Removal Company Costs London 2026: What You'll Actually Pay

What London Removals Actually Cost in 2026

Moving house in London comes with a price tag, and costs have shifted noticeably since 2025. Most people moving within London will pay between £800 and £2,500 for a standard house removal, depending on distance, volume of belongings, and the time of year you book. A single-bedroom flat move typically costs £600 to £1,200, while a three-bedroom house can reach £2,000 to £3,500. These figures assume you're hiring a professional removal company with a van and two to three staff members for a full day.

Several practical factors determine the final price. Distance between properties matters more than most people expect. Moving five miles across London costs considerably less than moving fifteen miles, even if you have the same amount of stuff. Time of year plays a significant role too. Summer months (June to August) are peak season, and removal companies charge 20 to 40 percent more during these weeks. Moving in January or February can save you £200 to £600 compared to August.

Access and parking restrictions add genuine costs that catch people out. If your old or new property requires permits, narrow approaches, or doesn't have direct kerb access, removal firms charge extra. You're looking at an additional £100 to £300 per property for awkward access.

Breaking Down the Main Pricing Factors

Understanding what drives the quote helps you budget accurately and spot fair pricing from inflated estimates.

Van Size and Number of Movers

A small van (like a Ford Transit or similar) with two staff members costs around £400 to £700 for four hours within London. A medium van with three staff runs £600 to £1,000 for the same period. Large articulated lorries with four or five staff can reach £1,200 to £2,000. How many hours you'll actually need matters more than van size alone. Many moves take longer than expected, particularly if you're packing on the day or your new place is tricky to access.

Hourly rates typically range from £50 to £80 per hour for the van and staff combined. Once you exceed your booked time, you'll pay overtime, often at time-and-a-half or double rate depending on the company. This is why getting an accurate estimate of your belongings matters. Three cardboard boxes isn't the same as three rooms full of furniture.

Distance and Location Within London

Moves under 5 miles within London's central zones (Zones 1 and 2) are quickest and cheapest. You'll typically pay the lower end of quoted ranges here. Anything from central London to the outer zones (Zones 3 and 4) adds travel time, congestion delays, and petrol costs. A removal from Islington to Croydon (roughly 20 miles) costs significantly more than Islington to Shoreditch (2 miles), even for identical volume.

Removals crossing the M25 into Surrey or Essex shift into a different pricing bracket entirely, usually £1,500 to £3,000 even for small moves.

Seasonal Pricing

London removal costs vary significantly by season in 2026:

• January to March: Cheapest period. Expect 15 to 25 percent discounts compared to summer. Companies have availability and are keen to fill calendars.
• April to May: Prices creep up 10 to 15 percent as Easter holidays and spring bank holidays approach.
• June to August: Peak season. Standard prices apply or exceed listed rates by 20 to 40 percent. School holidays mean high demand.
• September to October: Moderate pricing. Just above winter rates, around 10 to 15 percent above the cheapest months.
• November to December: Moderate to cheap. December is quiet except the last week before Christmas.

Specific dates matter too. Moving on a Friday or Saturday costs more than Tuesday to Thursday. Moving on the 30th or 31st of the month attracts premium pricing due to end-of-tenancy peaks.

Additional Services and Hidden Costs

The basic hourly or fixed quote covers van hire, staff, and transport. Everything else is additional. Packing materials add £50 to £300 depending on quantity. Some companies include basic boxes and tape; others charge per item.

Packing assistance (having staff pack your belongings rather than just supplying boxes) runs £40 to £60 per person per hour on top of the removal rate. This works well for fragile items, collections, or if you're time-pressed, but it doubles labour costs quickly.

Specialist items cost extra. Pianos, safes, hot tubs, and large mirrors require additional insurance, equipment, or skilled handling. Budget an additional £200 to £800 for each specialist item. Storage, if you need it between moves, typically costs £100 to £250 per week for a small unit.

Insurance is worth considering separately. Most removal companies offer basic coverage around £1,000 to £5,000 of liability, but your possessions might be worth more. Additional all-risks insurance costs £150 to £400 depending on the value of your goods and the excess you're willing to accept.

Deposit returns and dilapidation concerns aren't removal costs directly, but if you hire a cleaning company post-move to satisfy your landlord, expect £250 to £600 for a three-bedroom property.

How to Get Accurate Quotes in 2026

Most removal companies in London still use phone quotes or basic online forms, which often underestimate costs. To get realistic figures, provide genuine information:

• Room-by-room inventory or photos of packed boxes
• Specific old and new addresses (postcodes matter for congestion and access)
• Your exact moving date or preferred dates
• Whether you'll provide packing materials or need the company to supply them
• Any awkward access, narrow stairs, or parking restrictions at either end
• Whether you need storage, packing services, or specialist handling
• Your budget ceiling, if you have one

Three to five quotes typically show you the market rate. If quotes vary wildly (say £800 versus £2,000 for the same move), the cheaper one might be using less experienced staff, smaller vehicles, or under-quoting deliberately to win the job then charging extras on the day. The most expensive quote isn't necessarily better either. Mid-range quotes from established companies usually represent fair value.

Cost-Saving Strategies for London Moves

Timing your move is the single biggest way to save money. Shifting from August to March saves hundreds. Tuesday to Thursday moves cost less than weekends. Mid-month moves cost less than month-end.

Decluttering before moving saves real money. Every item removed from your inventory reduces the van size needed, time required, and final bill. Sell or donate furniture you won't take with you. This often reduces quotes by 10 to 20 percent.

Do some packing yourself. Professional packing is convenient but expensive. You can pack clothes, books, kitchenware, and non-fragile items yourself and save 15 to 30 percent on labour costs. Let the company handle furniture and tricky items.

Book early but not too early. Companies release 2026 calendars around September 2025, and early bookings sometimes attract small discounts. However, booking three months ahead for a standard move doesn't usually save money like booking during off-peak months does.

Comparing Quotes and Making Your Choice

When comparing removal companies, price alone shouldn't decide. A company £150 cheaper but with poor reviews or no insurance isn't a bargain if something goes wrong. Check whether firms are members of the British Association of Removers (BAR) or similar trade bodies. These typically enforce standards and dispute resolution processes.

Ask about what happens if the job overruns. Some companies charge time-and-a-half after the booked hours; others charge double. Clarify whether the quote includes VAT (it should), whether cancellation carries a fee, and what their insurance actually covers.

Read recent reviews specifically mentioning London moves, cost accuracy, and handling of belongings. A company excellent at long-distance removals might be average for local London moves.

To find the right provider for your specific needs and budget, compare quotes from three providers today. You'll get transparent pricing, understand the real factors affecting your move, and avoid nasty surprises on moving day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a typical London house removal cost?
A standard house removal in London costs between £800 and £2,500, depending on property size, distance, and season. Single-bedroom flats typically range from £600 to £1,200, while three-bedroom houses cost £2,000 to £3,500.

What's the cheapest time to move in London?
January to March offers the cheapest rates, with discounts of 15 to 25 percent compared to summer. Moving mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) and mid-month costs less than weekends or month-end dates.

How much extra do I pay for packing assistance?
Packing assistance costs £40 to £60 per person per hour on top of the removal rate. Packing materials alone run £50 to £300 depending on quantity.

Do removal quotes include VAT?
Yes, removal quotes should include VAT. Always confirm this when getting estimates to avoid surprises.

What's included in a standard removal quote?
A standard quote covers the van, fuel, and labour for the agreed hours. Packing materials, packing assistance, storage, specialist handling, and insurance are typically additional extras.

How much does removal insurance cost?
Basic liability coverage of £1,000 to £5,000 is usually included. Additional all-risks insurance costs £150 to £400 depending on the value of your goods and your chosen excess.

Is it cheaper to move on a specific day?
Yes. Moving Tuesday to Thursday costs 10 to 20 percent less than weekends. Mid-month moves are cheaper than the 30th or 31st when end-of-tenancy demand peaks.