Long-distance removals with free driver quotes
Tell us about your move between cities or regions and we will introduce you to up to 3 independent drivers who can send free, no-obligation quotes.
- Free, no-obligation quotes
- Up to 3 independent drivers
- Nationwide UK routes covered
Who long-distance removals suit
A long-distance removal usually means moving a household between cities or regions, such as from the south coast to the north of England or from Wales into Scotland. People do it for new jobs, to be closer to family, for university, or when downsizing to a different part of the country. If your belongings fill a few rooms rather than a whole house, a driver with a larger van can often handle the job without a full removal lorry.
Man-with-a-van style transport works well for flats, one and two bedroom homes, student moves and partial household moves. It can also suit a bigger home if you are leaving some items behind, selling large pieces or sending only the essentials ahead. Some drivers also take a few large items, such as a sofa or a wardrobe, as part of a longer route, which can suit you if the rest of your things are going elsewhere.
Moves of this distance are different from a local job. The driver will be away from base for much of the day, may need an overnight stop, and has to plan the route carefully. That is why the details you give in your request matter: the more clearly you describe your move, the more useful the quotes you receive will be. Mention dates, room counts, large items and any awkward access at either address.
Vans, Luton vans and load types
Most providers offer a choice of vehicle. A standard long wheelbase van suits a small flat or a handful of boxes and furniture. A Luton van has a box body with extra height over the cab, which gives more space for bulky items like sofas, mattresses and wardrobes. For larger loads some drivers run bigger vehicles or can combine more than one trip. Ask the driver what the vehicle can carry before you assume everything will fit.
You will also hear about shared or part loads and dedicated vehicles. With a shared load, your goods travel with items from other customers on a similar route, so the date and the time of delivery may be less flexible. A dedicated vehicle carries only your belongings and normally runs to a date you agree. The right choice depends on how fixed your dates are and how much you are willing to be flexible.
A good quote spells out which arrangement is being offered. Check whether the driver is collecting and delivering on consecutive days, whether another customer's items will be on board, and whether a second person is included to help with heavy lifting. Do not worry about asking for clarification. Drivers expect these questions on longer journeys, and clear answers early help avoid disagreements on the day. Written confirmation is useful if anything changes later.
A long move often has a clear-out at one end. Our guides to flat & apartment moves and single item removals cover smaller moves, and full house clearance covers emptying the property you are leaving.
Planning dates, key exchange and storage gaps
Your moving date is often decided by your sale or tenancy, not by your own preference. If you are buying or selling, key exchange and completion dates can shift late in the process, so try to speak to providers early and explain that your date may move. Some drivers can offer a window of dates, which gives you room to adjust. Others book a specific day, so it helps to know how they handle changes before you commit.
For long journeys, completion at both ends rarely lines up neatly. You may have to leave your old home on one day and not receive keys to the new one until later. In that case, ask your providers whether they can hold your belongings in a secure unit or on the vehicle for a short time, or whether you will need to arrange separate storage. Make sure the cost and responsibility for your items during the gap are clear.
Think about the practical order of the day as well. Find out who will hand over the keys and when, and have a contact number for anyone meeting the driver at the other end. If you cannot be present, agree in advance who can sign for the delivery. Tell your providers about any restrictions, such as a landlord's move-in times or a lift booking in a block of flats, so nothing delays the unload.
Packing, protecting furniture and your inventory
On a long journey your belongings spend hours on the road, so careful packing matters more than on a short local move. Use sturdy boxes that you can close properly and avoid overfilling them. Put heavy items such as books in small boxes and lighter things such as bedding in larger ones. Label each box with its room and a short note on the contents, and mark anything fragile clearly on more than one side, so handlers can see it.
Furniture needs protection too. Ask whether the driver provides blankets, straps and covers, or whether you should arrange your own. Take apart beds and tables where you can, and keep the screws and fittings together in a labelled bag taped to the item. Empty drawers if the driver asks you to, and wrap mirrors, glass and TV screens in suitable materials. Appliances should be defrosted, drained and dry before they travel.
Make a simple inventory before the day. List larger items and note any existing marks or damage, with photos if you can. Share the list with your providers when you ask for quotes, because an accurate inventory leads to a more reliable estimate and a better plan for loading. Keep a copy yourself, and check the items off at the other end, so any problems can be reported straight away.
Route, access and what shapes the cost
Prices vary a great deal for long journeys, and the reasons are fairly straightforward. Distance affects fuel and time on the road. Tolls and bridge or tunnel charges may apply depending on the route. Drivers are limited in how long they can drive and must take breaks, so a very long journey may need an overnight stop, which can add to the cost. The amount of help needed at each end also plays a part.
Access at both addresses can change the plan. Tell your providers about stairs, lifts, narrow hallways, long carrying distances and anywhere the van cannot park close to the door. If you live on a busy street or in a controlled zone, you may need a parking permit or a suspended bay from the local council, and it is usually your job to arrange it. Ask early, because some permits take time to issue.
Collection and delivery windows also matter. A driver may give you a morning or afternoon slot rather than an exact time, and the delivery can depend on traffic and the length of the previous stop. Try to be flexible and make sure someone is available throughout the window. If your new address has restricted access, such as a gated development or a narrow lane, mention it so the driver can choose a suitable vehicle.
Quotes, insurance and moving day essentials
When the quotes arrive, compare what is actually included rather than just the headline figure. Check the vehicle size, the number of people, the dates, whether packing materials are supplied, and what happens if the job runs late or you need to change the date. A lower quote that leaves out a helper or a storage option may end up costing more than a fuller one, so ask providers to confirm anything that is unclear in writing before you agree to book.
Ask each provider about goods-in-transit insurance, which is designed to cover your belongings while they are being carried. Do not assume it is included. Ask for proof of insurance, find out what it covers and whether there are limits on high-value items, and check whether your own home insurance provides any cover during a move. If something is valuable or sentimental, consider carrying it yourself instead of sending it in the van.
On moving day, keep a bag with you that stays out of the van. Include keys, phone chargers, medication, important documents, valuables, a change of clothes, snacks and basic toiletries. Add tea or coffee, a kettle if you can fit it, and any items you will need on your first night. Take meter readings and photographs of both properties, and do a final walk-through before the driver leaves, so you can note anything left behind.
Providers cover different postcode areas, so browse the areas we cover to see local information, or enter your full postcode in the quote form at the top of this page.
What affects the cost of long-distance removals
Prices are set by each local provider, so we do not publish fixed figures. These are the things that move a quote up or down. Compare up to 3 free quotes to see a fair price for your job.
- Total distance between the two addresses and how direct the route is.
- Volume and weight of your belongings, and the vehicle size needed.
- Shared or part load compared with a dedicated vehicle for your move.
- Fuel, tolls and driver hours, including any overnight stop on the way.
- Stairs, lifts, parking and carrying distance at the collection and delivery addresses.
- Packing help, materials, flexible dates, and any short-term storage needed.
Our transparency promise: quotes are free and come direct from the providers. We don't add fees to your price, and you're never obliged to accept.
FAQs: long-distance removals
What counts as a long-distance removal?
There is no fixed definition, but it usually means a move between cities or regions that needs a long drive and often more than half a day on the road. Providers may treat it differently from a local job, so say clearly where you are moving from and to when you ask for quotes.
Is a shared load cheaper than a dedicated vehicle?
A shared or part load can sometimes work out cheaper because the journey is split between customers, but it often means less control over dates and delivery times. A dedicated vehicle is usually more flexible. Compare quotes for both where the providers offer them, and ask what is included.
What if my completion dates do not match?
This is common. Ask providers whether they can arrange short-term storage or hold your belongings securely until you can access the new home. Check who is responsible for the items during the gap, and confirm any extra charges before you agree. Your solicitor or agent can help keep dates as close as possible.
Do I need goods-in-transit insurance?
It is sensible to ask each provider whether it is in place, and to request proof of insurance. Find out what it covers, any limits for valuable items and how to make a claim. You may also want to check your own home insurance policy, as cover for items in transit varies.
Will the driver stay overnight on a long move?
On some routes, yes. Drivers have rules on driving hours and rest breaks, so a long job may be split across two days with an overnight stop. This can affect delivery timing and cost. Ask the provider how they plan the route and when you can expect delivery.
Are the quotes really free?
Yes. Move & Clear is a free introduction service. You fill in one short form and we match you with up to 3 independent local providers who can send quotes. There is no obligation to accept any of them, and the provider you choose agrees the price with you directly.
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Find long-distance removals in your area
Providers cover different postcode areas. Pick your nearest area to see local information, or use the form at the top of this page and enter your full postcode.