How much you're moving
The volume of belongings is the biggest factor. A studio flat may fit in one van, while a family home may need a Luton van, a lorry or more than one trip. List your large items, such as beds, wardrobes, sofas, white goods and tables, and give a rough number of boxes.
Clearing out before you move reduces the load. Selling, donating or recycling items you no longer need can make a real difference.
Distance
Local moves are usually done in a day, often with time to spare. Long-distance moves take more driving time and fuel, and very long moves may need two days. The route, tolls and clean air zones can also add to a driver's costs.
Access at both properties
Access affects how long loading and unloading takes. Stairs, lifts, long walks from the van and narrow corridors all add time. Tell drivers about:
- Floor levels and whether there's a lift
- Parking outside each property and any permits
- Narrow stairs, tight turns or low ceilings
- Items that need to go through windows or be hoisted
Number of movers
A small move may need one driver. Larger moves usually need two or more people to load safely and quickly. If friends or family are helping, mention it in the job. If you need full help with every item, make that clear.
Vehicle size
The vehicle is matched to the volume of your belongings. Choosing one that's too small can mean extra trips. Choosing the right size from the start keeps the move simple. Lorries and vans with tail lifts can help with very heavy items.
Moving date and time
Fridays, weekends, the end of the month and school holidays are often busy. If you can move midweek or have flexible dates, drivers have more chance to fit you in. You can book ahead as soon as you know your date.
Packing and extra services
Packing, dismantling furniture and reassembly are not included as standard. Having everything packed, labelled and ready before the driver arrives saves time. Clearly mark fragile boxes and keep essentials, like documents, chargers and medicines, with you.
How to get a price for your move
Enter your addresses and list your items to see an instant price. For larger moves, you can post the job as a Bid Job and approved drivers with suitable vehicles can send quotes. Or set your own price with a Fixed Price Job. On the day, you can follow your driver live.
Storage and split moves
If your new home isn't ready, you may need to move some belongings into storage and the rest later. This means two or more jobs, so plan each one with its own addresses and timings. A split move can still be efficient if you list exactly what's going where.
Ways to keep the cost down
You can make a removal simpler and quicker by:
- Clearing out items you don't need before moving day
- Packing and labelling everything in advance
- Dismantling large furniture beforehand
- Booking a midweek date if you can
- Reserving parking close to both doors
Moving white goods and heavy items
Washing machines, fridges, freezers, pianos and gym equipment are heavy and awkward. Disconnect appliances ahead of time, drain washing machines and defrost freezers. Tell drivers about any very heavy items so they can bring enough help and suitable equipment, such as a van with a tail lift.
A worked example
Imagine two moves of the same distance. In the first, a two-bedroom flat on the ground floor is moving to a house with a driveway, with everything packed and furniture dismantled. In the second, a two-bedroom flat on the third floor with no lift is moving to a street with no parking, and packing isn't finished. The second move takes much longer, needs more help and is likely to cost more, even though the distance is the same. That's why describing access and readiness matters so much.
In summary
Removal costs depend on how much you're moving, the distance, access at both properties, the number of movers, the vehicle and your date. Clear details and good preparation help you get an accurate price.