The average removal cost in London is £918, slightly lower than the UK average of £1,044. This is partly because many London moves involve shorter distances and smaller properties, such as 1-bed flats
Despite this, it's important to keep removal costs down due to increasing property prices. Hiring a removal company can alleviate the stress and help you settle into your new home faster. It’s highly recommended if you have large and heavy items to move.
In this guide, we share practical tips to help you keep removal costs down.
Understanding Removal Costs in London
The cost of moving in London is higher than the average cost across the UK. The overall average cost of a removal company in London is £1,567.
Prices in the city range from £740 at the lower end and reach costs as high as £2,354. Costs will depend on a variety of factors such as the size of the move, the distance and the company that moves you.
Below we look at a breakdown of average removal costs across London:
| Location | Overall Average | Highest Average | Lowest Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| North London | £919 | £1,278 | £919 |
| South London | £810 | £1,096 | £525 |
| East London | £937 | £1,110 | £717 |
| West London | £1,464 | £1,933 | £995 |
Prices are based on our cost data, received directly from user feedback.
Breakdown of Costs
It's good to have an idea of what exactly you're paying for when you hire a removal company. To summarise, the cost of your removal service will include:
A removal team to load and unload your items
Their expertise in safely and effectively loading the vehicle
Equipment such as straps, blankets and dust covers
Use of the removal vehicle (mileage, petrol etc)
Goods in Transit and Public Liability Insurance
To help you plan ahead, you can use our cost of moving house calculator. This allows you to prepare for the costs involved with moving.
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What to Look Out for with Cheaper Quotes
Another way of saving money on your move is by comparing removal companies. One of the best ways to do this is by using a comparison site.
At Compare My Move, we can match you with up to 6 removal companies in your local area. Our London-based partners will provide quotes, allowing you to compare prices and offerings.
Using professional removal services means your possessions are less likely to get damaged. It also means a lot less stress on your moving day, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.
After researching removal company reviews, make sure you ask the following questions:
Compare Quotes
Compare My Move connects users to up to 6 London removal companies, allowing them to compare quotes and keep costs low.
Using professional removal services means your possessions are less likely to get damaged. It also means a lot less stress on your moving day, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.
Ask about Discounts
Before booking a company, check what is and isn’t included in the quote. Some firms will give discounts to students, OAPs, key workers and armed forces.
When the Move is Scheduled
Removals in London charge more during popular times and special events. Our research found that summer is the most popular season, with August having the most number of moves among our users. On the other hand, winter tends to be quieter, which can mean cheaper prices.
Special events such as the London Marathon, stadium gigs or football derbies can result in road closures and delays. Therefore, it's advised not to book a moving company during these dates.
Those hoping to do a partial move may also face significant delays due to increasing tube closures. Hiring a moving company will eliminate this risk and alleviate the stress of carrying out the move yourself.
Declutter Before You Pack
Decluttering before your move ensures you don’t take any unnecessary items to your new home. This reduces the amount you need to transport, freeing up space in the van and lowering costs.
Hourly Rate vs Fixed Rate
An hourly rate, as the name suggests, is charged per hour. Very often, there is no telling beforehand how long a move will take. If there are any delays, such as waiting for the keys from estate agents or London traffic, it will add to your costs.
Fixed-rate is a set amount agreed upon beforehand between you and the removal company. Although a flat or fixed rate can look like more than the hourly rate, very often it is the most effective option.
Factors That Increase Costs
There are some factors that contribute to removal costs. Removal firms will take into account:
The Size of the Move
The size of your home and the volume of items being moved are big factors when it comes to the cost of moving house. More items mean bigger vehicles, extra team members and more time and effort.
Distance Between Homes
The distance the removal team travels between your old property and your new home will also be a factor. The further away you move, the more expensive your removal is likely to be. This is to account for petrol and the removal team’s time. If they are traveling outside of London, then a per hour rate could be charged. For example, if they are moving from London to Brighton, then 4 hours (round trip) could be added to the cost.
Time of Year
The time of the year could be a factor in your costs, with more popular times of year being more expensive. In London, summer is the most popular time to move. August was when most moves in the city took place among our users.
In contrast, winter was the least favourable time to move. As a result, your move may be more affordable if you arrange a date in December or January.
Day of the Week
Even the day of the week can influence the cost of your move. Our unique data found that the most popular day to move house in London is on a Saturday. As a result, this may be the most expensive day of the week to move.
The least popular day for Londoners to move is a Tuesday, which could mean a cheaper move if you opt for this day of the week. Sunday is also an unpopular day to move in London, again meaning this could be a cheaper option.
Hidden Fees to Ask About Upfront
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In London, there are some potential hidden costs that you should be aware of. These include the Congestion Charge, Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), and Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ), these charges can often be included in the removal company's quote. Some other hidden charges include late key and difficult access, including the need to use stairs when carrying difficult items.
When you speak to your chosen removal firms, it's always best to ask about these costs in your initial conversations. That way, you can compare accurate pricing from the different companies, which anticipates these potential costs.
Which Is Cheaper Hourly or Fixed Price?
How to Save Money Before Moving Day
There are some steps you can take before your move to reduce your removal costs.
Decluttering Your Home
Your removal cost will partly depend on the number of items you’re moving. With this in mind, decluttering before your move is a great way to reduce costs. It also ensures you don’t take any unnecessary items to your new home.
For more information on decluttering before a move read: How to Declutter for a House Move
Using Free Cardboard Boxes
Rather than buying packing supplies, try to find boxes and packing materials for free. You can ask family, friends and co-workers, in addition to local businesses.
Disassemble Furniture and Large Items
Disassembling and reassembling furniture is an additional service offered by removal companies. However, it does come at an extra cost. One way of saving money is to disassemble items yourself or with the help of friends and family.
Be aware that if you are moving large, high-value items like a grand piano, using a removal company is highly recommended.
Packing and Organising in Advance
Again, removal companies often offer packing at an extra cost. If you are looking for ways to save money, however, you may want to pack the items yourself.
Always ensure you leave enough time to pack before the move. This avoids rushing which can lead to items being broken or forgotten. In turn, this can cost you money when you replace the items.
For more tips read: How to Keep Your Removal Costs Down
An hourly rate can often be cheaper for the smaller moves, such as from an average 1-bed flat in London to a nearby property. A fixed price can be more cost-effective for longer moves, such as between London boroughs, or where access issues could cause delays.
Why Should I Hire a Professional Moving Company?
Hiring a removal company isn’t mandatory, but it can make the process smoother and stress-free.
Here are some advantages of using a removal company:
Save time
Plan the most efficient route
Use professional equipment for large and heavy items
Provide full insurance
Reduce stress
Offer extra services such as packing and storage
Move specialist items such as pianos
Finding a Cheap Removal Company in London
Compare My Move can match you with up to six trusted London removal companies. Comparing quotes is the best way to save on moving costs. You’ll be able to discuss your requirements, check their experience, and read reviews before deciding. Fill in our removal comparison form and save up to 70% on your London removal costs.
All partners have passed a strict verification process to ensure all moves are carried out to the highest standard. Part of this process requires removal companies to have Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance in place.
FAQs
Are moving companies cheaper during the week?
Removal costs can be cheaper midweek as most people move on Friday and at the weekend. Some companies may even offer discounts with midweek moves, although this is not guaranteed.
Can you haggle with removal companies?
You can try to negotiate a lower offer with your removal company; however, some firms are strict with their pricing and are not open to negotiating.
Is a Man and Van cheaper than a removal company?
This depends on the size of your move. While hiring a man and van may seem cheaper at first glance, you may end up with a higher quote if you have many items as they may charge per item or volume.
