Moving cost calculator
Get a ballpark estimate for your removal company costs based on property size, distance and the level of service you need. Includes packing, storage and other moving day expenses — all the costs that sit on top of stamp duty and conveyancing fees.
Get at least three removal company quotes and always ask whether they are a member of the British Association of Removers. BAR members carry industry-standard insurance and are bound by a code of practice. The cheapest quote is not always the best value — read reviews and check what insurance is included for your possessions in transit before booking.
When to book
Good removal companies get booked up fast, especially on Fridays (the most popular completion day). Once you have an exchange date and a likely completion date, start getting quotes. A lead time of 4 to 6 weeks is ideal. Last-minute bookings often cost significantly more.
Mid-week is cheaper
Removal companies charge a premium for Friday and Monday moves because they are the most in demand around completion dates. If your solicitor can complete on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, you will typically save 10 to 20% on the removal cost and have more flexibility if things run late.
Packing yourself saves money
A full packing service can add 30 to 50% to the removal cost. If you start packing non-essential items 4 to 6 weeks before moving day, you can handle the bulk yourself and only pay for the removal company to transport your boxes and furniture.
Insurance for your possessions
Check whether your home contents insurance covers items in transit on moving day. Many policies do not. Removal companies carry public liability insurance but their liability for your possessions is often capped. Consider a separate transit insurance policy for high-value items.
Please note: All estimates are based on typical UK removal company rates in 2025 and are for budgeting guidance only. Actual costs vary significantly depending on the specific removal company, the volume of possessions, access conditions, time of year and local market rates. Always obtain at least three written quotes before booking. This is not a formal quote.
What does the moving cost calculator cover?
Moving house costs significantly more than most people budget for. This calculator covers all the costs involved in a simultaneous sale and purchase – selling costs, buying costs, and the physical moving costs – to give a realistic total before you commit.
The three categories of moving costs
Selling costs:
- Estate agent fee (typically 1 to 2% plus VAT of sale price)
- Selling conveyancing (typically £600 to £1,500)
- Mortgage exit fee (if applicable – check your mortgage terms)
- Energy Performance Certificate (if you don’t have a current one – typically £60 to £120)
Buying costs:
- Stamp duty (calculated on purchase price – use the stamp duty calculator)
- Buying conveyancing (typically £1,500 to £3,000 including searches)
- Survey (Level 2 homebuyer survey typically £400 to £700; Level 3 full structural survey £700 to £1,500)
- Mortgage arrangement fee (typically £0 to £1,500 depending on product)
Moving costs:
- Removal company (typically £400 to £3,500 depending on property size and distance)
- Packing materials (£100 to £300 if self-packing)
- Storage (if needed between sale and purchase completion)
- Mail redirection (Royal Mail, approximately £34 for 3 months)
How to use this calculator
Sale price: The agreed price for your current property.
Purchase price: The agreed price for your new property.
Estate agent fee: Enter the percentage agreed with your agent, or the flat fee if using an online agent.
Buyer type: Select your buyer type for the stamp duty calculation – home mover, first-time buyer, or additional property.
Property size: Select your home’s size to estimate removal costs.
Reading the result: The calculator shows the total estimated moving cost and breaks it down by category. The total for a typical £300,000 sale and £350,000 purchase is often £15,000 to £25,000 – significantly more than most people budget when they start the process.
Frequently asked questions
What is an estate agent’s fee, and can I negotiate it? The estate agent’s fee is the commission paid to the agent who markets and sells your property. Standard rates are 1 to 2% of the sale price plus VAT. Fees are negotiable – particularly in a strong market or if you are also buying through the same agent. Online and hybrid agents charge lower flat fees but provide less active selling support.
Do I need a survey if I am getting a mortgage? A mortgage lender arranges a valuation to protect their interest – this is not a survey and does not protect you. A homebuyer survey (Level 2) identifies significant defects. A full structural survey (Level 3) provides a comprehensive assessment. Skipping a survey saves money upfront, but can be very expensive if a significant defect is discovered after purchase.
What if my purchase and sale don’t complete on the same day? If there is a gap between completing your sale and completing your purchase, you will need temporary accommodation and storage for your belongings. Budget for this if a gap is possible – chains frequently delay completion dates at short notice.
The information on this site is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing on Be More Peter constitutes financial advice, and nothing should be treated as such. The calculators, articles and tools on this site are designed to help you understand financial concepts and run indicative numbers - they are not a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Before making any financial decision - including decisions about mortgages, pensions, investments, savings or insurance — you should seek independent financial advice from a qualified adviser who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Calculator results are estimates based on the information you enter and the assumptions built into the tool. They are illustrative only and should not be relied upon as accurate projections. Rates, thresholds and rules change regularly - always verify figures with an appropriate professional or official source before acting on them. Be More Peter is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. The content on this site does not constitute a financial promotion.
Related tools and posts
- Stamp duty calculator — the largest single buying cost
- Conveyancing cost calculator — legal fees in detail
- Mortgage repayment calculator — your new monthly payment
- How much does it cost to move house?