Quick answer: the average cost to move a 3 bedroom house
In 2026 the typical cost to move a 3 bedroom house in the UK is £700 to £1100 for a local move under 25 miles. A long distance move of around 200 miles usually costs £1300 to £1900. The national midpoint sits close to £900 for a local job.
These prices assume a weekday move with a full service crew. Insurance and blankets are included. Packing and storage are extra. Figures come from quotes our vetted partners gave in 2025 and 2026 and from national price surveys.
| What you get | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Local move under 25 miles | £700 to £1100 |
| Long distance move of 200 miles | £1300 to £1900 |
| Typical volume | 1000 to 1400 cubic feet |
| Vehicle | One 7.5 tonne to 10 tonne lorry |
| Crew size | Three movers |
| Time on the day | 7 to 10 hours |
Who usually needs to move a 3 bedroom house
Families with school age children make up most 3 bed moves. Many move for schools or more space or a garden. Timing around term dates is common. So the summer holidays are the busiest weeks of the year.
People relocating for work also often choose a 3 bed house. These moves are often long distance and may need storage between homes.
3 bedroom house removal costs by UK region
Where you live changes the price more than most people expect. Crew wages and fuel differ by region. So do parking rules and congestion charges. London is the dearest place in the country to move. The North East and Wales are usually the cheapest.
| Region | Local move | Long distance |
|---|---|---|
| London | £900 to £1410 | £1660 to £2430 |
| South East England | £760 to £1190 | £1400 to £2050 |
| South West England | £690 to £1080 | £1270 to £1860 |
| East of England | £700 to £1100 | £1300 to £1900 |
| West Midlands | £630 to £990 | £1170 to £1710 |
| East Midlands | £620 to £980 | £1160 to £1690 |
| North West England | £640 to £1010 | £1200 to £1750 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £620 to £970 | £1140 to £1670 |
| North East England | £600 to £940 | £1110 to £1620 |
| Wales | £610 to £960 | £1130 to £1650 |
| Scotland | £650 to £1020 | £1210 to £1770 |
How distance affects the cost to move a 3 bedroom house
Short moves are priced mostly on crew hours. Long moves add fuel and driver time and often an overnight stay. Once a move passes about 200 miles many firms charge for two days even if the unload is quick.
| Distance | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Under 10 miles | £630 to £990 |
| 10 to 25 miles | £700 to £1100 |
| 25 to 50 miles | £840 to £1320 |
| 50 to 100 miles | £1020 to £1600 |
| 100 to 200 miles | £1260 to £1980 |
| 200 miles or more | £1610 to £2530 |
What a typical inventory looks like
Your quote is built on volume. This is a fair picture of a 3 bedroom house before you declutter.
- Three beds and mattresses
- Three wardrobes and chests of drawers
- Two sofas and a dining set
- Kitchen appliances and a chest freezer
- Children's toys and bikes and prams
- Garden furniture and tools and a trampoline
- 50 to 70 boxes
- Loft and garage contents
What pushes the price up or down
- Garage and loft contents. These are often the biggest surprise on moving day.
- School holiday dates when demand is highest.
- Garden items like trampolines and sheds that need taking apart.
- Two day moves if you choose full packing.
- Long carries on estates with shared parking courts.
Extra services and what they cost
| Service | Typical extra cost |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | £230 to £410 |
| Fragile only packing | £90 to £180 |
| Packing materials | £50 to £130 |
| Dismantle and rebuild furniture | £40 to £120 per item set |
| Storage per week | £40 to £80 |
| Piano move | £150 to £450 |
| Council parking bay suspension | £25 to £180 |
| Weekend or bank holiday move | Add 10% to 25% |
Hidden costs people often forget
- Dismantling and rebuilding children's beds and wardrobes.
- Extra boxes for toys and garage tools.
- A second van if the lorry cannot reach the door.
- Storage for a few days if the chain slips.
- Tip runs for items you decide not to take.
How to save money on your 3 bedroom house move
- Avoid the summer holidays if you can. June and September are cheaper.
- Clear the garage and loft a month ahead.
- Sell large toys and garden items the family has outgrown.
- Choose fragile only packing instead of full packing.
- Label every box by room so unloading is faster.
- Get fixed price quotes not hourly rates.
Man and van or a full removals crew?
A man and van is rarely cheaper for a 3 bed house. It would take several trips and a long day. Most families use a full crew.
A three person crew with a big lorry finishes in one trip. Many firms offer a pack the day before service. This makes moving day calm and quick.
How long it takes and when to book
- A local move takes one full day.
- With full packing allow a second day.
- Book six to eight weeks ahead.
- Book ten weeks ahead for school holidays.
How to get an accurate quote
- Ask for a video or home survey. Phone estimates are often wrong by 20% or more.
- Tell the firm about stairs and lifts and parking before they quote.
- Check the quote says fixed price and lists every extra.
- Ask for the insurance cover per item and the total Goods in Transit limit.
- Compare at least three quotes from vetted firms. Prices for the same job often vary by 50%.