My estimate of what moving house would cost me was significantly lower than the final figure, which is an experience I have since heard repeated by almost everyone who has moved.
How Much Does It Cost to Move House?
Moving house can be expensive, and costs can vary widely depending on distance, property size, and the services you use.
Understanding the main cost factors helps you budget properly and avoid unexpected expenses.
Main Factors That Affect Moving Cost
- Distance of the move
- Size of your home
- Amount of belongings
- Moving method (DIY vs professional)
- Additional services (packing, storage)
The more items and the further you move, the higher the cost.
Typical Moving Costs
Here are rough estimates:
- Local move (small home): £300–£800
- Medium home: £800–£1,500
- Long-distance move: £1,500+
Costs increase with complexity and distance.
Step-by-Step Example
You are moving from a 2-bedroom home across 100 miles.
- Base moving service: £900
- Fuel cost: £120
- Packing materials: £80
Total estimated cost:
£1,100
This is a realistic mid-range estimate.
DIY vs Professional Moving
DIY Move
- Lower cost
- More effort and time required
Professional Movers
- Higher cost
- Faster and less stressful
Your choice depends on budget and convenience.
Hidden Costs to Consider
- Packing supplies
- Temporary storage
- Insurance
- Cleaning services
These can add up quickly if not planned for.
How to Reduce Moving Costs
- Declutter before moving
- Compare multiple quotes
- Move during off-peak times
- Pack items yourself
Planning ahead can significantly lower costs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating Costs
Unexpected expenses are common without proper planning.
Not Getting Multiple Quotes
Prices vary between providers.
Leaving Everything to the Last Minute
Urgent bookings often cost more.
Ignoring Travel Costs
Fuel and distance can significantly impact total cost.
Use the Moving Cost Calculator
To estimate your moving expenses quickly, use the Moving Cost Calculator.
You can also estimate travel fuel costs with the Fuel Cost Calculator and calculate household energy costs using the Electricity Cost Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move house?
Costs vary, but typically range from a few hundred to several thousand depending on distance and services.
What is the cheapest way to move?
A DIY move is usually the cheapest but requires more time and effort.
Do moving companies charge by distance?
Yes, distance is one of the main cost factors.
How can I reduce moving costs?
Declutter, compare quotes, and plan ahead.
Are packing services worth it?
They save time but increase overall cost.
Conclusion
Moving costs depend on distance, home size, and the level of service you choose. Planning ahead and understanding the main factors can help you stay within budget.
Use the Moving Cost Calculator to get a quick estimate and plan your move with confidence.
The Costs Before You Even Exchange
Moving costs begin accumulating before you've exchanged contracts, which catches many buyers off guard. A survey is essential and costs between £400 for a basic condition report and over £1,000 for a full structural survey — and even if the sale falls through, this cost is not recovered. Solicitor or conveyancing fees typically range from £800 to £2,000+ depending on property value and complexity, and include searches (local authority, drainage, environmental — usually £250–£400). Mortgage arrangement fees vary by lender and product: some charge £999–£2,000 as a product fee, others have no fee but a slightly higher rate. If the sale falls through before exchange, you lose all costs incurred to that point — which is why the term "gazumped" is associated not just with disappointment but with real financial loss.
Stamp Duty: The Biggest Variable Cost
Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) in England is the largest additional cost on most house purchases above a certain threshold. The tax is calculated in bands on the purchase price: 0% on the first £250,000 (£425,000 for first-time buyers), 5% on the next £675,000, and higher rates above that. A property bought for £350,000 generates an SDLT bill of £5,000 (0% on £250,000, then 5% on the remaining £100,000). Second property purchases attract a 3% surcharge on all bands. These numbers change with government announcements, so verifying the current thresholds before budgeting is important. Wales and Scotland have equivalent taxes (LTT and LBTT) with their own thresholds and rates. For many buyers, stamp duty represents the single largest unexpected cost because it's easy to forget when focused on the purchase price.
The Physical Move Itself
Removal costs depend on volume, distance, and whether you use professional movers or do it yourself. A local move with a small volume of belongings might cost £300–£600 for a basic removal service. A long-distance move with a full house of furniture can run to £1,500–£3,000 or more with a professional company. If you're moving internationally, costs scale significantly higher. The DIY approach using a van rental reduces cost but increases time and risk of damage — and insurance for self-moved items is often not covered under standard contents insurance. Professional removal companies typically include transit insurance and are worth the cost for anything fragile or valuable. Packing materials, storage (if there's a gap between leaving your old property and moving into the new one), and cleaning costs at both properties are additional items worth budgeting.
First Costs in Your New Home
The move-in budget doesn't end when you've crossed the threshold. Immediate costs often include changing locks, which is advisable after buying a house where you don't know who has keys (£100–£200). Any work identified in the survey needs prioritising if it was negotiated into the price or needs urgent attention. Connecting utilities, redirecting mail, and updating your address with banks, DVLA, and HMRC all take time and may have small associated costs. New furniture or fittings for spaces that were empty in the previous property add up quickly. Building a budget that extends 3–6 months beyond the move date, rather than stopping at completion day, gives a realistic picture of the full financial transition rather than an optimistic one that sets you up for post-move financial stress.