MOVING DAY5 MIN READ
Crew size is the single biggest determinant of how long move day takes. Undershoot and you're loading at 9pm. Overshoot and you're paying for people standing around.
Typical UK crew sizes
| Property | Crew | Lorry | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed flat | 2 | 7.5-tonne | 3–4 hours |
| 2-bed flat / small house | 2 | 7.5-tonne | 4–5 hours |
| 3-bed house | 3 | 12-tonne | 5–7 hours |
| 4-bed house | 3–4 | 12 or 18-tonne | 6–9 hours |
| 5-bed / 6-bed house | 4–5 | 18-tonne + second lorry | 8–10 hours |
When you need one extra person
- Second-floor flat with no lift
- Long carry (more than 30m from door to lorry)
- Very cluttered property, especially loft-full
- Piano, safe or American fridge in the load
- Move day starts after 10am (compressed timeline)
Why more crew often costs the same
Removals firms price the job, not the crew hours. Adding one person often means finishing in 5 hours instead of 8. The lorry, diesel and coordination costs are the same either way. This is why fixed pricing beats hourly pricing.
The two-person minimum
No house move should ever be done by one person. Lone workers can't safely carry sofas, dismantle wardrobes, or protect the lorry while loading. If a firm quotes you a solo mover, walk away.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
- How many movers do I need for a 3-bedroom house?
- Three movers with a 12-tonne lorry. A 3-bed house typically takes 5–7 hours with a 3-person crew, versus 8–10 hours with just two people. The extra crew member usually costs nothing extra because the lorry and coordination are the same.
- How many movers do I need for a 2-bed flat?
- Two movers with a 7.5-tonne lorry. Typical time 4–5 hours. Add a third if you're on the second floor without a lift, or if there's a long carry from door to lorry.
- Is it cheaper to use fewer movers?
- No. Fixed-price quotes are based on the job, not headcount. A 3-bed house with 2 movers takes 8+ hours; the same job with 3 movers takes 5–6 hours. The lorry and diesel cost the same either way, so more crew usually costs about the same total.
Planning a move? Get a fixed price today.
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