Long distance removals: compare movers across the UK
Moving between cities or regions? Compare companies that cover your route.
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How long distance moves work
Long distance removals are priced by the volume of your belongings and the distance, not by the hour. A route that takes more than a day may include an overnight stay, and some companies offer part loads where your belongings share a vehicle, which can cost less if you are flexible on dates.
What affects the price
- Volume. See our van size guide.
- Distance, tolls and fuel.
- Access at both ends, including stairs, lifts and parking.
- Packing, dismantling and storage.
- The date. Fridays, month ends and school holidays are busier.
Popular long distance routes
See our popular routes, or read about moving out of London and moving to Scotland or Wales.
Tips
- Get several quotes for the same inventory.
- Check insurance covers the whole journey.
- Ask about delivery windows and what happens if you are not ready.
- Book early, as long routes fill up.
Planning a long distance move
A long distance move, for example London to Manchester, Bristol to Edinburgh or Surrey to Cornwall, is planned differently from a local move. The vehicle travels for hours, so the company needs to plan the route, the driver's hours, fuel and tolls and often an overnight stop. Delivery may be the next day, or within a window of a few days if your goods share a vehicle. Because there is more to go wrong, it is worth giving the companies good information and asking more questions.
Start by looking at the real timeline. If you are buying and selling, you may have a day when you must be out and a day when you can get in, and they may not be the same day. A long journey often means loading one day and unloading the next, with your belongings overnight in the vehicle or in a depot. Ask where they are kept and how they are secured.
Full load, part load or return load?
- Full load (exclusive vehicle). The vehicle carries only your belongings. It is the most flexible on dates and the most expensive.
- Part load (shared vehicle). Your goods share space with another customer's on the same route. It can cost less, but delivery dates are less exact. It suits smaller moves and flexible people.
- Return load. A company that already needs to drive back empty from another job offers a lower price for your route. Dates must fit its schedule.
- Man and van. For small loads over a long distance, a man and van can work and is often quoted as a fixed price. See our man and van page.
Ask each company which model it is quoting, as the options are not like for like.
How long distance prices are worked out
Local moves are often priced by the hour. Long distance moves are usually a fixed price based on the volume of your belongings, the distance and the access at both ends. That is easier to compare, and the quote should list what it covers. Typical price drivers include:
- Volume. The number of rooms is a rough guide. A survey, in person or by video, gives the best estimate. See the van size guide.
- Distance and time on the road. Longer routes take more fuel and may need two drivers or an overnight stop.
- Access. Stairs, lifts, narrow roads and parking restrictions at either end add time.
- Packing and dismantling. A packing service adds to the price but reduces your workload. See packing service costs.
- Dates. Fridays, month ends and school holidays cost more.
- Storage. If your dates do not match, you may need storage. See removals and storage.
A broad view of prices by city is in removal cost by city in the UK, and the popular routes pages show common journeys.
Questions to ask a long distance mover
- Is the price fixed, and what could change it?
- Is my load on its own vehicle or shared with others?
- When will you collect, and what is the delivery window?
- Where will my belongings stay overnight if the trip takes more than a day?
- What insurance covers my goods in transit, and what is the limit?
- What happens if the delivery is delayed or my new home is not ready?
- Can I contact the driver on the day, and is there a named contact?
The full list is in 15 questions to ask a removal company.
Insurance for longer journeys
Goods in transit insurance matters more over a long journey because your things spend longer in a vehicle and may be handled more than once. Ask for proof of cover and check the limit per move. If your belongings are worth more than the limit, ask about extra cover or check your own contents policy. See goods in transit insurance and removals insurance explained.
Moving to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
Moves within Great Britain use the same roads and similar rules, but there are differences in the paperwork and in local taxes. Moves to Northern Ireland usually involve a ferry, which affects the timing and the price. If you are moving between England and Scotland or Wales, our guide on moving to Scotland or Wales from England covers the main differences, and you can compare companies that cover your route.
Leaving London for another city
Many long distance moves start in London. Narrow streets, parking restrictions and the Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone can affect the vehicle and the price, so give the company exact access details. Read moving from London to another city and parking suspensions in London.
A simple long distance checklist
- Get quotes from several removal companies for the same job and the same date.
- Confirm collection and delivery dates in writing.
- Pack a bag for the first two nights, in case delivery is delayed.
- Take photos of valuable items and keep a list.
- Tell the company about any difficult access at the new address.
- Arrange to be at the new home on delivery day, or name a trusted person.
- Use our moving house checklist for the rest.
Frequently asked questions
How much do long distance removals cost?
It depends on volume and distance. Compare quotes for your own route to see a real price.
Can a long distance move be done in one day?
Often, but very long routes may take two days. Ask the company.
What is a part load?
Your belongings share a vehicle with another customer, so you pay for the space you use.
How much does a long distance removal cost?
It depends on the volume, the distance, the access and the date. Most long distance jobs are quoted as a fixed price. For a rough idea see our removal cost guides, and get quotes from several removal companies for the same job.
How long will my belongings take to arrive?
A full load often arrives the next day for a long route. A part load can take several days, because the vehicle collects and delivers other customers. Ask for a delivery window in writing.
Is a part load cheaper?
Often, yes. You share space with other customers, so the price per customer is lower. The trade-off is less control over exact dates.
Can I move to Ireland or abroad with these companies?
Some companies cover Ireland and Europe, but many UK removal companies cover only the UK. Say where you are moving in your request, so the companies that can help get in touch.
What if my new home is not ready on delivery day?
Tell the company as early as you can. Storage may solve it, and a flexible company can hold your belongings for a fee. See our removals and storage page.
Long-distance routes
- London to Aberdeen
- London to Inverness
- London to Dundee
- London to Belfast
- London to Cornwall
- London to Isle of Wight
- London to Isle of Man
- London to Jersey
- London to Guernsey
- Manchester to London
- Birmingham to London
- Leeds to London
- Bristol to London
- Edinburgh to London
- Glasgow to London
- Removals to and within Scotland
- Removals to and within Wales
- Removals to and within Northern Ireland
- Removals to the Isle of Wight
- Removals to the Isle of Man
- Removals to Jersey and Guernsey
