.
There are no surprise add-ons on the day.
Your booking includes a minimum two-person crew trained in stair carries and close access.
It includes protective blankets and wraps for all furniture, mattress bags for beds, and trolleys suited to uneven cobbled surfaces like those on Canongate EH8 8 and Vennel off the Grassmarket.
All moves are covered by our fully insured removals policy from the moment loading begins to final placement at your new address.
We also offer optional extras that are particularly useful for Old Town properties.
Piano removals start from £150 and are available for instruments housed in upper-floor flats, including grand pianos in Grassmarket townhouses.
Packing services start from £150 and include professional-grade boxes, tissue paper, and bubble wrap.
If you're moving further afield, our overnight removals service starts from £400.
Long-distance removals from Old Town Edinburgh to London or other major UK cities start from £500.
Furniture-only moves, for single items like wardrobes or dining tables, are available from £48.
Same-day removals in Edinburgh start from £80 when slots permit.
All pricing is confirmed in your instant quote before any commitment.
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
- £500 goods-in-transit insurance
- Trained crew handles heavy items
- Right-sized van every time
- Furniture blankets and straps provided
How to Book Your Old Town Edinburgh Move
- 01
We keep the process simple.
Here's exactly how a Giant Van house removal in Old Town Edinburgh works from first contact to final placement.
- 02
Get your instant quote.
Use our online booking tool or call. Give us your current address including your close or stair number, your destination, and your moving date. Quotes for Old Town Edinburgh properties are generated instantly without a surveyor visit for most two-bedroom flats and below.
- 03
Confirm access details.
Once you book, we'll ask for your stair width, parking suspension status, and any time restrictions at either end of the move. For properties on restricted streets such as High Street EH1 1 or Cowgate EH1 1, we'll plan the loading window around Edinburgh City Council rules.
- 04
Book via app or phone.
Our app lets you manage your booking, update access notes, and track your crew in real time using GPS tracking. You'll see your van on a live map from the moment your move begins.
- 05
Moving day.
Our crew arrives at the agreed time, pre-briefed on your close and stair. They protect walls and banisters with padding before any furniture moves. Loading is systematic: heaviest and largest items first, fragile items secured last and loaded nearest the cab.
- 06
Delivery and placement.
At your new address, we place every item in the correct room. We don't leave boxes in the hallway. If you've used our packing service, we can also unpack and remove all packaging materials.
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Our Reach Around Old Town Edinburgh
Giant Van covers all of Old Town Edinburgh and the surrounding areas across EH1, EH2, EH3, and EH8 postcodes.
Our local coverage includes every close and street in the EH1 1 postcode, which takes in the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, as well as Grassmarket, West Bow, Victoria Street, Cowgate, and Canongate.
We also cover New Town (EH2), Stockbridge (EH3 5 and EH3 6), the Pleasance and Southside (EH8), and Holyrood (EH8 8) as part of our regular Edinburgh service area.
Moving from Old Town to a suburb such as Bruntsfield, Morningside, or Leith is no different in terms of booking and pricing.
For long-distance moves, we run regular removal routes between Edinburgh and London, Manchester, Birmingham, and other UK cities.
Removal companies from London to Edinburgh is a frequently searched route and one we cover fully. Long-distance house removals from Old Town Edinburgh to London start from £500 and include full insurance, GPS tracking, and a dedicated crew for the duration.
We also serve Newington (EH9), Marchmont (EH9), and the Southside (EH8) for customers moving to or from Old Town.
If you're unsure whether we cover your postcode, call or check via our online booking tool for an instant answer.
A Note From Our Old Town Edinburgh Team
We know Old Town Edinburgh 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 Old Town Edinburgh depends on it.
Giant Van operations
Our Commitment to Old Town Edinburgh Customers
Giant Van is built for exactly the kind of move that Old Town Edinburgh demands.
We don't send a crew that's never seen a stone close or a five-storey tenement before.
Every team assigned to EH1 or EH8 has completed multiple moves in the area and knows the specific access quirks of streets like Fleshmarket Close, Blackfriars Street, and the lanes off Canongate.
Our pricing is honest.
No fuel surcharges added on the day.
Every charge, including access, distance and clean-air zones, is shown in your quote before you pay.
What you see in your instant quote is what you pay.
For a standard two-bedroom Old Town flat move in Edinburgh, that's typically £350 to £550 depending on volume and access.
We offer GPS tracking on every move.
You can watch your van on a live map from your phone while you wait at the new address.
Same-day removals in Edinburgh are available from £80 when you need to move at short notice.
Our app booking takes under three minutes.
Every move is fully insured.
If something is damaged in transit, we handle the claim directly.
You don't chase us.
We contact you.
Our crews carry insurance documentation and can provide a copy on request.
We believe a good removal company shouldn't require you to take anything on faith.
Start a live chat to speak to a real person, not an automated system, about your Old Town Edinburgh house removal.
£500
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.
Weekday vs Weekend Moves in Old Town Edinburgh
Here's what our experience in EH1 tells us.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs through the entire month. The Royal Mile is closed to all vehicle access at certain points. Grassmarket becomes entirely pedestrianised during some festival periods. Parking restrictions increase. If you have any flexibility, avoid August entirely.
Demand drops, prices are at their lowest, and parking restrictions ease after the New Year celebrations on the Royal Mile. This is the best window for a planned move if your timescale allows it.
You beat the tourist crowds, avoid peak parking warden activity, and the Old Town streets are quieter for loading.
Book at least two weeks ahead for an end-of-month date in Old Town. For a mid-month Tuesday slot, one week's notice is usually sufficient. Call or book via our app for instant availability in EH1 and EH8.
Giant Van vs Other Removal Companies: Old Town Edinburgh
Giant Van provides house removals across Edinburgh with specialist experience in the access challenges of Old Town's historic closes, tenement stairs, and restricted streets.
All moves are fully insured.
GPS tracking is included as standard.
Message us in the live chat for an instant quote or book in under three minutes using our app.
Same-day slots are available in Edinburgh when you need to move at short notice.
If you're moving within Old Town Edinburgh or relocating to another UK city, Giant Van has the right vehicle, crew, and insurance in place.
We cover EH1, EH2, EH3, EH8, and EH9 postcodes as well as long-distance routes to London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
Packing, piano removals, and furniture-only moves are all available.
Get your instant quote online or message us in the live chat today.
Removals in Nearby Areas
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House Removals in Old Town Edinburgh — FAQs
How much does a house removal in Old Town Edinburgh cost?
House removals in Old Town Edinburgh start from £250 for a one-bedroom flat. A two-bedroom property typically costs £350 to £550. Three-bedroom properties with stair access in EH1 range from £600 to £850. All prices are confirmed in your instant quote before booking. Call for a precise figure based on your close and stair.
Can you move furniture down a close in Old Town Edinburgh?
Yes. Giant Van crews are trained specifically for close and tenement access in Old Town Edinburgh. We use slim-profile wraps and specialist stair-carry techniques. For very narrow closes off the Royal Mile or Cowgate, we switch from a lorry to a compact van. We assess your access details when you book to plan the right vehicle and crew size.
Do you offer same-day removals in Edinburgh Old Town?
Yes. Same-day removals in Edinburgh start from £80 when slots are available. Old Town Edinburgh is covered as part of our Edinburgh same-day service. Call as early as possible to check availability for the same day. Booking via our app also shows live slot availability.
Do removal companies in Old Town Edinburgh need a parking permit?
On most streets in EH1 and EH8, yes. Loading suspensions are required on controlled streets including Cowgate, Canongate, and Royal Mile during restricted hours. Edinburgh City Council requires at least five working days for a suspension application. We advise on this at booking and can confirm which streets require a permit for your specific address.
Do you do removals from London to Edinburgh?
Yes. Removal companies running the London to Edinburgh route is one of our most common long-distance bookings. We cover this route fully, with long-distance removals from Old Town Edinburgh to London starting from £500. The service includes a dedicated crew, full insurance, GPS tracking, and overnight options from £400 for mid-route stops.
What should I put on my packing list when moving house in Old Town?
A packing list for moving house in Old Town Edinburgh should include room-by-room inventories, with particular attention to shared loft storage and under-stair cupboards common in older tenements. Note any items that need disassembly due to stair width, such as large sofas or wardrobe frames. Our packing service starts from £150 and includes professional materials and a full inventory check.
Are your removals fully insured in Edinburgh?
Yes. All Giant Van house removals in Old Town Edinburgh and across EH1 and EH8 are fully insured from the moment loading begins. Cover applies in transit and during placement at your new address. If something is damaged, we manage the claim directly. Insurance documentation is available on request from our crew on the day.
What is the best time to book a removal in Old Town Edinburgh?
Avoid August entirely due to Edinburgh Festival Fringe restrictions on the Royal Mile and Grassmarket. January and February are the quietest and most affordable months. Mid-week starts between 07:00 and 09:00 on Tuesday to Thursday are ideal for Old Town properties. Book at least two weeks ahead for end-of-month dates, and one week ahead for mid-month moves.
Sources and further reading
These are the official UK sources that set the rules for a job like this one. Each link goes straight to the source so you can check it yourself. Links open in a new tab.
- Consumer Rights Act 2015, s.49 (reasonable care and skill)
Section 49 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015: a service you pay for must be carried out with reasonable care and skill.
- CMA — what businesses need to know about unfair commercial practices
The Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on how a business has to present its prices and offers.
- HSE — Manual handling at work: a brief guide (INDG143)
The Health and Safety Executive's guide to lifting and carrying heavy loads without injuring yourself.
- GOV.UK — apply for a parking permit
Find the council that issues parking permits and bay suspensions for the street you are moving to or from.
All links checked on or after 1 August 2026.
Compiled by the Giant Van editorial team
Giant Van Ltd is registered in England and Wales, company number 16071027.