How to Avoid Hidden Fees and Save Money on Your Move

House Removal Costs UK 2025: How to Avoid Hidden Fees and Save Money on Your Move

Moving house in the UK can be an exciting new chapter, but the cost of hiring a removal company—especially when hidden fees creep in—can quickly become a major source of stress. Here's a startling fact: recent research as of early 2025 indicates that nearly 70% of UK households are stung by hidden costs when moving home.. The average for hidden moving fees alone is £349, and this doesn't take into account possible legal fees, surveys or building work, which can bring this hidden fee total to over £5000! It's safe to say that these unexpected costs can turn a planned moving budget based on your initial quote into a nightmare bank drain.

If you're not careful when hiring a house removal service, you could end up paying more than expected. Extra costs like stair access, packing materials, parking permits, ULEZ charges, waiting time, or handling bulky furniture aren't always included in the booking form, and often aren't mentioned by bad actors until it's too late. Most man and van providers charge for these services, but not all are clear about it. At Find My Man and Van, we let you choose only the services you need and show the full cost upfront so that you're never caught out.

This guide helps you understand the real costs of house removals and how to identify and avoid those frustrating hidden charges that can derail your budget.

The Hidden Truth: Why Removal Costs Can Skyrocket

Many movers are caught off guard, not by your initial quote, but by the additional charges that appear later. While reputable removal companies aim to be transparent, the nature of moving means costs can quickly shift. Factors like underestimating inventory, access issues, unclear assumptions about what's included, or unexpected delays can all affect the final price. Our goal is to highlight these potential pitfalls so you can stay in control of your budget and avoid surprises when the final bill arrives.

What Affects Removal Costs (and Where Fees Can Hide)

To avoid unexpected charges, it helps to understand the main factors that shape your removal quote. Each one has the potential to carry hidden costs if not properly assessed.

Property Size & Volume

The number of bedrooms and amount of belongings directly affect your price. Hidden fee risk: An underestimated inventory may require a bigger van or more movers on the day.

Distance of the Move

Longer distances mean higher overall costs—more time on the road, more fuel, and more hours to pay for. Hidden fee risk: Fuel, tolls, or extra travel time may be added later if not clearly listed upfront.

Type of Service

Man and van options use smaller vehicles and fewer movers—ideal for light moves at lower cost. Full-service removals cover everything, but often include (and charge for) extras you may not actually need.

Hidden fee risk: Packing materials and furniture dismantling may not be included unless clearly stated with smaller moves, or you may be charged for services you won't use or need.

For a deeper look at how man and van services compare to full-service removals — including what each typically costs — see our guide on Man and Van vs Full-Service Removals in 2025.

Timing of Your Move

Weekends, end-of-month dates, and school holidays often come at a premium across the industry.

Hidden fee risk: Some companies raise rates during peak periods or for last-minute bookings. At Find My Man and Van, our market monitoring software helps keep prices stable—even when demand spikes—but it's still worth booking early to lock in the best availability.

Exposing the Most Common Hidden Fees to Avoid

Now that you've got a handle on the main costs of moving, let's look at the extra charges that catch people out most often. Knowing what to expect can help you budget better and avoid any nasty surprises.

Will I Be Charged Extra for Stairs or Tricky Access?

Yes, if your home has stairs, long walkways, tight hallways, or awkward access, you might face additional costs if you haven't mentioned it in your quote.

Why this happens: Most quotes assume easy ground-floor access with close van parking. If your movers have to carry things up flights of stairs, navigate narrow doors, or deal with unusual layouts, it usually means more time, effort, or staff — and that can increase your final bill. Many removal companies base quotes on standard access unless told otherwise.

How to avoid it: Be upfront during the quote stage. Let them know about stairs, parking distance, lifts, narrow entries, or anything unusual. If possible, provide photos or request a site visit to make sure your quote reflects the reality of the move.

Are Packing Services and Materials Included?

Usually not — Most man and van removal services assume you'll pack your belongings yourself, which is why they're often more affordable.

Why this happens: Most man and van removal services expect you to handle the packing yourself. That means boxing everything up in advance and providing your own materials — like boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and padding. This DIY approach helps keep costs down, but the trade-off is that full packing services (when offered) can add £200–£300 or more to your bill. Plus, the cost of materials is often not included in those service fees, which can tack on another £200 or more if you're buying everything new.

Some of our partners like Removal Boxes UK offer exclusive discounts on packing supplies — including 5% off when booked through us — but it's still important to ask what's covered upfront.

How to avoid it: Ask clearly whether packing services and materials are included in your quote. If not, request an itemised breakdown so you can plan your budget realistically. If you're considering full packing support, check what materials are included, and whether they're suitable for fragile or high-value items.

Do I Have to Pay for Parking, ULEZ or Congestion Charges?

Yes — especially in cities like London, where parking and ULEZ fees may not be included in your removal quote.

Why this happens: You may be charged for local parking permits, meter fees, or even fines if parking isn't arranged. In addition, vehicles entering certain UK city zones can incur ULEZ or Congestion Charges, which some movers pass on to you. These costs aren't usually included in standard removal quotes, as they only apply in specific locations and not all moves will be affected.

How to avoid it: Ask your mover if parking permits or city driving charges are included. For London moves in particular, confirm whether you'll be going into zones which might require the charge.

Is Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly Included?

Not always — straightforward items like standard bedframes are often included, but more time-consuming pieces, such as large wardrobes or flat-pack desks with multiple parts, may come with an extra charge.

Why this happens: Disassembling and reassembling furniture takes additional time, often requires tools, and sometimes needs more than one person to do safely. Movers build quotes based on standard access and handling, so anything that slows the process or adds complexity usually increases the cost.

How to avoid it: Double-check what's included. Ask specifically about which items they'll disassemble and rebuild, and if there's an extra charge. If you're confident, you can also save money by doing some of the dismantling yourself.

Will I Be Charged for Delays on Moving Day?

Yes — many movers charge by the hour if delays happen on the day due to access or key handover issues.

Why this happens: If your keys aren't ready, access is delayed, or your chain runs late, your movers may charge by the hour while they wait. These costs can escalate quickly if there's no clear plan.

How to avoid it: Talk to your mover about their waiting time policy. Build in buffer time around key collection or access, and be clear about how charges apply if things don't go to plan.

Do Specialist Items Like Pianos Cost More?

Yes — and for good reason.

Why this happens: Bulky, fragile, or valuable items like pianos, hot tubs, or safes often need specialist gear and extra people to move safely. That means more cost, time, and care — and often, additional insurance too.

How to avoid it: Let your mover know about any unusual or heavy items from the start. Share photos, dimensions, or weights where possible. This helps get an accurate quote and avoids surprise charges on the day. Depending on the rest of your booking, they may even decide to include them in your booking at no extra charge.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my move?

Yes, most removal companies charge a cancellation fee if you cancel or reschedule close to your move date, although earlier reschedules may not be charged.

Why this happens: Removal companies plan their schedules, staff, and vehicle availability well in advance. If you cancel or reschedule at short notice, they may lose out on other bookings, which is why most companies include cancellation fees in their terms. In many cases, the booking fee is non-refundable and kept as an administrative charge, even if you give notice.

How to avoid it: Always read the cancellation and rescheduling policy before you book. Check how much notice you need to give to avoid extra charges, and what happens to your deposit if plans change. If you're not sure your moving date is fixed, ask whether flexible booking options are available so you don't lose money if things shift.

Are Man and Van Services Properly Insured if Something Gets Damaged?

All our movers include Goods in Transit insurance as standard, but it's important to know what's actually covered — and what isn't.

Why this matters: While your belongings are insured during the move, there are some limits you should be aware of. One of the biggest things to watch out for is how your items are packed. If you've packed your own boxes (as most people do with man and van services), fragile items like glasses or plates may not be fully covered if they weren't securely wrapped. Insurers often won't pay out for damage unless breakables were packed to a good standard.

There's also usually a cap on how much is covered per item or per box, so expensive or sentimental items might need extra protection.

How to avoid issues: Ask your mover what their insurance includes and whether there are limits for self-packed boxes. Check the item limits, and see what your own contents insurance might already cover, as it can sometimes provide an extra layer of protection during the move.

Your Strategy: How to Get a Transparent Removal Quote and Avoid Surprise Costs

Avoiding surprise costs starts with being thorough and asking the right questions from the beginning. A clear, accurate removal quote — and the confidence that nothing unexpected will appear later — comes from upfront communication and careful planning.

The Power of the Detailed Inventory

A detailed, accurate inventory is one of the most effective ways to avoid hidden charges linked to item volume or access. Whether you submit your details via an online form, video call, or in-person survey, make sure every item is listed and access challenges (like stairs or narrow hallways) are flagged early. This helps the removal company recommend the correct vehicle size, number of movers, and time allocation — all essential for a precise, transparent removal quote.

Ask the Right Questions (and Get It in Writing)

When comparing quotes, be direct. Don't just look at the price — ask exactly what's included and what could cost more. Confirm the quote form includes all the details, and before you book, ask whether it:

• includes waiting time or charges extra if there are delays
• covers access issues like stairs, long carry distances, or restricted parking
• includes furniture disassembly and reassembly
• clarifies who is responsible for ULEZ or congestion zone charges if they apply
• is fixed or subject to change under certain conditions

At Find My Man and Van, our online booking system makes it easy to include this information upfront. You'll always get a written, itemised quote showing what's included, what's excluded, and when extra charges might apply.

Verify Insurance Coverage

It's not enough to ask if insurance is included — get clear on the details. Check what the Goods in Transit insurance covers, whether there's a per-item limit, and if self-packed boxes are included. Fragile items like plates or glassware may not be covered unless packed securely. For high-value or irreplaceable items, ask about top-up insurance through your provider or theirs. All Find My Man and Van movers include Goods in Transit insurance as standard, but we always recommend checking what's covered to avoid costly surprises.

Pre-Move Preparation (Minimising Extra Work and Avoiding Delays)

Helping your movers stay on schedule can help you avoid extra charges. Disassemble furniture if you're not paying for that service, clear hallways and staircases, and reserve parking near your home in advance. If you're fully packed and ready to go when your movers arrive, you reduce the risk of waiting time charges and make the whole move more efficient, with fewer opportunities for unexpected costs to creep in.

Red Flags: Warning Signs of Unreliable Removal Companies

Being vigilant about potential hidden fees also means recognising removal companies that might not be transparent from the start. Watch out for these warning signs and take immediate action:

• Quotes that seem too good to be true - Extremely low initial quotes often hide significant additional charges

Action: Use a comparison site like Find My Man and Van to get multiple detailed, itemised quotes from different companies for easy comparison

• Reluctance to provide written estimates - Reputable companies will always provide detailed written quotes

Action: Insist on written quotes and walk away from companies that only provide verbal estimates

• Vague terms and conditions - Legitimate movers have clear, comprehensive contracts

Action: Request to see their full terms before booking and ask for clarification on any unclear points

• No proper insurance documentation - Always verify their insurance credentials

Action: Request proof of current insurance certificates and verify with the insurance provider

• Poor communication - Companies that are hard to reach or slow to respond often provide poor service

Action: Test their responsiveness during the quoting process as an indicator of service quality

Essential Questions to Ask Before Booking a Removal Company

Use this checklist to make sure you understand the full cost of your move — and avoid any unwanted surprises:

Quote & Pricing

• Is this a fixed quote or just an estimate?
• What's included in the base price — and what costs extra?
• Are there extra charges for stairs, lifts, or difficult access?
• What are the cancellation and rescheduling terms?

Services & Access

• Do you provide packing materials? If not, how much do they cost?
• Do you charge for disassembling and reassembling furniture?
• Who arranges parking permits and pays ULEZ or congestion charges?
• What happens if there are delays or waiting time on the day?

Insurance & Liability

• What does your Goods in Transit insurance cover — and are there limits?
• Are self-packed boxes fully covered?
• Are there extra fees for large or specialist items (e.g. pianos, safes)?
• What happens if something gets damaged during the move?

Plan Your Move the Right Way With Clear Pricing and Trusted Help

Moving doesn't have to come with unexpected charges or last-minute stress. With clear pricing and the right support, you stay in control from quote to completion.

At Find My Man and Van, our intelligent platform matches you with trusted local drivers across the UK based on your location, move details, and availability. You'll receive instant, itemised quotes and can choose only the services you need — whether that's transport only, help with lifting, or additional support like packing and furniture disassembly.

To get the most accurate quote, it's important to include as much detail as possible upfront. List all the key items you're moving, mention stairs or access issues, and be clear about how much help you'll need. This ensures your quote reflects the real scope of your move — avoiding surprises on the day.

Want even more ways to keep your move affordable? Read our comprehensive guide on How to save money on moving house .

Start your move with a clear, personalised quote — get your instant quote now and move with confidence.

And if you ever have questions, our UK-based customer service team is available 7 days a week to support you. With thousands of 5-star ratings, over 25,000 moves completed, and the assurance that you'll always speak to a real human (not a recorded message), we're here to help every step of the way.

Start your move with a clear, personalised quote — get your price now and find out why Find My Man and Van is the best move you can make.