LONDON MOVING COSTS
Moving costs in London could be challenging for some people. Find out how most London movers calculate their prices and what you can expect to pay for your London home or office move.
Average London Moving Costs
What is the typical price for using London moving company for your long-awaited relocation?
Most people believe hiring professional London movers can be expensive and stressful. The reality is paying for a service is far more easy and cost-effective compared to going DIY. The moving company will come prepared with the right size vehicle, strong and experienced movers, and all tools needed for quick and safe transportation. But what are the average moving prices in London based on our vase experience at Book A Mover?
| Property size | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Studio | £180-£245 |
| 1 bedroom | £213-£325 |
| 2 bedrooms | £340-£585 |
| 3 bedrooms | £515-£990 |
| 4 bedrooms | £974-£1345 |
The final price will depend on many factors which you can find explained in detail on this page. To save time trying to understand all aspects of calculating moving costs, you can simply use Book A Mover to get a few moving quotes and start comparing prices. Each company that will receive your moving request can explain what their prices are and give a breakdown of the costs. Ask them to send you an official quotation.
Once you have all quotes in your email, try to compare all prices and companies` online reviews. If you have a company you like but their price is higher, you can ask them to try to match a lower price quotation. You will be suprised how easily moving companies in London are willing to give discounts, if you are flexible with your moving date and you give plenty of time ahead before hiring movers.
Understanding Your London Moving Costs
It’s crucial to understand all potential costs involved to budget effectively for your move.
Distance of the Move
One of the primary factors influencing moving costs is the distance of the move. Local moves usually cost less than long-distance moves as they require less fuel and time. On long-distance moves, you can expect to pay between £1 and £2 fuel costs per mile. For example, when moving from London to Manchester, the additional costs for fuel will be £300 on average added to the price.
Volume and Weight of Items
More items mean more packing materials, larger truck space, more labor for packing, loading, and unloading, and possibly a higher insurance cost. Heavier items may also require special equipment or additional movers, leading to higher costs.
Additional Services Required
Additional services, although they can provide a lot of convenience, will increase the moving cost. This can include packing and unpacking services, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, temporary storage, or special handling for items such as pianos or artwork.
London Moving Costs Components
What a moving quotation breakdown looks like when you examine removal documents.
Labor Costs
Labor costs often make up a significant portion of your total moving costs. They primarily cover the cost of the movers who will pack, load, transport, unload, and unpack your belongings. The number of movers, the complexity of the move, and the time it takes are all factors that influence labor costs. Some moving companies charge hourly rates, while others may offer a flat rate depending on the size and specifics of the move.
| Removal men | Cost per hour |
|---|---|
| 1 Man | £40-£50 |
| 2 Men | £60-£75 |
| 3 Men | £85-£100 |
| 4 Men | £110-£130 |
Transport Costs
Transportation costs are typically calculated based on the distance of the move and the size or weight of the shipment. For local moves, this cost may be included in the hourly rate. For long-distance moves, companies often charge a rate per pound of goods and per mile. This cost also includes the expenses related to the moving vehicle, such as fuel and maintenance.
| Property | Service - moving costs, within 10 miles | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 bedrooms | 2-3 Men / 1 or 2 vans | £ 520 |
| 3 bedrooms | 4-5 Men / 2 or 3 vans | £ 764 |
| 4 bedrooms | 5-6 men / 3 or 4 vans | £ 1130 |
Packing Material Costs
If you’re hiring professional packers, or if the moving company is supplying packing materials, this cost will be included in your quote. The cost can vary depending on the amount and types of materials used.
| Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Small box | £2.00-£3.00 |
| Medium box | £2.50-£3.50 |
| Large box | £4.00-£6.00 |
| Wardrobe box | £10.00-£15.00 |
| 10m bubble wrap | £8.00-£12.00 |
| Packing paper | £10.00-£25.00 |
| Tape | £2.00-£4.00 |
| Markers | £2.00-£5.00 |
Insurance Costs
Insurance costs, or valuation costs, are an often overlooked but crucial component of moving costs. Basic mover’s insurance is typically included by law, but this coverage is minimal. For better protection, you may want to consider Full Value Protection, where the mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods. This additional coverage will come at an extra cost. It’s important to understand the terms and conditions of any insurance coverage offered by your moving company. If you’re moving valuable items, you might also want to consider purchasing additional insurance.
DIY Moving vs. Pro London Moving Company
Costs Involved in DIY Moving
Doing it yourself might seem like the cheaper option, but there are several costs to consider:
Truck Rental: You’ll need to rent a moving truck, and the cost will depend on the size of the truck and the distance you’re moving.
Fuel: You’re typically responsible for refilling the tank before returning the truck.
Moving Equipment: You might need to rent or buy additional equipment like dollies or moving blankets.
Packing Materials: Boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and other packing materials can add up.
Time and Labor: Remember that all the work will be on you – from packing to heavy lifting to driving the truck.
Pros and Cons
DIY Moving
- Pros: Potentially lower costs, flexibility with timing, and direct control over the moving process.
- Cons: It can be physically demanding, time-consuming, stressful, and you assume all the risk if anything is damaged.
Professional Movers
- Pros: They provide the muscle, equipment, and transportation, freeing you up to focus on other things. They also have experience and skills that can make the process more efficient and less risky.
- Cons: It’s typically more expensive than DIY, and you have to schedule around the company’s availability.
How To Pay Less London Moving Costs
Find out what steps you can take to lower the money you have to pay to move in London.
Time of the move
The timing of your move can have a significant impact on the cost. Moving companies tend to be busiest during the summer months, on weekends, and at the beginning and end of the month. If you can, scheduling your move during off-peak times (like mid-week or mid-month) might help you secure a lower rate. Additionally, booking your move well in advance can sometimes lead to better prices.
Downsizing before moving
The more items you move, the more expensive your move will be. Therefore, downsizing before you move can lead to substantial savings. Sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need. Not only will this decrease the volume and potentially the weight of your move, but selling items can also give you some extra cash to put toward moving costs.
DIY vs. Professional movers
As discussed earlier, doing it yourself can save money, especially for local or smaller moves. However, remember to account for all potential DIY costs, such as truck rental and packing materials, and weigh them against the benefits and convenience of professional movers. Also, consider the value of your time and the potential for injury or damage to your belongings.
Comparing Multiple Moving Quotes
It’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple moving companies. This will not only give you a better idea of what a fair price for your move is but also provide you with some negotiating power. When comparing quotes, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples – check that the services included in each quote are the same and pay attention to any potential additional fees. Remember, the cheapest quote is not always the best if it comes with poor service or hidden costs. Always check reviews and the company’s reputation before making a decision.