How much does it cost to move furniture in the UK?

Moving furniture is one of the biggest expenses when relocating. You’ll need to budget properly to avoid unexpected costs and choose the right service. 

This guide breaks down the typical costs to move furniture in the UK, including what can affect pricing and how to save money. By the end, you’ll know what to expect and learn how to plan your move without unnecessary stress.

What is the average cost of moving furniture in the UK?

Moving furniture costs in the UK range from £400 to £2,500 per bedroom. However, prices can still vary depending on property type, the number of movers, the distance of the move, and other factors we’ll cover later. 

As a general reference, here are the typical rates for moving furniture in some cities in the UK: 

What factors affect the costs of moving furniture?

Tasker wrapping a large sofa in clear plastic for transport

How much does it cost to have furniture moved? The estimated price depends on several factors: 

Distance of the move

Distance is significant to the cost of moving furniture. It determines the required labour, fuel costs, and truck size for the job. Below, we’ll break down the different types of moves based on distance.

Local moves

For a local move, property size is usually a more useful budgeting measure than distance alone. A one-bedroom move may cost £400 to £550, a two-bedroom move £550 to £750, and a three-bedroom move £850 to £1,100.

For smaller local jobs, removalists may instead charge by the hour. A standard two-person team and van typically cost £50 to £80 per hour, although many companies have minimum booking periods.

Since the distance is short, the extra fuel costs are included in the per-hour rate. Some furniture removal companies charge a flat fuel rate, which is generally lower than that for other long-distance moves.

Long-distance moves (nationwide)

Moving across the country, also known as long-distance moves, involves additional logistics and legal requirements. For this reason, a one-bedroom long-distance move may cost around £800 to £1,000, a two-bedroom move around £1,100 to £1,400, and a three-bedroom move approximately £1,500 to £1,900. Four- or five-bedroom long-distance moves may cost £2,000 to £3,000+.

Long-distance removals are often quoted as a fixed price rather than a straightforward hourly rate, because the quote must account for mileage, travel time, fuel, vehicle capacity, and the amount being moved. 

Here’s a table that outlines the estimated costs for different move types:

Number of movers needed

Moving into a bigger house or apartment means hiring more movers. You’ll need extra manpower for a fast, efficient move because most furniture removal companies charge by the hour. For example, a small move that requires a ‘Man and Van’ service with one or two movers and a van costs £40 to £60 per hour, whereas a larger LWB transit van with four or more movers can range from £50 to £130 per hour. 

Although hiring a larger crew costs more, it can help complete the job faster, reducing labour costs. Additionally, they can safely lift heavy furniture (like pool tables), preventing damage and reducing the risk of injury.

Type and volume of furniture

Moving several items simultaneously can further increase the cost to transport furniture because this requires larger trucks and more movers. Some removal companies would even charge based on the furniture’s weight and volume (measured in cubic metres), since these determine the appropriate truck size. Typically, you’ll need large trucks for moving furniture. Using the smaller ones would require multiple trips, leading to higher labour costs. 

You also need to consider the amount of space available inside the truck. Squeezing multiple pieces of furniture in one truck can be dangerous, especially if you must move large, fragile items like a piano or grandfather clock. 

Access and logistics

Two Taskers working together to lift and move a table

When it comes to moving furniture, time is money—literally. If your residence has a narrow staircase or a slow lift, expect the cost of moving house furniture to increase. The same applies if there isn’t a close parking spot for the truck. Loading and unloading would take longer because movers would have to carry your furniture farther, leading to higher labour costs.

Logistics can be challenging when moving into urban areas like London or Manchester since there are many one-way streets and frequent traffic jams. Moving into rural areas isn’t cheap because of the gravel roads and hilly terrain. Due to these logistical challenges, travel time takes longer, resulting in higher furniture moving rates. 

Timing of the move

Prices for furniture moving services can fluctuate at certain times of the month. For instance, moving in the summer (around August) could be expensive due to school breaks.

November and December are also considered peak months, as people often rush their moves before Christmas and New Year’s. The same goes for bank holidays; many furniture removal companies apply holiday surcharges to cover overtime pay for staff working on holidays. 

Demand similarly peaks during weekends and mid-month dates because most tenants have their rental contracts ending, so expect higher prices. Consider mid-week dates to enjoy lower rates.

Insurance and liability

Even though most removal companies provide some protection for their customers’ belongings, the cover is very limited. They’ll only pay a small, set amount if your items are damaged during the move. For example, if a sofa is worth £2,000 and the company’s terms limit compensation to £40 per item, you may only receive £40 if it’s damaged — and often only if the mover is proven negligent. 

Therefore, insurance is a must-have when moving furniture because accidents can still happen during the move. Here are the options available for furniture removals:

Full-cover insurance 

Also known as indemnity insurance, this is the most comprehensive type because it covers the cost to repair or replace a lost or damaged item at its current market value. To set this up, you’ll need to declare the total estimated value of your belongings.

Be as accurate as possible. Under-declaring may reduce your payout, while over-declaring may unnecessarily increase your premium. High-value items (over £1,500 each) should be listed separately, and cover may be limited for owner-packed boxes.

Third-party insurance

Third-party insurance can be bought from independent insurers if the removal company doesn’t offer full-value cover. It’s ideal for DIY or high-value moves because you can customise the coverage range with optional extras, such as additional protection for temperature-sensitive goods and delay compensation. 

Check out this table for easier comparison of furniture insurance options:

Additional services

Tasker disassembling a wooden table using a wrench on a hardwood floor

In addition to transportation, services such as assembling and disassembling should be considered. Some furniture pieces can be tricky because they’re incredibly heavy or have confusing hardware. You’ll need an extra pair of hands for a more efficient move, which means extra labour costs. 

Storage services can be requested, especially if you plan a long-distance move that requires multiple stops. You might need a place for temporary storage, which will add to the total price of moving furniture. 

What are some ways to save on moving furniture?

Now that you already know how much furniture removals cost, you’re probably wondering, ‘Is there a way you can lower your expenses?’ Here’s how: 

Prepare well

Start preparing and wrapping your furniture a few weeks before the moving date. You can also place and organise the small parts in a box and then add a label. 

On it, write the designated room for each piece of furniture. This will make it easier for the movers to unload and position items in your new home. Being well organised and having everything ready can reduce the overall time of the move, lowering labour costs.

Reserve parking 

Moving companies often charge a ‘long carry’ fee if they have to move items over a long distance from the truck to your property. To avoid incurring additional charges, secure a parking space as close as possible to your property’s entrance for the moving truck. 

Take advantage of off-peak periods

Book mid-week, specifically on a Monday or Tuesday, as these are considered off-peak periods. Furniture moving prices are lower during these times, and moving companies offer better rates and discounts to fill the slots. 

Scheduling a move during the autumn and early winter (October to February) can also help you save money. Demand is low during these months, so most moving companies offer discounts of up to 10-20% to attract more customers. 

Consider shared transport services

Instead of renting an entire truck, you can share truck space with other customers through consolidated or shared transport services. You’ll only pay for the space your belongings occupy, helping you save more than a full-service move. 

Keep in mind, though, that this isn’t the quickest option. It’s best to choose this service only for non-urgent relocations. 

What should you look for in a furniture mover?

Moving day in progress as Taskers handle heavy boxes outdoors

Aside from detailed quotes and clear communication, here are some of the most important things to look for when hiring furniture movers:

Accreditations

A furniture mover must be a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR) because membership indicates adherence to strict codes for staff training, packing, transporting, and storage. 

More importantly, being a member of the BAR means that the furniture mover carries proper insurance, such as Goods-in-Transit and Public Liability. That means if something goes wrong, you’re covered, whether it’s a sofa damaged in transit or an accident during the move.

Specialised handling

Look for movers who can handle fragile items, especially if you have oddly shaped antique furniture. They should be trained and skilled to handle delicate items during transport, loading, and unloading. 

Flexible moving modes and storage solutions

Choosing a furniture mover with flexible moving options helps you find a solution that fits your needs and budget. Some of the most popular choices include:

• Full Truck Load (FTL): Hire an entire truck just for your belongings. This offers faster delivery and better security.

• Shared transport services: As previously mentioned, this entails sharing van space with other customers moving along the same route and paying only for the space you use.

• Self-pack container: You can pack your furniture into a secure container and have it transported by rail or sea. This is convenient for long-distance or cross-country moves.

Furniture movers should also offer temporary storage, which is especially useful when moving long-distance or across the UK. Short- or long-term storage options can be beneficial if unexpected delays occur during your move.

Move your furniture securely with Airtasker

Is preserving the quality of your furniture during relocation your number one priority? The key is finding the right movers who can handle your furniture.

Post a task to find and connect with reliable Taskers specialising in moving furniture. They have the necessary tools and expertise, reducing the risk of damaging your valuable pieces.