How Giant Van Works – Book a Removal Service in 3 Simple Steps
Moving house doesn't have to be stressful. Giant Van is a UK removal service built around transparency, technology, and genuine simplicity. Whether you're working out the cost of moving house in the UK, searching for an instant online removal quote, or looking for packing tips for moving house — this complete guide covers everything from pricing and preparation to specialist item handling.
Get Quote
Instant removal quote online in under 60 seconds.
Book Move
Confirm your date and time slot instantly.
We Move
Track your driver live on moving day via our app.
Get an Instant Quote
Enter your pickup and delivery details to get a transparent price in seconds.
Book Your Move
Choose your preferred date, time, and van size. Add helpers or insurance if needed.
What's Included
Track Your Driver
Watch your driver in real-time as they head to your location.
UK Pricing Guide 2026
How Much Does a Moving Service Cost?
Understanding the cost of moving house in the UK shouldn't require a maths degree. Here's an honest breakdown of what affects your removal quote and what the average cost of removals UK looks like in 2026 — from studio flats to 4-bed properties, local moves to long-distance relocations.
What Affects Your Removal Quote
Average Cost of Moving House in the UK
2026 pricing guide
Included in Every Booking
Optional Extras
Moving House Preparation Timeline
How to Prepare for Moving House
A smooth move starts well before moving day. This moving house checklist walks you through exactly what to do — from six weeks out to the day after your move — so nothing gets missed.
- Confirm your moving date and book your removal service as early as possible — popular slots fill up fast
- Start decluttering: sell, donate, or dispose of anything you won't take
- Begin collecting boxes and packing materials (or add our packing service)
- Notify your utility providers, GP, DVLA, bank, and employer of your new address
- Cancel or transfer your council tax with your local authority
- If renting, give your landlord the required notice and arrange an end-of-tenancy inspection
Room-by-Room Packing Guide
How to Pack a House for Moving
Knowing how to pack for moving house makes a significant difference to how smoothly your move goes — and how much arrives undamaged. These moving house packing tips cover every room, from kitchen crockery to garage tools, so nothing gets left behind or broken in transit.
Pack fragile items (crockery, glasses) in individual sheets of packing paper. Place heavier items at the bottom of boxes. Clearly label boxes as “FRAGILE”. Fill empty space with scrunched paper or bubble wrap to stop movement. Drain and dry appliances like kettles and coffee machines before packing.
How to Fold Packing Boxes Correctly
To fold a removal box securely: form the base by folding the two short flaps in first, then the two long flaps over the top. Tape along the join and across both short flaps for maximum strength. Never rely on box friction alone — a single strip of tape down the centre is insufficient for anything heavier than paper.
Packing Tips for Specialist Items
Large Sofas
Wrap in furniture blankets. If a sofa won't fit through a doorway, we can sometimes disassemble feet and arms — mention it when you get your quote.
Mattresses
Use a mattress bag (available from most removal suppliers). Never carry a mattress flat without protection; moisture and dirt damage foam quickly.
Fridge Freezers
Defrost at least 24 hours before moving. Transport upright where possible — laying a fridge on its side can damage the compressor. Leave to stand for 4 hours before switching on.
Heavy Furniture
Use furniture sliders on hard floors. Never drag across carpets without blankets underneath. Our drivers are trained to handle heavy items safely.
TVs & Monitors
If you have the original box, use it. Otherwise, wrap the screen in a soft blanket, then bubble wrap, and transport vertically. Never lay a TV face-down.
Mirrors & Glass
Tape an X pattern across the glass face to reduce shatter risk. Wrap in bubble wrap and place inside a picture box or between two pieces of cardboard. Always transport vertically.
Specialist Item Guides
Moving Specialist Items
Some items need more thought than a standard removal. Here's how Giant Van handles the most common specialist pieces — from piano removals and fridge freezers to moving house with a cat. Flag any of these when you get your quote so we allocate the right team and equipment.
How to Move a Piano
Pianos are heavy, awkward, and easily damaged by incorrect technique. An upright piano typically weighs 150–250kg; a grand piano can exceed 400kg. Never attempt to move a piano without specialist equipment and training. Giant Van's piano removal service uses proper piano skates, straps, and protective boards. Flag that you have a piano when you get your quote and we'll ensure the right team and equipment are allocated.
Get a piano removals quoteMoving a Fridge Freezer
Always defrost your fridge freezer at least 24 hours before your move date. On the day, transport it upright — laying it on its side risks oil from the compressor entering the cooling tubes, which can cause permanent damage. At the new property, leave it standing for 4 hours before switching it back on.
Moving a Sofa or Large Furniture
If you're worried about getting a sofa through a doorway, the key checks are: measure the sofa's height, depth, and any diagonal, then measure the door frame width and the turning space in the hallway. Many sofas that appear impossible to move can pass through at an angle. Our drivers are experienced at this — flag any access concerns when you get your quote.
Moving with a Cat or Other Pets
How you move house with a cat matters for their wellbeing. On moving day, keep your cat in one quiet room with food, water, and their litter tray — ideally the last room to be packed. Transport them in a familiar carrier. At the new property, confine them to one room for the first few days while they acclimatise. Update their microchip address as soon as possible. Dogs should similarly be kept in a calm environment during loading.
Moving a Washing Machine
Turn off the water supply and disconnect the hoses at least 12 hours before your move. Run a short drain cycle to remove residual water. Secure the drum with transit bolts (usually supplied with the machine) to prevent internal damage during transport. Keep the machine upright at all times. At the new property, remove transit bolts before use or the drum will be damaged on the first spin cycle.
Moving Artwork & Antiques
Wrap framed artwork individually in acid-free tissue paper, then bubble wrap, and transport vertically — never flat. For high-value antiques and paintings, consider our premium insurance add-on for full peace of mind. Photograph each piece before wrapping for your own records. Our drivers use padded blankets and straps to keep items secure in transit.
Check our insurance optionsOur Technology Makes Moving Easier
What Can You Move With Giant Van?
Where We Operate
Giant Van provides removal services across the UK. Whether you're moving within a single city or relocating long-distance, the process is identical: instant quote online, confirmed booking, real-time tracking on the day.
Why Customers Choose Giant Van
Customers consistently highlight speed, transparency, communication, and care. We're proud members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) and provide fully insured removal services across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Move?
You've seen the full breakdown — from pricing and packing tips to specialist item handling and your moving preparation timeline. Get your instant online removal quote in 60 seconds, book your move, and track your driver live on the day. Whether you're moving across London, relocating to Manchester, or planning a long-distance move anywhere in the UK — the process is simple, transparent, and built around you.