Quick answer: the average cost to move a commercial warehouse
In 2026 the typical cost to move a commercial warehouse in the UK is £5000 to £20000 for a local move under 25 miles. A long distance move of around 200 miles usually costs £9000 to £35000. The national midpoint sits close to £12500 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 | £5000 to £20000 |
| Long distance move of 200 miles | £9000 to £35000 |
| Typical volume | From 200 to several thousand pallets |
| Vehicle | Articulated lorries and forklifts |
| Crew size | Six to twenty staff |
| Time on the day | Several days to a few weeks |
Who usually needs to move a commercial warehouse
Growing ecommerce and wholesale firms make up most warehouse moves. Many move to bigger units near motorways.
Firms also move to cut costs or join sites together. These moves often mean shifting stock while still sending out orders.
Commercial warehouse 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 | £6400 to £25600 | £11520 to £44800 |
| South East England | £5400 to £21600 | £9720 to £37800 |
| South West England | £4900 to £19600 | £8820 to £34300 |
| East of England | £5000 to £20000 | £9000 to £35000 |
| West Midlands | £4500 to £18000 | £8100 to £31500 |
| East Midlands | £4450 to £17800 | £8010 to £31150 |
| North West England | £4600 to £18400 | £8280 to £32200 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £4400 to £17600 | £7920 to £30800 |
| North East England | £4250 to £17000 | £7650 to £29750 |
| Wales | £4350 to £17400 | £7830 to £30450 |
| Scotland | £4650 to £18600 | £8370 to £32550 |
How distance affects the cost to move a commercial warehouse
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 | £4500 to £18000 |
| 10 to 25 miles | £5000 to £20000 |
| 25 to 50 miles | £6000 to £24000 |
| 50 to 100 miles | £7250 to £29000 |
| 100 to 200 miles | £9000 to £36000 |
| 200 miles or more | £11500 to £46000 |
What usually needs to be moved
Your quote is built on volume. This is a fair picture of a commercial warehouse before you declutter.
- Pallet racking and shelving
- Palletised stock
- Forklifts and pallet trucks
- Packing benches and conveyors
- Machinery and tools
- Office and welfare furniture
- IT and scanners
- Hazardous goods if stored
What pushes the price up or down
- Number of pallets and the stock type.
- Racking strip down and rebuild by SEMA approved installers.
- Machinery moves that need lifting gear.
- Running the business during the move.
- Distance and the number of lorry loads.
Extra services and what they cost
| Service | Typical extra cost |
|---|---|
| Crate hire per crate per week | £1 to £3 |
| IT disconnect and reconnect | £25 to £60 per workstation |
| Out of hours or weekend work | Add 20% to 50% |
| Secure data destruction | £40 to £120 per bin |
| Furniture disposal and recycling | £150 to £900 |
| Business storage per month | £120 to £1500 |
| Move management and planning | 5% to 10% of the job |
| Building protection and lift padding | £80 to £300 |
Hidden costs people often forget
- Racking inspections at the new site.
- Floor marking and safety signs.
- Temporary storage for surplus stock.
- Overtime for your own staff.
- Dilapidation works at the old unit.
How to save money on your commercial warehouse move
- Run a stock clear out sale before the move.
- Reuse racking if it passes inspection.
- Move in phases to keep orders flowing.
- Plan the new layout before moving day.
- Get quotes from firms with commercial experience.
In house move or a specialist business mover?
Many firms try to move stock themselves. Racking is a different matter. It must be taken down and rebuilt by trained installers to stay safe and insured.
A specialist commercial mover handles racking and machinery and stock. They can phase the move so you keep trading.
How long it takes and when to book
- Start planning six to twelve months ahead.
- Book the mover three months out.
- Rebuild racking at the new site first.
- Move stock in phases over several days.
Warehouse relocation costs by size
| Warehouse size | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 5000 sq ft | £5000 to £12000 |
| 5000 to 15000 sq ft | £12000 to £25000 |
| 15000 to 50000 sq ft | £25000 to £60000 |
| 50000 sq ft or more | From £60000 |
| Per pallet moved | £8 to £25 |
| Racking strip and rebuild per bay | £40 to £120 |
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%.