How much do removals cost?

Relocating or simply decluttering? Hiring a professional removal company will save you from the stress of packing, moving, and unpacking. Removals cost around £35 to £200 for a local move and around £450 to £2,000 for a long-distance one. This could go higher or lower, depending on several factors.

When moving to a new place, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the millions of things you need to do and the high prices revealed by removal cost calculators. To help you avoid complex removal cost calculators, we’ve created a simple guide to the average cost of removal services in the UK. 

What do removal companies do?

Removal companies ensure your items are transported safely and on time. They’re experts in handling different types of items, helping you avoid property damage from improper handling or accidents from picking up an appliance that’s too heavy on the back. They often operate in a team to make the process more efficient. But how does it work?

Before the actual move day, the company will visit your property for a pre-move survey. They will assess your items and property and share the final costs of the move. This is the best time to share items that require special handling, other services you wish to avail of, and parking or travel arrangements. Planning the specifics helps make the actual move go smoothly. The removal company will take charge of loading, moving, and unloading the items into the truck, making sure these are placed in the correct room or location.

Removals price list

The average cost of removals in the UK is £90+. However, removal service costs can vary greatly, depending on the distance of the move, the services to be availed, and your property’s size.

Here’s a look at the common prices of different removal services:

Factors affecting how much removals cost

Property size

When moving to a new flat, average removal costs can increase depending on the size of the property and the number of rooms. For example, long-distance removal in the UK costs around £500 for a 1-bedroom property and around £1,000 for a 3-bedroom one. 

Items to be moved

The size, number, and type of items to be moved will affect how much removals costs. For instance, house removal prices may differ from office removals. During office relocation, huge meeting room tables, desktops, and TV monitors will cost more to move than bedroom furniture. If you have small but multiple boxes, costs might also increase since the professional will need to move more items, taking up more time.

Distance

When moving to a new place, distance plays a vital role in removal company costs. Moving a few blocks away will cost less than moving to another region. If professionals need to use a lift or take a few flights of stairs, you might be charged an additional fee for the labour.

Additional services

Apart from lifting heavy items, loading, and unloading, some removal services also offer cleaning, furniture assembly or disassembly, and item storage. You may also avail of insurance to set your mind at ease, especially if you’re making an interstate move. Some removal services offer discounted rates for both packing and insurance.

Reducing the average cost of removals

Removal service costs can get high. Whether you plan to relocate interstate or downsize, here are some tips to help you save on costs:

1. Prepare your own packing materials, such as tape, boxes, bubble wrap, etc.
2. Declutter your items and sell those you no longer need.
3. Pack as many items as you can.
4. Book the service during the non-peak season, which is around 2nd or 3rd week of the month
5. Book a parking space for the truck in advance.
6. Ask about additional fees, such as flat fees, packing charges, or fuel charges, to prevent surprises during payment.
7. Align whether you will opt for an hourly rate or a per-job rate. Opt for a time-based rate if you are only moving a few items to a nearby location.

Post a task for removal services

Now that you know how much removal services cost, it’s time to post a task. Here is how to get a more accurate cost estimate:

• Make a list of all the items to be moved. If some items require special handling, mention them in your notes.
• Indicate extra services you would like to add.
• Add your budget and preferred schedule.

Once you connect with a Tasker, ask if they have been certified by recognised organizations. Check if they also have a guarantee of delivery in case of delays and ask about their loss and damage policy in case anything happens to your items. It helps to cover all your bases to prevent hassles during the move.

When hiring a removal service, it’s best to ask someone reputable to handle your belongings. On Airtasker, you can view Tasker profiles and read reviews from previous clients, making it easier to decide whom to pick. Get started with your big move by posting a task today.