Furniture removals: compare companies for sofas, beds and large items
Moving one item or a roomful? Compare companies that collect and deliver furniture safely.
- Professional, vetted moversRegistered, insured and checked
- Compare the quotesPrice, reviews and what is included
- Free, no obligationYou choose who to book
When you need a furniture removal
You do not have to be moving house to need a mover. People book furniture removals when they buy a sofa second-hand, collect a wardrobe from a relative, move a bed to a student room, take furniture to a storage unit, or deliver items they have sold. The job is usually one to several items, over a short or long distance, and often with stairs or a tight entrance. A man and van is the usual choice. For bigger or valuable pieces, a crew with the right equipment is safer.
How to choose between a man and van and a furniture mover
- Man and van. Good for a few items, a single room or a short journey. Usually the lowest cost. Check that a second person can help for heavy pieces. See man and van.
- Furniture delivery service. Collects from a shop, a seller or a warehouse and delivers to you, often with two people.
- Removal company. Best if furniture is part of a larger move, or if you need dismantling, packing or storage.
What a furniture removal costs
A single item or a few boxes in a local move is typically about £45 to £90, and an hourly man and van in London is roughly £40 to £80 per hour, with a minimum. The price depends on the size and the weight of the items, the distance, the stairs, the number of people and the date. Long distance furniture delivery is usually a fixed price. See removal costs and man and van prices per hour.
Measure before you move
Most furniture problems on the day come from not measuring. Before you book, measure the item (height, width and depth), the doorways, the hallways, the stairs and the lift. For a sofa, note whether the legs and the arms come off. For a wardrobe or a bed, check whether it dismantles and whether you have the tools and the fittings. If an item will not fit, tell the company in advance, as a window hoist or a different route can change the price.
Protecting furniture in transit
- Use blankets, covers or shrink wrap for upholstered and polished pieces.
- Wrap glass and mirrors, and carry them upright.
- Secure drawers and doors, and remove loose shelves.
- Photograph valuable items before the move.
- Keep screws and fittings in a labelled bag, taped to the item.
See how to lift heavy items safely and how to pack fragile items.
Buying or selling furniture online
If you are collecting something you have bought from a marketplace, agree the time with the seller, confirm the size and the access and ask whether the seller will help with loading. If you are selling, tell the buyer's mover where to park and how to reach the item. Be careful of requests for payment before the item is collected, and use a traceable payment method.
Old furniture
If you want old furniture removed, ask whether the company also offers disposal, and whether it is a registered waste carrier. Councils and charities may collect reusable furniture. See house clearance and house clearance when moving.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move a sofa?
A single item is typically about £45 to £90 for a local job, and more for longer distances or difficult access. Ask for a written quote.
Can a man and van move a wardrobe?
Yes, as long as the item can pass through the doors and the stairs. Large wardrobes often need dismantling, so say if you need it done.
Do furniture movers take the old furniture away?
Some do, for an extra charge. They should be a registered waste carrier. Ask before you book.
How can I get a sofa up the stairs?
Measure the sofa and the stairs. Many sofas have removable legs or arms. If it will not fit, a hoist through a window is sometimes possible.
