Are you looking to move home and considering a removal company to help you get moved in? Give this one a read before you make your decision! In this post we use a real-world case scenario to show how you can save hundreds of pounds, by moving yourself or with the help of friends and family.
We look at, what is the average cost of a removal company UK and expected price changes relating to the cost of removal companies 2025. Don't miss this one, it could hurt your wallet!
Moving house is an exciting but often stressful experience. One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to hire a removal company or opt for self-drive van hire. While removal companies may seem like the easier option, the reality is that their services often come with a host of hidden fees and additional costs that can quickly add up. In contrast, self-drive van hire provides a cost-effective and flexible alternative, allowing you to take control of your move and save money in the process.
Let's take a closer look at house removal costs and answer the question: How much does a removal firm cost 2025?
How much do removal companies cost? Removal companies typically offer a full service, including packing, loading, transportation, and unloading. However, what many people don’t realise is that these services often come with additional charges. Let’s take a closer look at the various costs involved:
Most removal companies charge a flat rate based on the distance of the move and the number of belongings you have. This typically ranges from £500 to £2,000 depending on the size of your property and the distance you’re moving.
If you opt for the company to pack your belongings, expect to pay extra. Packing services can cost between £200 and £500, and this doesn’t include the cost of boxes, bubble wrap, and other packing materials, which could add another £100 to £300 to your total bill.
Many removal companies operate on an hourly basis, meaning that if your move takes longer than expected, you’ll be charged extra. Rates can range from £50 to £100 per hour, and if delays occur due to traffic or logistical issues, the costs can escalate quickly.
If you have bulky or heavy furniture such as pianos, safes, or large wardrobes, you may be charged an additional £50 to £150 per item.
If there’s a delay in moving into your new home, you may need storage. Many removal companies charge a premium for storage, costing anywhere from £30 to £100 per week.
Unexpected delays or changes in your moving date can result in cancellation or rescheduling fees. Some removal companies charge as much as 50% of the total booking cost if cancelled within a short notice period.
Let’s consider a real-world example of moving a three-bedroom house from Nottingham to Manchester, a distance of approximately 90 miles. Please note these costs are just estimates based on the average cost of removal company UK.
These estimates could be considered conservative. To support this claim, Zoopla recently published an estimated cost of £1,300 for a 1-2 bedroom house and £1,700 for a 3 bedroom home. They also highlight these costs will be higher when factoring in mileage, hidden costs and extra services.
Total estimated cost: £1,970
Self-drive van hire offers a much more affordable option, allowing you to control the moving process and significantly reduce costs. Here’s how:
Hiring a long-wheelbase van for a day can cost as little as £85 to £150, depending on the size and mileage allowance. When you opt for a hirefleet self drive van, you get 100 miles fully included with your rental.
Think you're going to need a little extra space? Opt for a Luton van hire for as little as £100 per day.
Unlike removal companies, self-drive van hire doesn’t come with surprise charges. You pay for the hire and travel related expenses, that’s it.
Fuel costs can vary depending on the journey, but a typical long-wheelbase van covering 90 miles uses far less fuel than you might expect, making it an efficient and cost-effective option for transportation.
Since you’ll be handling the move yourself or with the help of friends and family, there are no additional fees for large or heavy furniture.
You can move at your own pace, avoiding costly delays or overtime fees.
Instead of paying for removal staff and labour charges, you can enlist the help of friends or family for free.
Another option could be exchanging a favour with a neighbour or member of your community if you find yourself away from friends and family.
If you're really stuck for help, you are still likely to save on labour costs with a modest amount of cash in hand than via a removal company.
This is due to the fact you are likely to pay a marked-up price on the labour when using a removal service.
Total estimated cost: £260
That’s a massive saving of £1,710 compared to using a removal company!
Some people may feel that a removal company is necessary in certain situations, but self-drive van hire can still be a practical solution with a little planning. Here are some common challenges and how to overcome them:
Back in 2023 the Daily Mail reported a staggering increase in removal service fees that amounted to an 129% increase over just 3 years. This trend does not seem to be slowing down, with rising fuel prices, increased wages, and inflation affecting the cost of services across the board, removal companies are expected to become even more expensive in 2025. Industry experts predict an average price increase of 10-15%, making professional removal services even less affordable for many households.
On the other hand, self-drive van hire remains a budget-friendly and reliable option. While rental prices may see minor adjustments due to economic factors, the overall cost will still be significantly lower than hiring a removal company. Additionally, by planning ahead and booking your van early, you can lock in the best rates and avoid peak-season price hikes.
While removal companies offer convenience, the hidden costs can be substantial. Self-drive van hire allows you to take control of your move, save a significant amount of money, and avoid unexpected charges. If you're looking for a cost-effective, reliable, and flexible way to move, hirefleet self-drive van hire has a range of vehicles to suit your needs.
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