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The True Cost Of Moving: How Much Time & Money Does It Take?
Moving house is exhausting and costs a lot of time and money… but just how much is it setting you back? Our experts find that the true cost of moving home is a lot more than you think.
Moving House Now Takes Over a Week and Costs £1,600, New Data Reveals
From mountains of boxes in the hallway to endless paperwork and tight deadlines, moving house has long been known as one of life’s most stressful experiences. But new research highlights just how demanding the process has become in 2025, and reveals why more people are using storage units to ease the load.
By analysing removal van data, housing market statistics, and moving company costs, our report breaks down what really goes into a home move today. For those moving from a five-bed house, the process can take up to nine full days, require 90 boxes, and cost as much as £1,607 for a comprehensive removal service. Even a one-bed flat typically takes three days and £583 to shift.
The True Time and Cost of a UK Move in 2025
The sheer amount of time and effort involved is often the biggest shock for movers. The figures show that people are not just paying in money, but also with their time, often sacrificing more than a full working week to get the job done.
For an average three-bedroom house, the move now costs around £1,136 and takes nearly 56 hours of combined effort. This includes:
- 40 hours of packing: Sorting, wrapping, and boxing up belongings.
- 8 hours of administration: Liaising with solicitors, agents, and utility companies.
- 8 hours for the physical move: Loading, transporting, and unloading on the day.
Advice for a Smoother Move in 2025
Moving can be overwhelming, but a solid plan can make all the difference. With our data showing that the average move involves nearly 56 hours of work, here are some practical tips to reclaim your time and reduce stress.
1. Create a Master Checklist Early:
The report highlighted that movers spend a full day (8 hours) on administration alone. Get ahead by creating a master checklist 6-8 weeks before your move. This should include tasks like:
- Notify utility providers (gas, electricity, water, and internet) of your move date.
- Arrange mail redirection with Royal Mail.
- Update your address with your bank, employer, DVLA, and for any subscriptions.
- Book your removal van or company well in advance.
2. Declutter Strategically:
Don’t pay to move items you no longer need. Before you even start packing, sort your belongings into four categories: keep, sell, donate, and discard. For large items you’re unsure about or need to get out of the house to prepare for viewings, a temporary storage unit can be a huge help.
3. Pack Smart, Not Hard:
With packing taking an average of 40 hours, efficiency is key.
- Label Everything: Clearly label every box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This saves immense time and confusion when unloading.
- Pack an “Essentials” Box: Keep one box separate with everything you’ll need on your first night: a kettle, mugs, tea/coffee, toiletries, phone chargers, and important documents.
- Use Proper Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes and packing tape to protect your belongings.
4. Plan for the Gap:
In an ideal world, you’d move out of your old home and into your new one on the same day. In reality, delays are common. If you have a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, having a flexible contingency plan is crucial. This is where a storage unit can act as a secure ‘halfway house’ for your belongings, removing the pressure of a single, overwhelming moving day.
Methodology
The data in this report was compiled by Adams Selfstore by analysing a combination of publicly available and industry-specific sources. These included UK removal van data, moving company costs from platforms like Checkatrade and AnyVan, and property market trends from Q1 2025.