Trying to work out how much removals and storage cost in London can be surprisingly difficult. One company quotes a few hundred pounds, another quotes significantly more, and it is not always obvious why. If you’re planning a move and trying to budget accurately, understanding what influences removals pricing can help you avoid unexpected costs later on.
The average cost of moving home in London is around £735–£1,306, though prices range from about £190 for a small flat with minimal furniture to £2,800+ for a large house. Self storage in London is the priciest in the UK, but it needn’t break the bank — Aussie’s own storage starts at just £17.30 + VAT a week for a 35 sq ft unit, around a third less than the typical London rate for a unit that size, and you can simply add more units as your needs grow.
Many people assume that distance or property size is the biggest factor affecting removal costs. In our experience, that is only part of the story. Access restrictions, parking arrangements, building layouts, and the time required to complete the move can all significantly impact the final price. This guide breaks down typical costs by property size, distance, and area, as well as storage pricing, so you can budget with confidence and sense-check any quote before you book.
What this guide covers
- How Much Does it Cost to Move Home in London?
- Removal Costs by Distance
- What Affects the Cost of a London Move
- Moving Costs Across London
- Self Storage Costs in London
- How Much Storage Space Do You Need?
- How to Keep Your Moving Costs Down
- Hidden Costs People Often Forget About
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Get a No-Obligation Quote
How Much Does it Cost to Move Home in London?
Quick answer: A local London move typically starts from around £180 for a studio or one-bedroom flat with minimal furniture (rising to about £600 with a full furniture load), £700–£1,200 for a two-bedroom property, £1,200–£1,800 for a three-bedroom home, and £1,800–£2,800+ for larger homes. Final costs depend on volume, access, parking, packing and whether a survey is required.
The size of your property is usually the primary factor when calculating the cost of a move. It helps determine the size of vehicle required, the number of movers needed and how many hours the relocation is likely to take.
The figures below are typical guide prices for a local London move (same-day, within Greater London), covering crew, vehicle, loading, transport and unloading, while excluding packing services.
| Property size | Roughly holds | Typical crew & vehicle | Typical London cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed flat | ~250–500 cu ft | 2 movers + Luton van | from £180 |
| 2-bed flat or house | ~400–550 cu ft | 2–3 movers + Luton van | £600–£1,200 |
| 3-bed house | ~600–800 cu ft | 3–4 movers + 7.5t truck | £1,200–£1,800 |
| 4-bed house | ~900–1,200 cu ft | 4 movers + 7.5t truck | £1,800–£2,800 |
| 5-bed+ / townhouse | 1,200+ cu ft | 5+ movers, multiple loads | £2,800+ |
Studios and one-bedroom flats vary the most, because many have little furniture and can be moved in just a couple of hours. That means the entry price can be a good deal lower than a standard estimate suggests. The typical breakdown looks like this (prices include VAT):
| What you’re moving | Approx. volume | Typical time | Guide cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal belongings only (little or no furniture) | Small load | 2–4 hours | £180–£300 |
| One-bed with furniture | ~400–500 cu ft | Around half a day | £300–£600 |
| One-bed with furniture and full packing | ~400–500 cu ft | Half to full day | £650–£950 |
While property size provides a useful starting point, it is rarely the only factor involved. Two households living in identical three-bedroom homes can receive very different quotations depending on the volume of belongings being moved and the accessibility of each property.
For medium and larger properties, the overall volume of possessions often becomes more important than the number of bedrooms. Dismantling furniture, preparing appliances, bulky items, loft contents, garden equipment, and specialist items can all affect the time and resources required. A sparsely furnished three-bedroom home may cost less to move than a heavily furnished two-bedroom property.
Access can also play a major role. In some parts of London, larger removal vehicles cannot easily reach the property due to restricted roads, tight access points or controlled parking zones. In these situations, a smaller vehicle may be required to shuttle belongings between the property and the main removal vehicle, adding additional time and labour.
Flats make up around 70% of London moves, and the average London flat is smaller than the UK average (roughly 551 sq ft vs 656), which is why many London moves come in below the national figure. For smaller jobs, an hourly man and van is often the cheapest option — typically £50–£80 per hour for two movers and a van.
For larger moves, most reputable companies prefer fixed quotations. At Aussie, our guide prices are based on previous relocations, but we cannot provide an accurate fixed cost without understanding the specifics of the move. For more complex relocations, we may recommend a video survey or arrange for an experienced assessor to visit the property and provide a detailed quotation.
Removal Costs by Distance
Key facts: – Local London moves are usually priced on property size, access and time. – National removals require additional planning, transport and scheduling. – Aussie’s National Removals Service starts from £480 including VAT. – The service can transport a small one-bedroom flat in a 210-cubic-foot container. – Larger or more complex national moves usually require a tailored quotation.
Most London moves are local and completed within a single day. However, moving further afield naturally changes the logistics involved.
For local moves within London, costs are generally covered by the property-size guide above. Longer-distance relocations require additional planning, transport coordination and scheduling, which can influence the overall price.
Many people assume a national move automatically means a dramatically higher removals bill. In reality, long-distance relocations can often be more affordable than expected when they are planned efficiently.
Aussie’s national removals service offers fixed-price nationwide relocations starting from £480 (£400 + VAT). This service is designed to make moving anywhere in England and Wales simpler, more predictable and more cost-effective. From £480, Aussie can transport the contents of a small one-bedroom flat in a 210-cubic-foot container from London to destinations across England and Wales, with BAR-approved removal professionals completing all loading and unloading.
One reason national relocations can be surprisingly affordable is the way the service operates. Rather than sending a London-based crew across the country, Aussie uses its network of depots and locally based removals teams. With access to 120 vehicles and ten depots throughout the UK, labour and transport costs can often be reduced without compromising service quality.
The final cost of a national move will depend on factors such as the volume of belongings, the destination, required timescales, access arrangements and any additional services. For example, timed deliveries, restricted-access properties that require smaller vehicles, furniture assembly, and deliveries involving islands or ferry crossings may incur additional charges. For larger homes or more complex relocations, a tailored quotation will usually provide the most accurate picture.
What Affects the Cost of a London Move
TL;DR: London removal costs are shaped by more than property size. Volume, access, parking, stairs, lifts, packing, dismantling, vehicle choice, timing and whether you choose a fixed-price or hourly service can all affect the final quote.
One of the most common questions we hear is why two apparently similar moves can receive very different quotations. The reality is that removal companies consider far more than the number of bedrooms when pricing a relocation. Access restrictions, parking arrangements, building layouts, the volume of possessions and even the time of year can all have a noticeable impact.
Volume, not bedrooms. Removers price a move based on how much there is to move, not simply the label attached to the property. A lightly furnished three-bedroom home may cost less than a packed two-bedroom property filled with books, tools, gym equipment and loft contents. Decluttering before moving remains one of the most effective ways to reduce costs.
Access and floors. A ground-floor property with parking directly outside will almost always be quicker and easier to move than an upper-floor apartment with no lift and a long carry to the nearest loading area. London’s mansion blocks, period conversions and apartment buildings frequently introduce additional logistical challenges that can increase labour time.
Parking and permits. Many London streets require parking suspensions or dispensations so that removal vehicles can legally load near the property. Without suitable parking, movers may need to transport belongings over much longer distances, increasing both the time required and the overall cost. A good removals company will help arrange these requirements in advance.
ULEZ and the Congestion Charge. Moves involving central London may incur ULEZ and Congestion Charge fees. While relatively small compared to the overall cost of a move, these charges should be clearly outlined within the quotation.
Packing. Professional packing increases the upfront cost but often reduces stress and improves protection for valuable items. Some insurance policies only provide full cover for items packed by professional movers. Partial packing services are often a good compromise for households looking to manage costs. If you’re thinking of undertaking the packing yourself, watch our how-to packing videos.
Dismantling and reassembly. Beds, wardrobes and larger furniture often need to be dismantled before transport and reassembled at the destination. Depending on the quantity and complexity involved, this can add between £150 and £300 to the cost of a move.
Vehicle and crew size. The right vehicle depends on both volume and accessibility. A single larger vehicle is often more cost-effective than multiple smaller vans. However, some London locations require smaller vehicles due to restricted access, necessitating a different approach.
Surveys. For properties with three or more bedrooms, a survey helps create a far more accurate quotation. A short video survey or in-person assessment allows the removals company to identify potential challenges before moving day, helping to avoid unexpected costs.
Timing. Weekends, month-end dates, and the May–September moving season are often the busiest and most expensive times to move. Booking a mid-week, mid-month move can often reduce costs and increase availability.
Fixed-Price Quotes vs Hourly Rates
Many customers are unsure whether a fixed-price quotation or an hourly rate offers better value. For smaller local moves, an hourly man-and-van service is often the most economical option — if the move only takes a few hours, paying a full-day rate may not make financial sense.
For larger relocations, however, fixed-price quotations usually provide greater certainty. They allow you to budget accurately and reduce the risk of costs increasing on moving day due to delays or unforeseen complications. At Aussie, we generally favour fixed-price quotations for larger jobs because they provide greater transparency and peace of mind.
Moving Costs Across London
Where you move from and to affects the price mainly through access and parking rather than distance. In fact, a short move across central London can sometimes cost more than a considerably longer move into the suburbs.
Areas with dense housing, restricted loading zones, limited parking and managed apartment buildings typically require more planning and labour. By contrast, outer boroughs often provide easier vehicle access, driveways and wider roads, helping reduce moving times.
| Area | What to expect for access |
|---|---|
| Notting Hill, Kensington & Chelsea (W8, W11, SW3) | Period conversions and stucco terraces with narrow stairwells; strict controlled-parking zones mean a suspension is almost always needed. |
| Hammersmith & Fulham (W6, W12, SW6) | A mix of mansion flats and Victorian terraces; loading windows and red routes can be tight near main roads. |
| Ealing, Acton & Brent (W3, W5, NW10) | More semis with driveways and easier parking; often better value than Zone 1–2 for an equivalent home. |
| Clapham, Battersea & Wandsworth (SW4, SW11, SW18) | High volume of young-professional flat moves; busy one-way systems and CPZs at peak times. |
| Putney, Wimbledon & Richmond (SW15, SW19, SW20, TW) | Larger family homes and good access, but bigger plots mean longer carries from van to door. |
| Islington, Camden & Hackney (N1, NW1, E8) | Dense, permit-heavy and limited loading; plan parking early and expect carries from the nearest legal bay. |
| Hampstead & Highgate (NW3, N6) | Hilly streets, listed buildings and tight lanes; larger, higher-value homes often need extra crew and care. |
| Greenwich & Lewisham (SE10, SE13) | A spread of terraces and new-builds; access varies street to street, generally easier than inner-west London. |
Every postcode comes with its own challenges. In some areas, parking is the biggest concern. In others, narrow staircases, listed buildings or long carries from the road can have the greatest impact. If you can provide details such as your postcode, floor level, parking arrangements and whether a lift is available, a removals company can usually build these local considerations into a more accurate fixed quotation from the outset.
Self Storage Costs in London
Storage cost summary: Self storage in London is typically more expensive than the UK average, with prices varying by unit size, location and season. Aussie’s 35 sq ft drive-up units start at £17.30 + VAT a week (about £75 + VAT a month), and customers simply combine multiple units as they need more space — well below typical London rates for the equivalent area.
Storage and moving often go hand in hand. Delayed completions, renovation projects, downsizing, and tenancy gaps frequently create situations in which temporary storage becomes invaluable.
London storage costs more per square foot than anywhere else in the UK (around £3.67/sq ft per month versus a UK average of £2.43), and prices tend to rise during the busy summer moving season. Typical London market rates by unit size look like this:
| Unit size | Roughly holds | Typical £/week | Typical £/month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 sq ft | A few rooms of boxes / studio overflow | £20–£35 | £80–£120 |
| 50 sq ft | 1-bed flat | £35–£55 | £150–£220 |
| 75 sq ft | Small 2-bed | £55–£80 | £225–£330 |
| 100 sq ft | 2-bed house | £75–£110 | £300–£440 |
| 150 sq ft | 3-bed house | £110–£160 | £450–£650 |
| 200 sq ft | 4-bed house | £150–£220 | £600–£880 |
Storing with Aussie
Aussie’s self storage is built around flexible 35 sq ft drive-up units starting at £17.30 + VAT per week — well below the average London rate for comparable space. Rather than committing to one oversized unit, you take as many 35 sq ft units as you need and add or release them as your circumstances change, so you only ever pay for the space you’re actually using. Every unit includes drive-up ground-floor access, 24-hour CCTV, fully insulated storage and standard insurance, and student storage starts from just £10 per week.
| Your home | Aussie 35 sq ft units | Approx. total space | From (per week) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed flat | 1 unit | ~35 sq ft | from £17.30 + VAT |
| 2-bed home | 2–3 units | ~70–105 sq ft | from £34.60 + VAT |
| 3-bed home | 3–4 units | ~105–140 sq ft | from £51.90 + VAT |
| 4-bed home | 4–6 units | ~140–210 sq ft | from £69.20 + VAT |
Because the units are modular, a customer storing the contents of a two-bedroom flat during a renovation might start with three units and drop down to one as they gradually move things back in — paying less as they go. Our team is on hand to help you judge how many units you’ll need so you don’t over-book. If regular access isn’t essential, it’s also worth comparing facilities in outer London, where storage can be noticeably cheaper than equivalent units in central locations.
How Much Storage Space Do You Need?
Quick answer: A single 35 sq ft Aussie unit suits a studio or small one-bedroom flat. For larger homes you simply combine units — around two to three for a two-bedroom property, three to four for a three-bedroom home, and four to six for a four-bedroom house.
Choosing the right amount of storage is one of the simplest ways to keep costs under control. Paying for more space than you need quickly increases your weekly bill, and the modular 35 sq ft units make it easy to match your space to your belongings.
| Your home | Aussie 35 sq ft units |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed flat | 1 unit |
| 2-bed home | 2–3 units |
| 3-bed home | 3–4 units |
| 4-bed home | 4–6 units |
As a real-world guide:
- A single 35 sq ft unit comfortably holds the contents of a studio or small one-bedroom flat.
- Two to three units typically accommodate a one or two-bedroom property.
- Three to four units are usually sufficient for a three-bedroom home.
- Larger households simply add further units for substantial furniture or long-term storage.
Packing efficiently and using the full height of each unit can often reduce the number of units required. When booking with Aussie, you’ll also have our experienced team to help arrange your storage, ensuring you get the most from every unit.
How to Keep Your Moving Costs Down
There are several practical ways to reduce moving costs without compromising the quality of service you receive:
- Move mid-week and mid-month where possible.
- Avoid the busiest May–September moving period if your dates are flexible.
- Declutter before packing to reduce the overall volume of belongings.
- Arrange parking early so the removal vehicle can load as close to the property as possible.
- Request a proper survey and fixed quotation.
- Combine storage and removals services where appropriate, and take only as many storage units as you need.
Decluttering can be particularly effective. Not only does it reduce the number of items to be transported, but it can also reduce the size of the vehicle or service package required. Moving house is often an excellent opportunity to part with belongings you no longer use, rather than paying to transport them to your next property.
Hidden Costs People Often Forget About
Budget reminder: Moving costs can extend beyond the removals quote. Budget for fuel, food, utility setup costs, final meter readings, council tax changes, mail redirection, address updates and possible temporary accommodation if your moving dates change.
When budgeting for a move, it is easy to focus entirely on the removals quotation itself. However, several smaller expenses can quickly add up. Common hidden moving costs include:
- Fuel costs when travelling in your own vehicle
- Food and takeaway expenses during moving week
- Utility connection and setup charges
- Final utility payments after meter readings
- Increased council tax if moving to a higher tax band
- Royal Mail redirection services
- Purchasing packing materials and boxes
- Costs associated with updating addresses and personal details
- Temporary accommodation if moving dates change unexpectedly
Factoring these expenses into your overall moving budget can help avoid unwelcome surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move a 2-bed flat in London? A local 2-bed move in London typically costs £700–£1,200, excluding packing. The exact figure depends on floor level, parking access, property access and the volume of belongings being moved.
How much does it cost to move a 3-bed house in London? Expect roughly £1,200–£1,800 for a local 3-bed move, rising with packing, dismantling, restricted access, parking challenges and long carries.
How much is self storage per month in London? Aussie’s 35 sq ft drive-up units start at £17.30 + VAT per week (about £75 + VAT a month), and you combine units as you need more space. Across the wider London market, expect roughly £3.67 per sq ft per month, so smaller units start near £80–£120 and larger units run into the hundreds.
Can I rent more than one storage unit? Yes. Aussie’s storage is modular, so customers regularly take several 35 sq ft units side by side and add or release units as their needs change — meaning you only pay for the space you’re actually using.
What’s the cheapest way to move in London? For smaller moves with relatively light loads, an hourly man-and-van service booked during quieter periods is often the most cost-effective option.
Do I need to pay for parking when I move? In many parts of London, yes. Parking suspensions or dispensations are frequently required for removal vehicles and should be arranged before moving day.
Why is my removals quote more expensive than somebody else’s? No two moves are exactly alike. Access restrictions, parking arrangements, floor levels, the volume of belongings, specialist items, and the services included can all significantly influence pricing. Comparing quotations on price alone can overlook important differences in service levels and insurance cover.
When should I book my removal company? Booking four to six weeks in advance is usually advisable, particularly if you plan to move during the summer or at the end of the month when demand is highest.
How to Get a No-Obligation Quote
The more information you can provide, the more accurate your quotation is likely to be. Tell us your moving-from and moving-to postcodes, property size, floor level and preferred moving date, and we’ll provide a free, no-obligation quotation with no surprises on moving day.
- Removals quote: https://aussiegroup.co.uk/contact-4/
- Storage quote: https://aussiegroup.co.uk/contact-storage/
- Property services quote: [add link]
- Phone: 0203 763 5900
If you’re relocating soon, book with London’s favourite removals and storage company. Contact us today and we’ll guide you through our range of services and provide a free, no-obligation quote. You can also read our dedicated blog and FAQ pages for more free insights into moving and storage in London, and see our five-star Google reviews, BAR accreditation and quality policy before booking. We’re also an official Which? Trusted Trader.
Aussie Man & Van Ltd · 141 Acton Lane, London NW10 7PB · BAR member A122 · rated 4.9/5 on Google.