Flat and apartment removals: compare up to 5 quotes
Stairs, lifts and parking matter most in a flat move. Tell companies and get accurate quotes.
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What makes a flat move different
- Floors and lifts. A third-floor flat with no lift takes longer than a ground-floor one. Tell companies the floor and whether there is a lift at both addresses.
- Parking and access. Many flats have limited parking. In London you may need a parking suspension.
- Building rules. Concierge, lift booking and loading hours.
- Narrow stairs. Large sofas and wardrobes may need to be dismantled.
Man and van or removal company?
A studio or one-bed flat can often be moved by a man and van, while two bedrooms or more usually suit a removal team. See man and van or removal company and moving out of a flat with stairs or no lift.
Tips
- Measure doors, lifts and stairs.
- Reserve the lift and parking in advance.
- Pack small boxes for upper floors.
- Use the van size guide.
Planning a flat move step by step
A flat move is a puzzle of access. The belongings may be modest, but the stairs, lifts, corridors, parking and neighbours are what decide how long the job takes and what it costs. Most problems on the day come from details that nobody checked: a lift that is too small for a sofa, a parking bay that is not available, or a block that only allows removals at certain hours. Do the checks below before you ask for quotes and tell every company the same information, so that the prices you compare are for the same job.
- Floor and lift. Note the floor number at both addresses and whether there is a lift. If there is one, note its size and whether you must book it.
- Stairs. Count the flights, and check the width of the stairs, the turns and the ceiling height. A tight turn can stop a sofa or a mattress.
- Building rules. Ask the landlord, the managing agent or the concierge about moving hours, deposits for the lift, insurance requirements and which entrance to use.
- Parking. Find out where the vehicle can stop and how far it is from the door. In many city streets you may need a parking suspension from the council.
- Access to the new flat. Check the same things at the new address. Ask whether you can collect keys early or move on a weekday.
What stairs and floors do to the price
The price of a flat removal depends heavily on the number of floors and whether there is a working lift. A third-floor walk-up flat can take twice as long as a ground-floor flat with the same belongings. Removal companies may quote higher for no lift above the ground floor, for a long carry from the vehicle to the door, or for items that need to be hoisted or passed through a window. Our quote form asks for the floor and the lift at each address so companies can price accurately. See our guide to moving out of a flat with stairs or no lift.
Studio, one-bed and two-bed flats
For a studio or a one-bedroom flat, a man and van with a helper is often enough, and typical guide prices are roughly £250 to £500 for a local move. A two-bedroom flat may need a Luton van and two or three people, and typical prices are roughly £400 to £800. These are only guides. A flat with a large sofa, a wardrobe and a lot of books can be a bigger job than the number of bedrooms suggests. Use the van size calculator to estimate your load and read the removal costs guide for more detail.
Moving in or out of a rented flat
Renters have extra things to check. Read your tenancy agreement for notice periods and move-out rules, take dated photos of the condition of each room, arrange a check-out inspection and keep all documents about your deposit. Our guides on the deposit when you move out of a rental and the moving into a rented flat checklist take you through each step. If you are sharing, see moving into a house share.
Many rented flats have tight landings and shared hallways. Protect the communal areas and ask the crew to lay floor protection, so that you are not charged for damage when you leave.
Furniture that causes problems in flats
- Sofas. Measure the sofa and the route. Many sofas have removable legs and some can be turned on their ends.
- Beds and wardrobes. Dismantle these before the crew arrives, or ask the company whether dismantling is included.
- Large appliances. Disconnect the washing machine and defrost the freezer in good time. Ask whether the company will move them.
- Mirrors and glass. Wrap them or ask for a mirror carton. See how to pack fragile items.
- Heavy items. Pianos, safes and large fridges often need a specialist team. Read moving heavy items.
Man and van or removal company for a flat?
For a one-bedroom flat with good access, a man and van is often the most economical choice, as long as the driver has help for the heavy items. For a flat with several floors of stairs, a lot of furniture or a tight deadline, a removal company with a full crew is usually quicker, and the price may not be much higher once the time is counted. If you are not sure, ask for both kinds of quote in one request. We explain the choice in man and van or removal company.
A flat move timeline
- Four to six weeks before: start collecting quotes, give notice to your landlord if renting, and book the lift or parking.
- Two to three weeks before: start packing the rooms you use least, and arrange the redirection of your post. See the change of address checklist.
- The week before: confirm the time, the crew size and the parking, defrost the freezer, and dismantle what you can.
- The day: keep your essentials bag with you, walk through each room with the crew, and take meter readings. See the full moving house checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a flat removal cost?
It depends on size, floors, distance and access. Compare quotes for your move for a real price.
Do removal companies charge extra for stairs?
Some companies add time or cost for upper floors with no lift, so say so in your request.
Can I get a van outside a London flat?
Often with a parking suspension arranged through the council. Ask your mover.
How much does it cost to move a flat?
For a local move, a studio or one-bedroom flat is roughly £250 to £500 and a two-bedroom flat roughly £400 to £800, depending on the floor, the lift, the distance and the date. Your quotes will show the real price for your move.
Do I need to tell the removal company if there is no lift?
Yes. The floor and lift are among the biggest factors in the time and the price, and an unexpected flight of stairs on the day can lead to extra charges. Our form asks for the floor and the lift at both addresses.
Can I book the lift in my building for moving day?
Many blocks require it, and some charge a deposit. Ask the managing agent or the concierge at least a week or two before the move, and tell the removal company the booked time.
Do I need a parking suspension for a flat move?
If the van cannot stop close to the entrance without blocking the road, a suspension from the council may be needed. It can take days or weeks to arrange, so ask early. See our guide on parking suspensions in London.
How long does it take to move a one-bedroom flat?
Many one-bedroom moves take two to four hours including loading, driving and unloading, but stairs, parking and distance can add time.
