removal Costs in 2023
Guide to removal Costs in 2023: What to Expect and How to Save.
I'm often asked at Norfolk Removals how much it will cost to move house. Providing an accurate answer can be quite challenging due to numerous variables, such as the size of your house, the quantity and type of items you need to move, whether you require packaging services, and your destination. As you can see from these examples, answering this question is not straightforward. However, I understand that people need an idea, and having a price range can help potential clients manage their budget and expectations.
In my guide, I will cover everything from average costs to potential extra charges and valuable tips for reducing your removal expenses.
Understanding Removal Costs in 2023
The cost of moving house depends on factors like the size of your property, the volume of items to be moved, accessibility, and the distance between your old and new homes. Our partners, Reallymoving.com, provide the following estimates for removals covering 0-20 miles (including VAT):
- Size of Property Average Moving Cost*
- One to two bedroom house £350 - £550
- Three-bedroom house £800
- Four-bedroom house £1,100
- Five-bedroom house £1,400
*These are just average cost, talking to us can help firm down a more accurate quote
For local moves within a town or neighbouring city, removal companies typically charge an hourly rate with a two-hour minimum and at least two removal personnel.
Calculating Your Removal Costs
To get a definitive answer on removal costs, it's best to obtain quotes from multiple removal companies. Our removal costs calculator helps you compare quotes by considering factors like property size, current and new postcodes, and the amount of items to be moved.
Long Distance Removal Costs
Long distance removal costs are typically higher due to factors like the distance traveled, property size, and accessibility. For a rough estimate, moving a one-bedroom flat across the country might cost around £800, while a four-bedroom property could cost up to £2,000.
Size of Property Average Moving Cost (100+ miles)*
- One to two bedroom house £800 - £1200
- Three-bedroom house £1500
- Four-bedroom house £2000
- Five-bedroom house £2500
*These are just average cost, talking to us can help firm down a more accurate quote
Factors Affecting Removal Costs
Pre-move surveys: It's crucial to have at least two removal companies assess your property before providing a binding quote. This ensures that you get an accurate estimate based on the volume of items to be moved and any potential obstacles or special requirements.
Packing materials and services: Consider whether packing materials are included in the quoted price or if you'll need to purchase them separately. Additionally, decide if you want the removal company to pack and/or unpack your items, as these services come with extra fees.
Packing
If you have lots of items in your home or a handful of valuable items like antiques or electronics, may wish to have them packed them into purpose-built wooden crates. Some removal firms may insist your items are packed this way to ensure a safe delivery. Make sure to ask about the cost of a packing service beforehand.
Dismantling and reassembly
We all have busy lives and sometimes we can’t do all of the things that need to be done, especially if you have lots of furthtune or have full time jobs and little children scampering around the house. If you require help dismantling and reassembling furniture, make sure to discuss this with your removal company and inquire about any additional charges.
Extra equipment
Large items or those that can't fit down the stairs may require special equipment, like a cherry picker lift, which can add to your removal costs. Pianos can often require special equipment and some clients can have a large assortment of pot plants and could include large potted items like olive trees. Let you removal company if you have any items that you think may need special equipment to move as this can also impact the cost of our move.
Storage
If you aren't moving into your new home immediately, you may wish to compare quotes for storage services from your removal company and local self-storage options. Norfolk removals as storage facility, price can vary depending on how long you want the storage for. Our rates are very competitive.
Unexpected Costs and Penalty Charges
Delays or cancellations on moving day can result in extra charges with some removal firms, they may add hourly waiting fees, additional storage costs, or add cancellation fees. Make sure to discuss these potential costs with your removal company before booking their services. At Norfolk Removals, we're all about keeping the lines of communication wide open with our customers. We want to help you avoid any surprise costs from unexpected hiccups during your move.
By chatting openly and working closely together, we can tackle any potential issues before they hit your wallet. We're all about understanding your needs and making your moving experience as stress-free and budget-friendly as possible
Removals Insurance
When planning a move, it's essential to understand the level of insurance provided by your removal company and consider whether you might need additional coverage or even your own policy. Removal insurance protects your belongings during transit, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.
Your removal company's standard insurance usually covers a certain amount per item or per pound of weight. However, this might not be enough for high-value or irreplaceable items like antiques, artwork, or family heirlooms. In these cases, it's worth exploring supplemental insurance or getting a separate policy to fully safeguard your possessions. This additional insurance coverage will obviously add to the over cost of your move.
Paying for Your Removal: Timing and Payment Options
Most removal companies will require full payment in advance of the move, typically at least a week before moving day. This practice is standard for members of the British Association of Removers (BAR). Be sure to ask your removal company about their preferred payment method and timeline.
When planning a move, there are several factors that will affect the cost of removals. These factors include the size of your property, the volume of belongings, the accessibility of your home, and the distance of the move. By understanding these factors, you can better estimate the cost of your removal and find ways to save money.
Tips for saving money on your move
To save money on your move, follow these tips:
- Use a removal cost calculator to estimate the volume of your belongings accurately.
- Obtain multiple quotes from both local and national removal companies.
- Schedule at-home surveys with at least two removal companies for accurate pricing.
- Consider moving on a less busy day (Tuesdays are often the cheapest).
- Be flexible with your moving date or time to negotiate a discount.
- Inquire about any available discounts for students, key workers, or military personnel.
- Prepare and pack efficiently to save time (and money) on moving day.
- By following these tips and carefully planning your move, you can minimize removal costs and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.