What decides the cost of a removal
No two moves cost the same, which is why reputable removers quote after seeing your home. These are the factors that make the biggest difference.
- Volume. How much furniture and how many boxes you have decides the size of the crew and vehicle. It is usually the biggest single factor.
- Distance. A local move across Dorset is often done in a day; a move to the other end of the UK may need an overnight stop.
- Access. Long walks from the kerb, flats without lifts, narrow lanes or no parking all add time.
- Packing. Doing it yourself costs only materials; a full or part packing service adds labour.
- Specialist items. Pianos, antiques, artwork and anything needing a bespoke wooden crate need extra care and planning.
- Storage. If your dates do not line up, storage adds collection, storage time and delivery.
- Moving abroad. Shipping, customs paperwork and longer transit make international moves a different kind of quote.
The moving costs people forget
The removal is only one line in your budget. These are the costs that most often catch people out.
- Conveyancing and legal fees, plus searches and a property survey if you are buying
- Stamp Duty Land Tax, if it applies to your purchase
- Estate agent fees, if you are selling
- Overlap costs, such as rent or bills on two properties at once
- End-of-tenancy or pre-sale cleaning
- Packing materials, if you are packing yourself
- Connection or transfer fees for broadband and other services
- Royal Mail redirection
- Childcare or pet care on moving day
- Takeaways and meals while the kitchen is in boxes
- New curtains, blinds, carpets or furniture that fit the new rooms
- Time off work around moving day
Setting aside a contingency for delays or surprises is sensible, however carefully you plan.
A simple spreadsheet helps. List every cost, mark each one as quoted, estimated or paid, and update it as quotes arrive. It shows early whether you need to trim extras or move money around.
Budgeting for a move abroad
An international move has its own set of costs on top of the removal itself. Plan for them early, as some take weeks to arrange.
- Marine insurance for your shipment, which you arrange yourself
- Visas, residency permits and document translation, where needed
- Pet travel paperwork and vet visits, if your animals are coming
- Temporary accommodation while your belongings are in transit
- Currency exchange for deposits and fees in the new country
Moving money abroad can cost more than people expect through poor exchange rates. 1st Choice offers currency exchange through our partner Regency FX.
How to get an accurate removals quote
A quote is only as good as the information behind it. A free survey is the best way to make sure nothing is missed.
In BH postcodes and DT11, 1st Choice offers a free home visit. From anywhere else, Get an online quote by sending short room videos or photos from your phone.
- Show the surveyor everything: loft, garage, shed, garden furniture and anything under the stairs.
- Point out what is not coming, so it is left off the quote.
- Mention access problems at both ends, such as steep drives, parking restrictions or a flat with no lift.
- Say if you want packing, storage or help with specialist items.
When comparing quotes, check they cover the same things. A cheaper quote that leaves out packing, insurance or a second vehicle may not be cheaper on the day.
Insurance: what is covered and what you arrange
Moves with 1st Choice are fully insured for goods in transit. Before you book any remover, ask what the cover includes, how items you pack yourself are treated and whether there are limits for high-value pieces.
It is also worth checking your own home contents policy, which may include some cover during a move. Make a simple list of valuable items and keep jewellery, cash and important documents with you rather than in the lorry.
If you are shipping belongings abroad, marine insurance must be arranged by you, the customer. 1st Choice does not provide it, so build it into your budget early. Our moving abroad checklist explains the steps.
Protecting the money you pay in advance
1st Choice has been a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR) since 2011. Members offer the BAR Advance Payment Guarantee on inland domestic moves.
The guarantee is designed to protect money you have paid in advance if a member company cannot carry out your move. When comparing removers, ask whether they belong to BAR and whether your move is covered. You can read more on our accreditations page.
Ways to keep your moving costs down
- Declutter first. Less to move means a smaller load. Our decluttering and downsizing guide shows how.
- Pack some or all of it yourself. Buy strong boxes and tape individually from our packing materials range and use them only where you need them.
- Be flexible on dates. Quieter days and times of year give you more choice. See the best time of year to move.
- Sort access in advance. Clear the drive and arrange any parking suspension with BCP Council or Dorset Council so the crew is not delayed.
- Store only what you must. If there is a gap between homes, keep essentials with you and store the rest for the shortest time needed.
If you are weighing up hiring a van against a professional crew, our guide to a DIY move or removals company sets out the real trade-offs.
