How far in advance should I book my move?

We recommend booking 1–2 weeks in advance for local moves and 2–4 weeks for long-distance or larger moves. Last-minute bookings are often possible—contact us to check availability.

Do you offer packing materials and packing services?

Yes. We supply boxes, bubble wrap, tape and more, and we offer full or partial packing services. We can also unpack and remove packaging after delivery.

Can you disassemble and reassemble furniture?

Absolutely. Our team can disassemble and reassemble beds, wardrobes and other furniture. You can add this service when booking.

Are my belongings insured during the move?

Yes. We carry Goods in Transit and Public Liability cover. If you have high-value items, please tell us in advance so we can note them appropriately.

Do you provide long-distance or nationwide moves?

Yes. We handle UK-wide relocations, including multi-day moves with optional storage and packing.

What items can’t you move?

We cannot transport hazardous materials, illegal items, or anything prohibited by law or our insurance. If you’re unsure, ask our team before booking.

Can you do evening or weekend moves?

Yes. We operate 7 days a week and can arrange early morning, evening and weekend moves on request.

Do you offer clearance or rubbish removal?

Yes. We offer licensed clearance and rubbish removal, which you can add to any move.

Questions to Ask When Moving

What Are the Hidden Costs When Moving?

Moving home in London can be an exciting milestone — a fresh start, a new neighbourhood, and new opportunities. However, many people underestimate how costly the moving process can be once hidden fees start adding up.

From congestion charges and parking permits to packing materials and storage costs, there are several expenses that can sneak up on you if you’re not prepared. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help you avoid unpleasant surprises and budget more effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the hidden costs of moving in London, explain why they occur, and give you practical ways to avoid them.

Congestion Charges and ULEZ Fees

If you’re moving within or near Central London, you’ll likely encounter Congestion Charges and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fees.

Congestion Charge: £15 per day (7:00 am–6:00 pm, Monday–Friday; 12:00–6:00 pm on weekends).
ULEZ Charge: £12.50 per day if your van or vehicle doesn’t meet emissions standards.

Tip: If your movers have to pass through these zones, check whether their quote includes these fees. Some companies charge them separately after the move.

Related Reading: How Are Removal Costs Calculated in London?

Parking Permits and Restrictions

Parking is one of the most common hidden costs of moving in London. Many boroughs require temporary parking permits for moving vans to load and unload legally.
Cost: Between £20–£80 dependin9g on borough.

Penalty: Without a permit, you risk a parking fine of £65–£130.

Tip: Check with your local council in advance to secure a loading bay permit or ask your moving company if they can arrange it for you. If there’s limited space, send your movers a quick video of the entrance and street so they can plan accordingly.

Packing Materials and Supplies

When budgeting for a move, people often forget the cost of packing supplies. If you’re doing a DIY pack, these materials can add up quickly:

Item	Average Cost
Moving Boxes (per box)	£2 – £5
Bubble Wrap (per roll)	£20 – £40
Packing Tape (per roll)	£2 – £4
Sofa/Mattress cover	£5 – £15 each
Labels and Markers	£3 – £6

Some movers offer packing services, but this usually comes at an additional charge. A typical packing service in London can range from £150–£400, depending on the size of your property.

Tip: If you prefer to pack yourself, check out our detailed guide — How to Pack a House for Moving.

Waiting Time and Delays

Time is money — especially for movers. If the van has to wait because of key delays, traffic, or unready items, you could be charged extra.

Hourly Waiting Charge: £40–£60 per hour (on average).

These charges are usually added at the end of your invoice if movers are forced to wait beyond the agreed time.

Tip: Prepare everything before your movers arrive. Ensure keys are ready, boxes are packed, and any disassembly is complete. This will save time and money.

Also read: What to Do If Movers Are Late on Moving Day

Furniture Dismantling and Reassembly

Many moving quotes assume furniture will already be dismantled. If you require movers to take apart beds, wardrobes, or tables, this can add extra costs:

Service	Approx. Cost
Bed dismantling/reassembly	£20–£40
Wardrobe dismantling	£30–£50
Large furniture (sofa, dining set)	£40–£70

Tip: If possible, dismantle what you can before moving day — especially bulky furniture. This makes it easier to fit everything in the van and prevents damage during transport.

Related Guide: Preparing to Move Tips

Stairs, Distance & Access Fees

London’s narrow streets, flats without lifts, and long walking distances can lead to additional charges.

You may face “access fees” if:

The van cannot park close to your entrance.
Your building doesn’t have a lift.
Movers must carry items a long distance to the van.

These fees typically range between £20–£60, depending on the complexity.

Tip: Always share accurate access details with your movers in advance — floor level, parking availability, and any restrictions. This helps them plan the right manpower and avoid delays.

Storage Costs

If your move-out and move-in dates don’t align, you might need temporary storage. London storage prices vary by location and unit size.

Storage Type	Average Cost (per week)
Small (10–25 sq ft)	£20–£35
Medium (50 sq ft)	£40–£70
Large (100+ sq ft)	£80–£120

Tip: Compare storage providers — some removal companies offer discounted storage when booked together with moving services.

Insurance and Liability

Many people assume their belongings are automatically insured during a move — but that’s not always true.

Some moving companies only include basic cover, which might not fully protect high-value items.

Basic Liability Insurance: Covers damage up to £40–£50 per item.
Comprehensive Insurance: Costs extra but covers the full replacement value.

Tip: Always confirm what type of insurance your movers provide and consider upgrading if you’re transporting valuables like electronics, antiques, or art.

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