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The Hidden Cost Of Removal Companies 2025: How Self Drive Van Hire Keeps Money In Your Pocket

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?

Breaking Down the Cost Of Removal Companies

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:

1. Base cost of removal company 2025

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.

2. Packing services and materials

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.

3. Hourly fees and overtime charges

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.

4. Additional fees for large or heavy items

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.

5. Storage fees

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.

6. Cancellation and rescheduling fees

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.

Example: Cost of Moving a Three-Bedroom House with a Removal Company

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. 

Estimated House Removals Cost 2025 (Including Hidden Costs)

  • Base removal fee: £1,200
  • Packing service and materials: £400
  • Extra charges for heavy items: £100
  • Overtime charges (2 extra hours): £200
  • Storage for one week: £70

Total estimated cost: £1,970

The Cost-Effective Alternative: Self-Drive Van Hire

Self-drive van hire offers a much more affordable option, allowing you to control the moving process and significantly reduce costs. Here’s how:

1. Lower upfront costs

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.

2. No hidden fees

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.

3. Fuel costs

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.

4. No extra charges for heavy or large items

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.

5. Flexible moving schedule

You can move at your own pace, avoiding costly delays or overtime fees.

6. Friends and family can help

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. 

Example: Cost of Moving a Three-Bedroom House with Self-Drive Van Hire

  • Van hire for the day: £120
  • Fuel cost: £40
  • Packing materials: £100

Total estimated cost: £260

That’s a massive saving of £1,710 compared to using a removal company!

Workarounds For Situations Where A Removal Company Is Typically Needed

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:

1. Heavy or bulky items

  • Use moving equipment such as furniture sliders, trolleys, and lifting straps to make transporting heavy items easier.
  • Consider hiring professional help just for loading and unloading rather than paying for a full removal service.

2. Limited manpower

  • Organise a moving team with friends or family well in advance.
  • Break the move into multiple trips over a couple of days instead of doing it all in one go. You're still looking at substantial savings!

3. Time constraints

  • Plan your move strategically, packing everything in advance to maximise efficiency on the moving day.
  • Choose a hire company such as hirefleet that offers flexible rental periods to give yourself extra time if needed.

4. Storage needs

  • Rent a storage unit separately, as this is often cheaper than the premium storage fees charged by removal companies.
  • Choose a van with enough space to reduce the need for storage by completing the move in fewer trips. Luton van hire works great for this!

How the Price of Removal Companies is Expected to Change in 2025

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.

Secure your booking now ahead of your move

Conclusion: Self-Drive Van Hire Saves You Money

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.

Book your van today and take the stress and high costs out of moving!

Q: Why are removal companies so expensive in 2025?

Removal companies in 2025 face rising fuel costs, increased wages, and inflation, leading to a predicted 10-15% price increase, while hirefleet’s self-drive van hire offers a budget-friendly alternative with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

Q: How can I save money on a house move in 2025?

Opting for hirefleet’s self-drive van hire, such as a Luton van, allows you to handle the move yourself, avoiding additional charges for labour, packing, or special handling common with removal companies.

Q: What hidden costs should I watch for with removal companies?

Removal companies may charge extra for large furniture, long distances, or packing services, but hirefleet’s self-drive van hire includes 100 miles and transparent pricing to eliminate surprise fees.

Q: Is it cheaper to hire a van or a removal company for moving?

Hiring a hirefleet self-drive van, like a long-wheelbase model, is generally more affordable than a removal company, as you control the move and avoid labour or service fees, making it ideal for budget-conscious movers.

Q: How do I move heavy furniture without a removal company?

Use hirefleet’s self-drive Luton van hire with optional equipment like trolleys and straps, and organise friends or family to assist, reducing costs compared to hiring professional movers.

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