Moving costs in London are primarily driven by time. Across Greater London, layout density, parking regulation, traffic speed, and property type determine how long loading, travel, and unloading take. This guide sets the London-wide baseline first, then shows how borough conditions modify it.
Most London man and van moves are priced by time (hours booked), adjusted by van size and the number of movers required. As a broad London-wide baseline, many bookings fall within a typical hourly range, with the total mainly determined by loading access and route time on the day.
| Move size (typical) | Time window (typical) | What usually changes the total |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / small 1-bed | 2–4 hours | Carry distance, stairs/lifts, legal stopping distance |
| 2-bed flat / small house | 4–7 hours | Parking controls, lift booking rules, congestion timing |
| 3-bed home | 6–10+ hours | Disassembly, heavier loads, slower corridors and access |
Across London, elapsed time is the dominant pricing variable. That time is shaped by four consistent city-level drivers: access distance, parking enforcement, route congestion, and building configuration.
London’s housing stock ranges from terraced streets to dense mansion blocks and modern developments. Long corridors, stair carries, courtyard access, and restricted frontage increase loading time across many areas.
Controlled Parking Zones, time-limited bays, and strict enforcement are common across inner and outer London. Legal stopping distance directly affects labour time and therefore total cost.
Congestion varies by corridor and time of day, but London-wide route speed influences pricing more than mileage alone. In practice, you pay for elapsed operational time, not map distance.
Flats, listed buildings, lift booking systems, and new-build management rules appear throughout Greater London. Access restrictions and coordination requirements extend job duration.
In general, inner London moves experience higher access friction and slower routes, while outer London moves may involve easier loading but longer travel distances. The total cost reflects the balance between loading time and driving time rather than geography alone.
For borough-level planning detail, see: Westminster, Camden, Islington, Hackney, Croydon.
Moving costs in London vary because operational time varies. Legal stopping position, number of floors, lift access, enforcement intensity, and city-wide traffic conditions all compound. Start with the London baseline, then apply borough-specific conditions to refine your estimate.
| Move type | Typical time | Estimated total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / small 1-bed | 2–4 hours | £150–£320 | Access and carry distance are the usual swing factors. |
| 2-bed flat / small house | 4–6 hours | £320–£650 | Stairs/lifts and parking restrictions commonly change totals. |
| 3-bed home | 6–9+ hours | £600–£1,050+ | Furniture disassembly and tighter access can add time. |
| 4-bed+ (larger inventory) | 8–12+ hours | £950–£1,650+ | Often requires larger van capacity and more loading time. |
Hourly pricing commonly falls between £45–£95 per hour depending on van size, number of movers, access and demand.
Quick answers to common questions about moving costs in London, including pricing ranges and the factors that change total cost.
Many London moves are priced hourly. A common range is £45–£95 per hour, depending on van size, number of movers, access conditions and demand. Total cost is mainly determined by time (loading + travel + unloading).
Time. Costs rise when loading takes longer (stairs, long corridors, awkward access) or travel takes longer (traffic, slower routes). Parking restrictions that increase carry distance are a common cause of extra time.
Often, yes. Weekends and end-of-month dates can be higher demand periods, which can affect availability and pricing. If you can choose, midweek slots are frequently better value.
Yes. If the van can’t load close to the door, carry distance increases and delays can add billable time. Where possible, plan loading access in advance (and follow borough rules) to reduce time on site.
ULEZ compliance can affect vehicle availability and operating costs, particularly for certain vehicle types. For practical guidance, see our ULEZ guide.
Share the details that change time: floor level, lift access, parking/loading options, and a rough inventory. Borough conditions vary, so local access notes help price the job accurately.