Moving house can be exciting, but it can also be expensive. From removals and deposits to cleaning and storage, the costs quickly add up — especially in busy cities like Manchester.
This guide breaks down the average costs involved in moving home, where you can save money, and how using self storage can help you manage the process more efficiently.
1. Average Moving Costs in Manchester
The cost of moving house in Manchester depends on several factors: the size of your property, the distance of your move, and the services you use.
For a typical two-bedroom house move within the city, you can expect to pay between £400 and £800 for removals. Longer distances or larger properties can exceed £1,000.
Key cost factors include:
- Size of your home and amount of furniture
- Distance between properties
- Whether you’re packing items yourself or using professionals
- Access issues like stairs, lifts, or parking restrictions
- Time of year (summer and weekends are often more expensive)
To save money, Cheap Storage Manchester offers free collections and removals for storage customers — ideal if you need temporary space between moves.
2. Removal Costs Explained
Hiring a removals company is one of the biggest moving expenses, but it’s often worth it for peace of mind.
Average removal prices (Manchester):
- 1-bedroom flat: £250–£450
- 2-bedroom house: £400–£800
- 3-bedroom house: £700–£1,200
- Long-distance move: £1,000–£2,000+
You’ll pay more for:
- Packing and unpacking services
- Furniture dismantling or reassembly
- Extra movers or large vehicles
- Insurance for valuable items
If you’re on a budget, consider free van hire to move smaller loads yourself.
3. Deposit, Rent, and Estate Agent Fees
If you’re renting, don’t forget to budget for your new deposit and potential overlap between tenancies.
For buyers, there are additional costs like mortgage fees, surveys, and conveyancing.
Typical property-related costs:
- Rental deposit: 4–5 weeks’ rent
- Cleaning fees: £100–£200
- Estate agent fees (for sellers): 1–3% of property value
- Conveyancing: £800–£1,500
- Survey: £300–£700
If your move-in date doesn’t align perfectly, home storage offers a cost-effective solution to bridge the gap between homes.
4. Packing and Supplies
Buying packing materials adds another hidden cost. Quality boxes, tape, and wrapping materials can cost £50–£150 depending on the size of your home.
At Cheap Storage Manchester, you can get free packing boxes included with every storage unit, saving you time and money.
Typical packing costs:
- Boxes and tape: £30–£60
- Bubble wrap and paper: £20–£40
- Mattress and sofa covers: £10–£20
- Labels and markers: £5–£10
Money-saving tips:
- Reuse boxes from supermarkets or friends
- Use towels and clothes for padding
- Compare online bulk deals on supplies
5. Cleaning and Repairs
Most landlords expect properties to be left spotless. End-of-tenancy cleaning in Manchester typically costs between £100 and £250 depending on size.
If you’re selling, small repairs and touch-ups can make a big difference to your sale price.
Common pre-move expenses:
- Professional cleaning: £150 average
- Carpet cleaning: £30–£60 per room
- Handyman repairs: £100–£200
- Garden tidying: £50–£100
Decluttering beforehand can make this easier. See our decluttering guide for simple ways to reduce what you need to clean or move.
6. Temporary Storage Between Moves
One of the most overlooked moving expenses is what to do when your move-in and move-out dates don’t line up. Instead of paying for extra rent or removals storage, self storage can bridge the gap for a fraction of the cost.
Typical short-term storage costs:
- Small unit (for boxes): from £10–£15 per week
- Medium unit (1-bedroom move): from £25–£40 per week
- Large unit (2–3 bedrooms): from £50–£80 per week
At Cheap Storage Manchester, we make it affordable with 50% off your first 9 weeks and no deposit required.
Storage gives you flexibility to move on your schedule, without rushing to fit everything into one day.
7. Utility and Service Setup Costs
When you move, there can be fees for setting up or transferring utilities and broadband.
Typical connection costs:
- Broadband setup: £20–£50
- TV licence: £169.50 per year
- Energy meter changes or transfers: £30–£100
- Redirecting post (Royal Mail): from £36 for 3 months
It’s a good idea to contact providers early to avoid disruption. If you’re new to Manchester, compare energy and broadband suppliers before moving to get the best local deals.
8. Travel and Miscellaneous Costs
Even small expenses like petrol, parking, or meals on moving day can add up.
Budget for:
- Fuel for moving van or car
- Parking permits at new and old homes
- Food and drinks for movers
- Overnight accommodation if moving long-distance
Packing an “essentials box” can help reduce last-minute spending on moving day. See our moving home checklist for ideas.
9. How to Save Money When Moving
Moving doesn’t have to cost a fortune. A bit of planning and smart choices can make a big difference.
Simple ways to save:
- Move midweek instead of weekends
- Compare at least three removal quotes
- Use free removals and van hire offers
- Declutter to reduce moving volume
- Take advantage of discounted storage offers
- Pack your own boxes and label them clearly
The more prepared you are, the less you’ll spend on last-minute services.
10. Final Thoughts
The true cost of moving house in Manchester depends on your circumstances, but careful planning can keep your budget under control.
Using affordable self storage, packing efficiently, and starting early can save you hundreds of pounds — and make the move far less stressful.
For secure, affordable storage options with free collections, no deposits, and half-price offers, visit our storage prices page or get in touch via our contact page.
