Pricing guide · Original RMV data
London Removals Cost Guide 2026: Real Prices Based on 200 RMV Quotes
Instead of repeating generic industry estimates, we analysed 200 genuine removal quotations issued by our own team between January and June 2026. This guide shows what London moves actually cost, what changes the price, and how to get an accurate quote.
200 quotes analysed
£890 average quote
£320 to £1,600+ typical range
VAT included in all figures
Moving home in London can feel complicated. Property access varies dramatically, parking restrictions are common, buildings often have stairs without lifts, and the amount of furniture people need moved can differ significantly even between homes of the same size.
So how much does it actually cost to move house in London in 2026?
At RMV Storage & Removals Ltd, we analysed 200 genuine removal quotations issued over the six months from January to June 2026 to create this guide. Instead of relying on generic industry estimates, the figures below come from real enquiries handled by our own team, across more than 20,000 moves completed since 2009.
This guide covers average prices by property size, the factors that increase removal costs, packing service pricing, how stairs and access affect quotations, storage considerations, and how to get the most accurate removal quote.
All RMV quotations include VAT, furniture protection wrapping, and dismantling and reassembly of furniture unless a customer requests additional specialist services.
Average London removal costs in 2026
The cost of a London removal depends mainly on the size of the property, the quantity of furniture and belongings, the distance travelled, the number of movers required, parking availability, floor access, and any packing or storage requirements.
Based on RMV's 2026 quotation data:
| Property type | Typical cost (VAT included) | Average quote |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / Man & Van | From £320 | £320 |
| 1 bedroom | £550 to £650 | £600 |
| 2 bedroom | £750 to £800 | £775 |
| 3 bedroom | £800 to £1,100 | £950 |
| 4 bedroom | £1,100 to £1,300 | £1,200 |
| 5+ bedroom | £1,300 to £1,600+ | £1,450 |
RMV's real removal quote data for London (2026)
To provide a transparent view of removal pricing, we analysed 200 customer quotations prepared between January and June 2026. The dataset runs from studio moves through to large family properties.
Quote breakdown by property size
| Property type | Quotes analysed | Quoted range | Average quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Man & Van | 30 | From £320 | £320 |
| 1 bedroom | 30 | £550 to £650 | £600 |
| 2 bedroom | 40 | £750 to £800 | £775 |
| 3 bedroom | 40 | £800 to £1,100 | £950 |
| 4 bedroom | 30 | £1,100 to £1,300 | £1,200 |
| 5+ bedroom | 30 | £1,300 to £1,600+ | £1,450 |
Why London removal prices vary so much
Two properties with the same number of bedrooms can have very different removal costs.
A two-bedroom flat with lift access, parking outside and furniture already dismantled will usually take considerably less time than a two-bedroom flat with third-floor stairs, no lift, restricted parking, narrow hallways and additional packing requirements.
This is why RMV asks customers to provide a WhatsApp video survey before confirming a quotation. A short video allows our team to assess the volume of belongings, furniture sizes, the number of boxes required, access conditions, vehicle requirements and the number of movers needed. It's the single most effective way to prevent unexpected costs on moving day.
What is included in an RMV removal quote?
Many removal companies advertise low starting prices and add services later. At RMV, our standard quotations include:
- VAT
- Furniture wrapping
- Furniture dismantling
- Furniture assembly at destination
- Professional loading and unloading
- Removal equipment
- Experienced removal team
This means customers receive a clear understanding of the total cost before moving day.
How distance affects London removal costs
Distance is one of the main factors affecting the cost of a removal. A move within the same London borough may be completed relatively quickly, while a move across London, nationwide or into Europe requires additional travel time, fuel and planning.
At RMV, distance is considered alongside the size of the property and the volume of belongings being moved:
| Move type | Cost consideration |
|---|---|
| Same area / local move | Usually within standard property pricing |
| Short London move | Travel time included within quotation |
| Cross-London move | Additional journey planning may be required |
| Nationwide move | Bespoke quotation based on distance and requirements |
| European move | Individual assessment including logistics |
Unlike some companies that add travel charges afterwards, RMV quotations are prepared with the full move requirements considered from the beginning. For most London household removals, the biggest cost differences usually come from property size, access and packing requirements rather than distance alone.
Sample European removal prices
For moves into Europe, here are starting prices from recent RMV international relocations. These should be taken as a guide only; for an exact figure, send a booking request and your quote will be emailed within 12 hours.
| Destination | Property type | Price from |
|---|---|---|
| Lille | 1-bedroom flat | From £775 |
| Brussels | 1-bedroom flat | From £850 |
| Amsterdam | 1-bedroom flat | From £995 |
| Paris | 1-bedroom flat | From £1,045 |
| Saint-Raphaël | 1-bedroom flat | From £1,615 |
| Malmö | 1-bedroom flat | From £1,645 |
| Valencia | 1-bedroom flat | From £2,125 |
| Lisbon | 1-bedroom flat | From £2,425 |
| Amsterdam | 2-bedroom flat | From £1,370 |
| Hamburg | 2-bedroom flat | From £1,610 |
| Paris | 2-bedroom flat | From £2,125 |
| Valencia | 2-bedroom flat | From £2,125 |
| Sardinia | 2-bedroom flat | From £2,995 |
| Brussels | 3-bedroom house | From £1,745 |
| Berlin | 3-bedroom house | From £2,275 |
| Warsaw | 3-bedroom house | From £2,450 |
| Rome | 3-bedroom house | From £2,995 |
| Copenhagen | 4-bedroom house | From £2,795 |
| Marseille | 4-bedroom house | From £3,395 |
| Prague | 4-bedroom house | From £3,495 |
| Helsinki | 4-bedroom house | From £4,999 |
| Milan | 5-bedroom house | From £4,999 |
How stairs and no-lift access affect removal costs
London has many flats and apartments where access can significantly affect the time required to complete a move. Carrying furniture and boxes down multiple flights of stairs requires additional labour, increases loading time and requires more careful handling.
Typical RMV access adjustments:
| Access situation | Typical additional cost |
|---|---|
| Ground floor | No additional charge |
| First floor without lift | From +5% |
| Second floor without lift | Around +10% to 15% |
| Third floor or higher without lift | Up to +20% |
Every property is different. A third-floor flat with wide staircases may be easier than a first-floor property with narrow access, tight corners or difficult parking. This is another reason we recommend a video survey before confirming a quotation.
Parking and London removal costs
Parking is one of the most common causes of delays during London moves. Many properties require resident parking permits, temporary parking suspensions, loading arrangements or coordination with the local authority. Customers are responsible for arranging parking permits where required, and we'll always advise where they're needed.
Where possible, we recommend ensuring the removal vehicle can park as close as possible to the property entrance. A longer carrying distance between the property and the vehicle can significantly increase the time required. If parking is unavailable, our team will always try to park as close as possible and complete the move safely.
Congestion Charge and ULEZ
London driving conditions can affect removal planning. Congestion Charge costs are included where applicable in full removal quotations; some smaller man-and-van hourly jobs may be calculated differently depending on the circumstances. ULEZ considerations are included when planning vehicle requirements. Customers receive a clear quotation based on the agreed moving arrangements.
Professional packing service costs in London
Packing is one of the most requested additional services for larger moves. Many customers underestimate how long packing takes, particularly when cupboards, wardrobes, kitchens and storage areas are included.
RMV provides a complete professional packing service including all boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, professional tape, packing of household items, and labelling of every box with its room destination and contents.
Typical RMV packing prices:
| Property size | Packing service cost |
|---|---|
| Studio | Around £100 |
| 1 bedroom | Around £220 |
| 2 bedroom | Around £350 |
| 3 bedroom | Around £450 |
| 4+ bedroom | £550 to £650 |
Packing usually involves a team of two to three experienced packers and can take a full day depending on the size of the property and the amount of belongings.
What does RMV pack?
Kitchens are the area customers most commonly underestimate: plates, glassware, appliances, food cupboards and kitchen equipment add up quickly. Beyond the kitchen, our packers handle clothing (packed and labelled by room to make unpacking easier), fragile items such as glassware, mirrors and decorative pieces, electronics including TVs and computers, and artwork including pictures and frames.
Why larger homes often choose professional packing
Based on our quotation data, customers moving from two-bedroom properties and above are much more likely to request packing assistance. Approximately 90% of three-bedroom customers requesting a full removal service choose professional packing support. The main reasons are lack of time before moving day, the sheer number of belongings, reduced stress, better protection of fragile items, and faster moving-day preparation.
Storage costs during a house move
Moving dates do not always line up perfectly. Common reasons customers require storage include completion date changes, delays between properties, property chains, renovation work and downsizing.
RMV provides a combined service: collection from your property, secure containerised storage at our Rainham warehouse, and return delivery when required. This allows customers to manage their removal and storage through one company rather than coordinating separate providers.
RMV storage container prices
Storage is priced per 35 sq ft container, per week, so you only pay for the space you actually use:
| Storage size | Containers | Typically suits | Price per week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 sq ft | 1 | Students, mini removals, overflowing house belongings | £19.99 |
| 70 sq ft | 2 | 1-bedroom flat, low amount of furniture | £39.98 |
| 105 sq ft | 3 | 2-bedroom flat, medium amount of furniture and belongings | £59.97 |
| 140 sq ft | 4 | 2 to 3-bedroom property, high amount of furniture | £79.96 |
| 175 sq ft | 5 | 3 to 4-bedroom property, high amount of furniture | £99.95 |
| 210 sq ft | 6 | 4 to 5-bedroom property, high amount of furniture | £119.94 |
Loading and unloading rates (container to your door)
If you choose our door-to-door service, the containers come to you and our team loads them at your property:
| Containers | Price from (VAT incl.) | Minimum charge | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | From £140 | 1.5 hours | Team of 2 |
| 2 | From £190 | 2 hours | Team of 2 |
| 3 | From £290 | 3 hours | Team of 3 |
| 4 | From £390 | 3 hours | Team of 3 |
| 5 | From £490 | 3 hours | Team of 4 |
| 6 | From £590 | 3 hours | Team of 4 |
When booking door-to-door storage, we request payment in advance only for the minimum charging time of loading. If the job takes longer than the minimum, additional time is billed per half hour, with the final price confirmed on completion. If you'd prefer to dismantle your own furniture to make loading quicker, contact us for advice. For high-rise buildings with a lift, let us know in advance so we can bring a special trolley for more efficient loading.
How to get the most accurate removal quote
The more information available before moving day, the more accurate the quotation will be. We recommend three steps:
1. Send a WhatsApp video
A short video showing everything that needs moving allows the team to estimate volume, vehicle requirements, labour requirements and packing materials.
2. Open cupboards and storage areas
If packing is required, show wardrobes, kitchen cupboards, storage areas, garages and sheds. This helps estimate the correct number of boxes.
3. Provide access details
Important information includes floor level, lift availability, the parking situation, long walks from vehicle to property, and any restricted access.
Expert advice from RMV's directors
The biggest mistake customers make is underestimating how many belongings they have. Cupboards, wardrobes and storage areas often contain far more than expected. A quick video survey allows us to prepare a much more accurate quotation.
London removals are unique because every property presents different challenges. Parking, stairs, building access and traffic can all affect the time needed, so planning these details early makes the move much smoother.
London moving trends RMV has identified
Based on more than 20,000 completed moves and recent quotation activity, several patterns come up again and again.
Customers often underestimate their belongings
Many customers believe they have fewer belongings than they actually do. The most commonly underestimated areas are kitchen cupboards, books, clothes, children's items, storage cupboards and garages. This is why a visual assessment is often more accurate than a written inventory.
Packing services are particularly popular for larger homes
Larger households frequently choose professional packing because preparing an entire home can take several days. We see the strongest demand from three- and four-bedroom homes, families with children, and customers with limited time before completion dates.
Parking and key exchange are the most common causes of delays
Difficult parking increases carrying distances and slows loading, while many property moves depend on receiving keys from estate agents or solicitors, meaning timing is sometimes outside the customer's control. Planning ahead helps reduce both issues.
Got questions?
We've got answers...
How much does a removal company cost in London in 2026?
Based on our 2026 quote data, a typical London removal costs between £320 for smaller studio moves and £1,600+ for larger family homes, with an average of around £890. The final cost depends on property size, access, distance and additional services.
Are RMV removal prices inclusive of VAT?
Yes. All RMV quotations include VAT.
Does RMV dismantle and rebuild furniture?
Yes. Furniture dismantling and reassembly are included within standard removal quotations.
Do stairs increase removal costs?
Yes. Properties without lifts may require additional labour, typically adding around 5% to 20% depending on access.
Is packing included?
Standard removal quotations do not automatically include packing, but RMV offers professional packing services from approximately £100.
How much notice should I give a removal company?
The earlier you book, the more flexibility you usually have with dates. Monday to Thursday moves are often easier to schedule.
What day is cheapest to move house?
Many customers assume weekends are always cheapest, but weekday moves are often easier to arrange because there can be more availability.
Do customers need to provide boxes?
No. RMV packing services include the required boxes and packing materials.
Do removal companies include parking permits?
Customers normally arrange required parking permits or suspensions. RMV will advise where these are needed.
How much does storage cost in London?
RMV containerised storage starts at £19.99 per week for a 35 sq ft container, up to £119.94 per week for 210 sq ft (six containers). Door-to-door loading starts at £140 including VAT.
Can RMV move items into storage?
Yes. RMV provides removal and storage solutions together.
About RMV Storage & Removals Ltd
RMV Storage & Removals Ltd is a London-based removals and storage company providing household and commercial moving services across London, the UK and Europe. Founded in 2009 by Riki Migliori and Patryk Bak, RMV has completed more than 20,000 moves, from small studio relocations to large family homes, and is an accredited member of the Association of Independent Movers.
The company specialises in house and flat removals, man and van services, packing services, storage solutions, office removals, and nationwide and European moves. RMV is particularly experienced with London properties, where parking restrictions, apartment access, stairs, lifts and busy roads can have a major impact on moving day.
Read more about the company, its directors and its credentials on the About RMV page, or verify the company record at Companies House (No. 08464112).