London is the most expensive city in the UK to move home — and not only because demand is high. A London move carries charges and access costs you simply won't meet anywhere else in the country. This guide breaks down what a 2026 move actually costs, with real price bands, the London-only fees that catch people out, and a fully worked example.
London moving costs at a glance (2026)
The figures below are typical all-in prices for a local London move (under 15 miles), comparing a sole-trader man with a van against a full removal company. Prices rise with distance, stairs, and weekend or month-end dates.
| Property size | Man with a van | Removal company |
|---|---|---|
| Single item / small delivery | £40–£80 | n/a |
| Studio / a few items | £180–£350 | £350–£550 |
| 1-bedroom flat | £350–£600 | £600–£950 |
| 2-bedroom home | £600–£1,000 | £950–£1,600 |
| 3-bedroom home | £900–£1,500+ | £1,400–£2,400+ |
| 4+ bedroom home | £1,400+ | £2,200–£4,000+ |
A man with a van is usually the right choice for studios, one and two-bed flats and small loads. A full removal company makes sense for larger family homes, full packing services, or high-value and specialist items.
The London-only charges that push the price up
This is where London differs from every other UK city. Any of these can land in your quote, so it pays to understand them before you book.
| Charge | 2026 cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| ULEZ | £12.50/day | Now covers all London boroughs. Charged on non-compliant vans — always ask if the driver's vehicle is ULEZ-compliant. |
| Congestion Charge | £15/day | If your route passes through central London during charging hours (Mon–Fri 7am–6pm, weekends 12–6pm). |
| Parking bay suspension | £20–£90/day + admin fee | Many inner-London streets are permit-only. To load legally you may need a bay suspension from the borough — apply at least 5 working days ahead. Costs vary widely by borough (Westminster and Camden are the priciest). |
| Dartford Crossing | £2.50 each way | Only if your move route crosses the Thames via the QEII bridge/tunnel (east London / Kent moves). |
Most reputable London drivers run ULEZ-compliant vans, so the £12.50 rarely applies — but confirm it when you accept a bid rather than assuming.
How distance changes the price
The bands above assume a local move. For longer journeys, add roughly:
- 15–50 miles (e.g. London to the Home Counties): +20–35%
- 50–150 miles (e.g. London to Bristol or Birmingham): +50–80%
- 150+ miles (e.g. London to the North or Scotland): +80–150%, and possibly an overnight cost
The cheapest and most expensive times to move in London
When you move can swing the price by hundreds of pounds:
- Most expensive: the last Friday and Saturday of the month, especially late June and September when tenancies turn over en masse.
- Cheapest: midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and mid-month. A midweek move is commonly 15–25% cheaper than the equivalent weekend slot.
- Book ahead: 3+ weeks for weekend moves — good London drivers fill weekend dates fast in peak season.
Access: the hidden London cost
Much of London's housing stock is converted Victorian terraces — narrow staircases, tight doorways and no lift. That adds real time, and time is money on a move. To get accurate quotes and avoid day-of surprises:
- State the floor level and whether there's a lift.
- Flag narrow stairs, tight communal hallways or awkward turns.
- Mention parking distance from the door — a long carry adds time.
- List any large or specialist items (sofa beds, American fridges, pianos) up front.
A worked example: a 2-bed flat move in Hackney
To make it concrete, here's a realistic mid-range example for a 2-bedroom flat moving locally within east London, midweek, with a ULEZ-compliant man-with-a-van service:
- Man with a van + helper (half day): £650
- ULEZ: £0 (compliant van)
- Parking bay suspension (one borough, one day): £55 + admin
- Congestion Charge: £0 (route avoids the central zone)
- Estimated total: around £710
The same move on the last Saturday of the month could easily run £850–£950 — which is why date flexibility is the single biggest lever you have over the price.
How to get the best London price
The biggest factor in a competitive quote is letting drivers compete for your job. On We Got The Move you post your move for free and local London drivers bid against each other. Because we take zero commission from drivers — unlike platforms that skim 15–25% or charge per lead — bids start lower. To get the sharpest quotes:
- Post 2–3 weeks ahead and be flexible on the date.
- Describe access, parking and any London charges so bids are accurate.
- Add photos of large items and the loading point.
- Compare bids on price and reviews — the cheapest isn't always the best.
For a narrower look at smaller jobs, see our London man with a van cost guide, or compare other cities like Manchester and Birmingham. For the national picture, read our average UK removal costs guide.
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