Moving house is one of the biggest expenses most people face outside of buying the property itself. Understanding the real costs involved — not just the headline removal quote — helps you budget properly and avoid nasty surprises on moving day.
Average removal company costs in 2026
For a typical 3-bedroom house move within the same city, expect to pay between £400 and £800 for a professional removal company. This usually includes a two-person crew, a large van, and 4–6 hours of labour. Longer distances push costs higher — a 3-bed move from London to Manchester, for example, typically runs £900–£1,500.
Man and van services are cheaper for smaller moves, averaging £60–£90 per hour with one helper. A studio or 1-bed flat move within the same city usually costs £200–£400.
Packing materials and services
If you pack yourself, budget around £50–£100 for boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. Most removal companies sell packing kits for £30–£80. A full professional packing service adds £200–£500 depending on the size of your home — but it saves a huge amount of time and stress, and your belongings are usually better protected.
Insurance and protection
Basic goods-in-transit insurance is included with most removal companies, but the cover limit varies. Standard policies cover £25,000–£50,000 in total. If you own high-value items (antiques, art, electronics), consider extended cover at around £50–£150 extra. Always check what's excluded — most policies don't cover items you packed yourself unless the company inspected and sealed the boxes.
Hidden costs people forget
Several costs catch people off guard:
• Parking permits — many councils charge £25–£50 for a temporary suspension, and you need to apply 5–10 days in advance.
• Storage — if your move dates don't align, short-term storage costs £15–£30 per week for a small unit.
• Cleaning — end-of-tenancy cleaning runs £150–£300 for a 2–3 bed property.
• Utility reconnection — some providers charge setup fees of £20–£50.
• Mail redirection — Royal Mail charges from £36 for 3 months.
How to reduce your moving costs
The biggest savings come from comparing quotes. Prices between removal companies can vary by 40% or more for identical moves. Use MAZE to compare verified movers side by side and get instant estimates.
Other tips: move mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday is cheapest), declutter before you move (fewer items = smaller van = lower cost), and book 3–4 weeks ahead to avoid premium last-minute rates.