How to Move Long Distance in the UK: Complete Guide

Moving across the country is a bigger operation than a local move — but with the right planning, it doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you're relocating from London to Manchester, Edinburgh to Bristol, or anywhere in between, here's how to handle it.

Most removal companies classify anything over 50 miles as a long-distance move. At this distance, pricing shifts from hourly rates to project-based quotes that factor in mileage, fuel, tolls, and crew time. A 200-mile move typically takes a full day, with the crew spending 2–3 hours loading, 3–4 hours driving, and 2–3 hours unloading.

For a 3-bedroom house: • 50–100 miles: £600–£1,000 • 100–200 miles: £900–£1,400 • 200–300 miles: £1,200–£1,800 • 300+ miles: £1,500–£2,500 Prices vary significantly based on the volume of belongings, access at both ends, and whether you need packing services. Always get fixed quotes rather than hourly estimates for long-distance moves.

For long-distance moves, you want a company that regularly covers your route. A London-based company moving you to Leeds will charge differently from a Yorkshire company that runs regular London routes. MAZE shows you movers who specifically cover your origin and destination — so you get relevant quotes, not inflated ones from companies doing an unfamiliar run.

Long-distance moves need more lead time. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead. The crew will typically arrive at 7–8am to start loading, aiming to reach your destination by mid-afternoon. If the distance is extreme (400+ miles), some companies offer an overnight service where they load one day and deliver the next.

Two things cause the most problems on long-distance moves: parking and access. Make sure you've arranged parking permits or suspended bays at both ends. For flats, check whether the building requires a lift booking or has restricted delivery hours. Communicate all access details to your mover in advance — surprises at the destination after a 4-hour drive are expensive.

If your move-out and move-in dates don't align, you'll need temporary storage. Most removal companies offer short-term storage from £20–£40 per week. This is cheaper and easier than doing two separate moves. Some companies include a few days of free storage as part of their long-distance service.

Keep valuables, important documents, medication, and a bag of essentials with you — don't put them in the van. If you're driving separately, use your car for anything irreplaceable or immediately needed. Your essentials box (kettle, mugs, toilet roll, phone chargers, first-night bedding) should travel with you.

Enter your origin and destination postcodes on MAZE to compare verified movers who cover your exact route. You'll see transparent pricing for both man and van and full removal services.