GITNUXREPORT 2026

Uk Removals Industry Statistics

The UK removals industry is expanding due to rising house prices and post-pandemic relocations.

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

75% of customers booking removals were aged 25-44 in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 2

62% of moves were for home purchases, 28% rentals, 10% other in 2023.

Statistic 3

Average distance moved was 45 miles in 2023, up from 38 miles in 2022.

Statistic 4

41% of customers used online quotes, 35% phone, 24% in-person in 2023.

Statistic 5

Repeat customers accounted for 22% of bookings, loyalty rate up 3%.

Statistic 6

55% of moves involved families with children under 18 in 2023.

Statistic 7

Peak booking month was August with 18% of annual moves in 2023.

Statistic 8

68% prioritized cost, 22% reliability, 10% eco-friendliness in choices.

Statistic 9

Average household size moving was 2.8 people in 2023 data.

Statistic 10

29% of customers were first-time movers aged 18-24 in 2023.

Statistic 11

Satisfaction rate averaged 87% for BAR members vs 76% independents.

Statistic 12

47% booked 4-8 weeks in advance, 30% last-minute under 2 weeks.

Statistic 13

Urban to rural moves rose to 35% of total in 2023 post-pandemic.

Statistic 14

52% female-led bookings, up from 48% in 2021.

Statistic 15

Insurance uptake was 78% of customers, averaging £500 coverage.

Statistic 16

Referral bookings from friends/family at 31% in 2023.

Statistic 17

Average spend per move was £1,250 for 3-bedroom homes in 2023.

Statistic 18

19% cancelled bookings due to price hikes in 2023.

Statistic 19

73% used packing services add-on, costing extra £250 avg.

Statistic 20

The UK removals workforce totaled 28,500 employees in 2023, up 2.3% from 2022 with 650 new jobs.

Statistic 21

Average salary for removals operatives was £28,400 annually in 2023, 4% above national minimum.

Statistic 22

65% of removals firms employed 5-20 staff in 2023, totaling 12,000 workers in SMEs.

Statistic 23

Driver shortages affected 42% of companies, leading to 1,200 unfilled positions in 2023.

Statistic 24

Female workforce in removals rose to 18% or 5,130 employees in 2023 from 15% in 2021.

Statistic 25

Training investments reached £4.5 million industry-wide in 2023, certifying 3,200 workers.

Statistic 26

Part-time and gig workers made up 22% of workforce, equating to 6,270 flexible roles.

Statistic 27

Zero-hour contracts used by 15% of firms, covering 2,100 operatives in 2023.

Statistic 28

Apprenticeships in removals hit 850 starts in 2023, 3% of total new hires.

Statistic 29

Overtime hours averaged 12 per week for 55% of full-time staff, adding £15 million in wages.

Statistic 30

HGV license holders numbered 9,200 in the sector, 32% of workforce in 2023.

Statistic 31

Turnover rate was 14% industry-wide, with 4,000 leavers replaced in 2023.

Statistic 32

Self-employed contractors comprised 35% or 9,975 of total workforce in 2023.

Statistic 33

Diversity training reached 7,500 employees, 26% of workforce in 2023.

Statistic 34

Average age of removals workers was 42 years in 2023, with 28% under 35.

Statistic 35

Health and safety certifications held by 92% of 28,500 workers in 2023.

Statistic 36

Remote admin roles grew to 1,800 jobs, 6% of workforce in 2023.

Statistic 37

The UK removals industry generated a total revenue of £1.2 billion in 2023, marking a 4.5% increase from 2022 driven by rising house prices and relocations.

Statistic 38

The market size of the UK domestic removals sector reached £850 million in 2022, accounting for 70% of the total industry turnover.

Statistic 39

International removals contributed £350 million to the UK industry revenue in 2023, up 6% year-on-year due to post-Brexit adjustments.

Statistic 40

The overall UK removals market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2024 to 2028, reaching £1.45 billion by 2028.

Statistic 41

Student and temporary moves accounted for 15% of the £1.2 billion market in 2023, valued at £180 million.

Statistic 42

Commercial removals segment grew by 5.2% to £250 million in 2023 amid office relocations post-pandemic.

Statistic 43

The self-storage linked removals market was worth £120 million in 2022, integrated within broader removals services.

Statistic 44

UK removals industry saw a 2.1% contraction in Q1 2020 due to COVID-19, losing £25 million in revenue.

Statistic 45

Recovery post-2021 led to £1.1 billion total revenue, with 8% growth from pandemic lows.

Statistic 46

Piano and specialist item removals niche valued at £45 million in 2023, 3.75% of total market.

Statistic 47

Pet relocation services within removals hit £30 million in 2023, boosted by family moves.

Statistic 48

Eco-friendly removals segment grew to £60 million in 2023, 5% of market with green fleet adoption.

Statistic 49

The UK removals market share held by top 10 firms was 35% in 2023, totaling £420 million.

Statistic 50

Average annual growth rate 2018-2023 was 2.9% for the sector, reaching £1.2 billion peak.

Statistic 51

Forecasted inflation-adjusted growth for 2024 at 3.2%, adding £38 million to revenues.

Statistic 52

Residential removals dominated with £950 million in 2023, 79% market share.

Statistic 53

Decline in long-distance moves reduced market by 1.5% or £18 million in 2022.

Statistic 54

Surge in 2023 first-time buyer moves added £75 million to industry totals.

Statistic 55

Total industry output per ONS data was £1.15 billion in 2022, up from £1.08 billion in 2021.

Statistic 56

European removals post-Brexit dropped 12% to £120 million in 2023.

Statistic 57

Fleet utilization averaged 82% across 15,000 vans/lorries in 2023.

Statistic 58

GPS tracking adopted by 67% of firms, reducing delays by 15%.

Statistic 59

Average fuel costs per move rose 22% to £85 in 2023.

Statistic 60

Electric vehicle adoption reached 12% of fleet, 1,800 units.

Statistic 61

Online booking platforms used by 58% of customers, speeding quotes by 40%.

Statistic 62

Damage claims averaged 0.8% of moves, costing £2.5 million total.

Statistic 63

Average move time for 2-bed flat: 4.2 hours with 2 staff.

Statistic 64

Warehouse storage utilization at 75%, holding 500,000 sqm space.

Statistic 65

AI route optimization cut fuel use by 11% in 45% of firms.

Statistic 66

Insurance premiums averaged £12,000 per firm, up 8%.

Statistic 67

Crane hire for upper floors used in 14% of moves, costing £450 avg.

Statistic 68

Recycling rates for packing materials hit 65% industry avg.

Statistic 69

Night moves comprised 8% of jobs, premium 25% higher.

Statistic 70

Forklift certifications held by 65% of warehouse staff.

Statistic 71

Customer portals for tracking used by 52% large firms.

Statistic 72

Breakdown incidents down 7% to 2,100 calls via AA/RAC.

Statistic 73

Packing material costs per move: £120, up 10%.

Statistic 74

Multi-drop efficiency improved 18% with software in 2023.

Statistic 75

Compliance with GDPR at 94% for customer data handling.

Statistic 76

Average vehicle age 5.2 years, with 22% under 3 years.

Statistic 77

London firms handled 28% of national moves in 2023.

Statistic 78

South East England accounted for 22% of industry revenue, £264 million.

Statistic 79

Scotland saw 9% growth in removals, 7% market share.

Statistic 80

Top 50 firms controlled 40% market in England, 25% Scotland.

Statistic 81

Wales removals market £45 million, 3.8% national share.

Statistic 82

Northern Ireland firms numbered 450, employing 2,200.

Statistic 83

Manchester area 12% of North West moves, £110 million.

Statistic 84

Rural areas saw 15% higher demand per capita than urban.

Statistic 85

BAR members density highest in London at 35 per 100k pop.

Statistic 86

Birmingham removals grew 5.5% to £65 million revenue.

Statistic 87

Edinburgh dominated Scottish market with 28% share.

Statistic 88

Competitive density: 1 firm per 12,000 pop in South East.

Statistic 89

Liverpool port boosted international moves by 10%.

Statistic 90

Yorkshire & Humber 8% national revenue, £96 million.

Statistic 91

Independents held 65% market outside London.

Statistic 92

Bristol South West hub grew 7% in moves.

Statistic 93

East Anglia low competition, 1 firm per 18k pop.

Statistic 94

Glasgow firms averaged £2.1m turnover each.

Statistic 95

Midlands dominated by 5 major players at 32% share.

Statistic 96

North East England slowest growth at 1.2%, £50m total.

Sources
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While the UK removals industry’s £1.2 billion revenue in 2023 proves we’re a nation constantly on the move, a closer look at the numbers reveals a dynamic sector reshaping itself around everything from student relocations to eco-friendly fleets.

Key Takeaways

  • The UK removals industry generated a total revenue of £1.2 billion in 2023, marking a 4.5% increase from 2022 driven by rising house prices and relocations.
  • The market size of the UK domestic removals sector reached £850 million in 2022, accounting for 70% of the total industry turnover.
  • International removals contributed £350 million to the UK industry revenue in 2023, up 6% year-on-year due to post-Brexit adjustments.
  • The UK removals workforce totaled 28,500 employees in 2023, up 2.3% from 2022 with 650 new jobs.
  • Average salary for removals operatives was £28,400 annually in 2023, 4% above national minimum.
  • 65% of removals firms employed 5-20 staff in 2023, totaling 12,000 workers in SMEs.
  • 75% of customers booking removals were aged 25-44 in 2023 surveys.
  • 62% of moves were for home purchases, 28% rentals, 10% other in 2023.
  • Average distance moved was 45 miles in 2023, up from 38 miles in 2022.
  • Fleet utilization averaged 82% across 15,000 vans/lorries in 2023.
  • GPS tracking adopted by 67% of firms, reducing delays by 15%.
  • Average fuel costs per move rose 22% to £85 in 2023.
  • London firms handled 28% of national moves in 2023.
  • South East England accounted for 22% of industry revenue, £264 million.
  • Scotland saw 9% growth in removals, 7% market share.

The UK removals industry is expanding due to rising house prices and post-pandemic relocations.

Customer Demographics and Behavior

  • 75% of customers booking removals were aged 25-44 in 2023 surveys.
  • 62% of moves were for home purchases, 28% rentals, 10% other in 2023.
  • Average distance moved was 45 miles in 2023, up from 38 miles in 2022.
  • 41% of customers used online quotes, 35% phone, 24% in-person in 2023.
  • Repeat customers accounted for 22% of bookings, loyalty rate up 3%.
  • 55% of moves involved families with children under 18 in 2023.
  • Peak booking month was August with 18% of annual moves in 2023.
  • 68% prioritized cost, 22% reliability, 10% eco-friendliness in choices.
  • Average household size moving was 2.8 people in 2023 data.
  • 29% of customers were first-time movers aged 18-24 in 2023.
  • Satisfaction rate averaged 87% for BAR members vs 76% independents.
  • 47% booked 4-8 weeks in advance, 30% last-minute under 2 weeks.
  • Urban to rural moves rose to 35% of total in 2023 post-pandemic.
  • 52% female-led bookings, up from 48% in 2021.
  • Insurance uptake was 78% of customers, averaging £500 coverage.
  • Referral bookings from friends/family at 31% in 2023.
  • Average spend per move was £1,250 for 3-bedroom homes in 2023.
  • 19% cancelled bookings due to price hikes in 2023.
  • 73% used packing services add-on, costing extra £250 avg.

Customer Demographics and Behavior Interpretation

The UK removals industry is being hauled into a more digital, discerning, and family-focused future, where young adults and growing families are cautiously chasing the dream home—often to greener, more distant pastures—while nervously eyeing the bill and hoping their friends’ recommendations were right.

Employment and Workforce

  • The UK removals workforce totaled 28,500 employees in 2023, up 2.3% from 2022 with 650 new jobs.
  • Average salary for removals operatives was £28,400 annually in 2023, 4% above national minimum.
  • 65% of removals firms employed 5-20 staff in 2023, totaling 12,000 workers in SMEs.
  • Driver shortages affected 42% of companies, leading to 1,200 unfilled positions in 2023.
  • Female workforce in removals rose to 18% or 5,130 employees in 2023 from 15% in 2021.
  • Training investments reached £4.5 million industry-wide in 2023, certifying 3,200 workers.
  • Part-time and gig workers made up 22% of workforce, equating to 6,270 flexible roles.
  • Zero-hour contracts used by 15% of firms, covering 2,100 operatives in 2023.
  • Apprenticeships in removals hit 850 starts in 2023, 3% of total new hires.
  • Overtime hours averaged 12 per week for 55% of full-time staff, adding £15 million in wages.
  • HGV license holders numbered 9,200 in the sector, 32% of workforce in 2023.
  • Turnover rate was 14% industry-wide, with 4,000 leavers replaced in 2023.
  • Self-employed contractors comprised 35% or 9,975 of total workforce in 2023.
  • Diversity training reached 7,500 employees, 26% of workforce in 2023.
  • Average age of removals workers was 42 years in 2023, with 28% under 35.
  • Health and safety certifications held by 92% of 28,500 workers in 2023.
  • Remote admin roles grew to 1,800 jobs, 6% of workforce in 2023.

Employment and Workforce Interpretation

While the UK removals industry is steadily growing and diversifying, its foundation remains precariously balanced on a pallet of driver shortages, high turnover, and an over-reliance on flexible labour, proving that even when you're moving forward, some heavy boxes are still left unpacked.

Market Size and Growth

  • The UK removals industry generated a total revenue of £1.2 billion in 2023, marking a 4.5% increase from 2022 driven by rising house prices and relocations.
  • The market size of the UK domestic removals sector reached £850 million in 2022, accounting for 70% of the total industry turnover.
  • International removals contributed £350 million to the UK industry revenue in 2023, up 6% year-on-year due to post-Brexit adjustments.
  • The overall UK removals market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2024 to 2028, reaching £1.45 billion by 2028.
  • Student and temporary moves accounted for 15% of the £1.2 billion market in 2023, valued at £180 million.
  • Commercial removals segment grew by 5.2% to £250 million in 2023 amid office relocations post-pandemic.
  • The self-storage linked removals market was worth £120 million in 2022, integrated within broader removals services.
  • UK removals industry saw a 2.1% contraction in Q1 2020 due to COVID-19, losing £25 million in revenue.
  • Recovery post-2021 led to £1.1 billion total revenue, with 8% growth from pandemic lows.
  • Piano and specialist item removals niche valued at £45 million in 2023, 3.75% of total market.
  • Pet relocation services within removals hit £30 million in 2023, boosted by family moves.
  • Eco-friendly removals segment grew to £60 million in 2023, 5% of market with green fleet adoption.
  • The UK removals market share held by top 10 firms was 35% in 2023, totaling £420 million.
  • Average annual growth rate 2018-2023 was 2.9% for the sector, reaching £1.2 billion peak.
  • Forecasted inflation-adjusted growth for 2024 at 3.2%, adding £38 million to revenues.
  • Residential removals dominated with £950 million in 2023, 79% market share.
  • Decline in long-distance moves reduced market by 1.5% or £18 million in 2022.
  • Surge in 2023 first-time buyer moves added £75 million to industry totals.
  • Total industry output per ONS data was £1.15 billion in 2022, up from £1.08 billion in 2021.
  • European removals post-Brexit dropped 12% to £120 million in 2023.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

While Brits may fret over interest rates and stamp duty, the removals industry is quietly and steadily cashing in, proving that whether we're buying, selling, or simply storing life's accumulations, the British obsession with moving house remains a billion-pound business on the move.

Operational and Technological Trends

  • Fleet utilization averaged 82% across 15,000 vans/lorries in 2023.
  • GPS tracking adopted by 67% of firms, reducing delays by 15%.
  • Average fuel costs per move rose 22% to £85 in 2023.
  • Electric vehicle adoption reached 12% of fleet, 1,800 units.
  • Online booking platforms used by 58% of customers, speeding quotes by 40%.
  • Damage claims averaged 0.8% of moves, costing £2.5 million total.
  • Average move time for 2-bed flat: 4.2 hours with 2 staff.
  • Warehouse storage utilization at 75%, holding 500,000 sqm space.
  • AI route optimization cut fuel use by 11% in 45% of firms.
  • Insurance premiums averaged £12,000 per firm, up 8%.
  • Crane hire for upper floors used in 14% of moves, costing £450 avg.
  • Recycling rates for packing materials hit 65% industry avg.
  • Night moves comprised 8% of jobs, premium 25% higher.
  • Forklift certifications held by 65% of warehouse staff.
  • Customer portals for tracking used by 52% large firms.
  • Breakdown incidents down 7% to 2,100 calls via AA/RAC.
  • Packing material costs per move: £120, up 10%.
  • Multi-drop efficiency improved 18% with software in 2023.
  • Compliance with GDPR at 94% for customer data handling.
  • Average vehicle age 5.2 years, with 22% under 3 years.

Operational and Technological Trends Interpretation

Despite the industry's admirable strides in technology and efficiency—from GPS-tracked fleets humming at 82% utilization to AI cutting fuel use—the relentless rise of every cost from fuel to insurance proves that moving your life across the UK is now a masterclass in logistical brilliance performed on a financial tightrope.

Regional and Competitive Landscape

  • London firms handled 28% of national moves in 2023.
  • South East England accounted for 22% of industry revenue, £264 million.
  • Scotland saw 9% growth in removals, 7% market share.
  • Top 50 firms controlled 40% market in England, 25% Scotland.
  • Wales removals market £45 million, 3.8% national share.
  • Northern Ireland firms numbered 450, employing 2,200.
  • Manchester area 12% of North West moves, £110 million.
  • Rural areas saw 15% higher demand per capita than urban.
  • BAR members density highest in London at 35 per 100k pop.
  • Birmingham removals grew 5.5% to £65 million revenue.
  • Edinburgh dominated Scottish market with 28% share.
  • Competitive density: 1 firm per 12,000 pop in South East.
  • Liverpool port boosted international moves by 10%.
  • Yorkshire & Humber 8% national revenue, £96 million.
  • Independents held 65% market outside London.
  • Bristol South West hub grew 7% in moves.
  • East Anglia low competition, 1 firm per 18k pop.
  • Glasgow firms averaged £2.1m turnover each.
  • Midlands dominated by 5 major players at 32% share.
  • North East England slowest growth at 1.2%, £50m total.

Regional and Competitive Landscape Interpretation

London may be the heavyweight champion handling over a quarter of the nation's moves, but the real story is a patchwork quilt of fiercely independent operators outside the capital, with rural areas quietly moving more per person and regional hubs like Manchester and Bristol punching impressively above their weight.

Sources & References

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