How Much Does a House Move Cost in the UK? 2026 Price Guide
Moving house is one of the biggest and most easily underestimated expenses, with costs in 2026 varying widely depending on your property, distance, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire professionals. From small local moves to nationwide relocations, this guide breaks down current UK moving costs and the key factors that influence what you’ll pay, helping you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
How Much Does a House Move Cost in the UK? 2026 Price Guide
Moving house is one of life's biggest expenses, but understanding the true costs involved can help you budget effectively and avoid unwelcome surprises. Whether you're considering a DIY move or hiring professional movers, this comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about moving costs in 2026.
Average Moving Costs in the UK (2026)
The cost of moving house varies significantly based on distance, property size, and the level of service you choose. Here's what you can expect to pay:
Local Moves (Under 50 Miles)
Studio/1-Bed Flat:
DIY move: £150-£300 (van hire, fuel, packing materials)
Man and van: £200-£400
Professional removal company: £300-£600
2-Bed Property:
DIY move: £250-£450
Man and van: £350-£550
Professional removal company: £500-£900
3-Bed House:
DIY move: £400-£650
Man and van: £500-£800
Professional removal company: £800-£1,400
4-Bed House:
DIY move: £550-£850
Man and van: Not recommended for this size
Professional removal company: £1,200-£2,200
Nationwide Moves (Over 100 Miles)
2-Bed Property: £800-£1,500 3-Bed House: £1,400-£2,500 4-Bed House: £2,000-£3,500+
These prices typically include basic loading, transport, and unloading. Additional services will increase costs.
What Affects Moving Costs?
Distance
Local moves are typically charged by the hour (£80-£150/hour for two movers and a van), while long-distance moves are priced by volume or as a fixed quote.
Property Size and Volume
More belongings mean more time, larger vehicles, and potentially more crew members. A 4-bed house requires significantly more resources than a 1-bed flat.
Access and Logistics
Stairs without a lift (add £50-£150)
Long carry from parking to door (add £30-£100)
Parking restrictions requiring permits (add £20-£50)
Narrow streets or difficult access (add 10-20% to quote)
Time of Year
Peak season (May-September, bank holidays): Prices 15-30% higher
Off-peak (October-March, mid-week): Best rates available
End of month: Higher demand, higher prices
Day of Week
Weekends and bank holidays: Premium rates (20-40% more)
Mid-week moves: Often 15-25% cheaper
Additional Services
Packing service: £200-£800 depending on property size
Packing materials only: £50-£200
Storage: £30-£150 per month per cubic meter
Dismantling/reassembling furniture: Usually included, sometimes £50-£150 extra
Specialty items (pianos, antiques): £100-£500 per item
Insurance upgrade: £50-£200
Is It Cheaper to Move Yourself or Hire Movers?
This is one of the most common questions when planning a move. The answer depends on several factors beyond just the initial price tag.
The True Cost of a DIY Move
What You'll Pay:
Van hire (Luton van): £80-£150 per day
Fuel: £40-£100 depending on distance
Packing materials: £50-£150
Insurance excess: £500-£1,000 if damaged
Parking permits: £20-£50
Food and refreshments for helpers: £30-£60
Total DIY cost for 2-bed flat: £220-£510
Hidden Costs:
Your time (potentially 2-3 full days)
Friends' and family's time
Risk of injury or damage
Stress and physical exhaustion
Potential damage to belongings or property
The True Cost of Professional Movers
What You'll Pay:
Professional crew and vehicle: £600-£1000 (2-bed local move)
Basic insurance: Usually included
Professional packing materials: Often included or discounted
What You Get:
Experienced handling of belongings
Proper equipment (trolleys, blankets, straps)
Insurance coverage
Efficiency (half the time of DIY)
No risk of personal injury
Someone to blame if things go wrong
Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional
Studio/1-Bed Flat (Local Move)
DIY:
Cost: £150-£300
Time: 1-2 days
People needed: 2-3 friends
Risk level: Low-Medium
Professional:
Cost: £300-£600
Time: 3-5 hours
People needed: Just you
Risk level: Very Low
Verdict: For small flats, DIY can save £200-300 if you have capable friends and a vehicle you can drive. Worth considering if budget is extremely tight.
2-Bed Property (Local Move)
DIY:
Cost: £250-£450
Time: 2-3 days
People needed: 3-4 strong friends
Risk level: Medium-High
Professional:
Cost: £500-£900
Time: 4-6 hours
People needed: Just you
Risk level: Low
Verdict: The £250-450 saving often isn't worth the stress, time, and injury risk. Professional movers are usually the better choice.
3-Bed House (Local Move)
DIY:
Cost: £400-£650
Time: 3-4 days minimum
People needed: 4-5 people
Risk level: High
Professional:
Cost: £800-£1,400
Time: 6-8 hours
Risk level: Low
Verdict: Professional movers are strongly recommended. The time, effort, and risk of DIY at this scale rarely justifies the savings.
4-Bed House or Long Distance
DIY: Not recommended
Too much to coordinate
High risk of damage
Extremely physically demanding
Multiple van trips may be needed
Professional:
Cost: £1,200-£3,500+
Essential for this size/distance
Worth every penny
Verdict: Always use professionals for large homes or long distances.
When DIY Makes Sense
Consider a DIY move if:
You're moving a studio or small 1-bed flat
Moving very short distance (same building or street)
You have genuinely willing, capable friends
You have minimal furniture and mostly boxes
You're young, fit, and healthy
Your budget is extremely tight
You have very flexible time
When Professional Movers Make Sense
Hire professionals if:
Moving a 2-bed property or larger
You have valuable or fragile items
You're moving long distance
You have stairs, no lift, or difficult access
You have a tight schedule (work, family commitments)
You have back problems or physical limitations
You value your time and sanity
You don't have reliable help available
Hidden Costs People Forget to Budget For
Before the Move
Removals quotes and surveys: Usually free
Packing materials: £50-£200
Decluttering/disposal: £50-£300
Cleaning products: £20-£40
During the Move
Parking permits: £20-£50
Takeaway food: £30-£60
Emergency supplies: £20-£40
Key cutting: £10-£30
After the Move
Final clean of old property: £80-£200
Professional carpet cleaning (to get deposit back): £60-£150
Touch-up paint and repairs: £50-£150
New furniture for different sized rooms: Variable
Reconnection fees (broadband, utilities): £0-£100
Total hidden costs: £320-£1,120
Red Flags: When a Quote Is Too Good to Be True
Be wary of:
Quotes significantly below average (30%+ cheaper than others)
Companies without proper insurance
No physical address or landline
Cash-only payments
No written contract
Unclear pricing structure
Pressure to pay large deposits upfront
Getting an Accurate Quote
For the most accurate moving quote:
Be honest about volume – Movers need to know everything
Mention access issues – Stairs, parking, narrow doors
Highlight fragile/valuable items – Pianos, antiques, artwork
Specify services needed – Packing, dismantling, storage
Provide both addresses – Including floor numbers
Indicate timeline – Date flexibility can save money
Final Thoughts: DIY or Professional?
For most people moving a 2-bed property or larger, professional movers are worth the investment. The difference in cost (typically £200-600 more than DIY) buys you:
Professional expertise and efficiency
Proper equipment and insurance
Time saved (often 80% faster)
Reduced stress and physical strain
Lower risk of damage or injury
However, if you're young, fit, have good friends, and are moving a small flat a short distance, DIY can be a viable way to save a few hundred pounds.
The MOVR Approach
At MOVR, we connect you with trusted movers who provide transparent, competitive quotes. Whether you need a full-service move or just transport, we'll match you with the right professionals for your needs and budget. Get your free quote today and see exactly what your move will cost, with no hidden surprises.
