Best Removal Companies in Reading

How do I choose a removal company in Reading?

When you compare removal quotes in Reading, it’s essential to start by reviewing feedback from other local movers. Look for companies with positive testimonials and a solid reputation in the Reading area, especially those experienced with navigating its mix of residential streets, town centre restrictions, and nearby rural access.

See if they offer a home survey before the move. This allows them to assess the quantity and size of objects they need to move, essential for providing an accurate and transparent quote. Given Reading’s variety of housing types, from terrace homes in East Reading to larger properties in Caversham, this step is especially helpful.

Be sure to review their insurance coverage and understand each moving company’s payment options and clarify how they handle potential delays on moving day, something that can be more common in Reading due to traffic around the A33, IDR, or Reading Station..

The firm you choose should be vetted by the Ombudsman. All firms on reallymoving are fully vetted, so you can confidently compare up to 6 quotes from our Reading based removal partners to ensure you find the right company for your needs.

How do Reading removal companies work?

Removal companies in Reading are responsible for safely transporting your belongings from your current home to your new one, whether you’re relocating within the town, to nearby villages like Tilehurst or Sonning, or even further afield. They handle everything from boxed items to bulky furniture, and many offer packing services too, ideal if you want help protecting delicate items during transit.

In Reading, with its combination of urban flats, Victorian terraces, and detached homes on the outskirts, it’s especially helpful to use a removal company familiar with the local road network and any potential access challenges, such as parking restrictions in the town centre or narrow lanes in surrounding areas.

Bear in mind that removal companies will generally not transport hazardous or restricted items, including anything flammable, corrosive, or explosive. This also includes gases, radioactive substances, or poisons. Be sure to discuss any unusual items with your chosen company ahead of time to avoid surprises on moving day.

The length of time a removals company takes to move your belongings is dependent on the number of rooms and items they have to move. For example, a 2-bedroom flat in Central Reading may take 6–7 hours whereas a larger 4+ bedroom property in areas like Caversham Heights or Earley could require 10–12 hours or more.

Some firms may also offer disassembly services for larger pieces of furniture or more delicate items if needed. It’s recommended to request this in advance to ensure the removal company are prepared on the day.

Some removal companies offer storage options if you have items that cannot be moved on the day. Many will also have pre-existing relationships with storage companies, if they don’t have their own storage facilities, and might be able to offer a deal for using one they are partnered with. This can be a great option if there’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates. Make sure to ask about this while requesting quotes, many companies can offer package deals if storage is required.

What is included in the cost of removals?

The cost of removals in Reading depends on whether you're managing the move yourself, hiring a local man with a van, or working with a professional removals company familiar with the area. With Reading’s mix of town-centre flats, period homes in Caversham, and family houses in suburbs like Earley and Woodley, pricing can vary based on property type, location, and ease of access.

Based on our moving home data from February 2025, here’s what you can expect to pay depending on property size:

• The average moving cost of a 1 bedroom house is £485
• The average moving cost of a 2 bedroom house is £626
• The average moving cost of a 3 bedroom house is £939
• The average removals cost of a 4 bedroom house is £1,310
• The average removals cost for a 5 bedroom house is £1,745

While these figures serve as a useful benchmark, local conditions in Reading—like limited parking around the town centre or narrow residential roads in areas like Lower Earley, can influence the final cost. Additionally, the distance of your move, especially if you're relocating from Reading to London, Oxford, or beyond, will also impact pricing.

The price of the move is not only dependent on the size of the property, but also on the distance you're moving. Moving services will typically include; loading and unloading, transportation, basic furniture handling, and basic insurance coverage.

Additional costs may include:

• Packing costs, e.g. materials, packing services, and unpacking services
• Specialised services, e.g. fragile packing, dismantling and re-assembly, and specialised equipment for pianos/antiques
• Third-party services, e.g. removal and plumbing of appliances or carpet/curtain removal
• Storage costs
• Removals insurance costs

Mid-weekdays, especially Tuesdays, are often cheaper, as demand is lower. While this can vary, it’s worth asking your moving company if discounts apply for quieter days.

Book your removal company 4–6 weeks in advance, especially in high-demand periods like the summer or around Reading Festival time, to ensure availability and secure better rates.

Is it worth using a removals company in Reading?

It is always worth using a removals company to transport your belongings, especially if you’re moving valuable, bulky, or numerous items. Whether you're relocating from a flat near Reading Station or a larger home in the suburbs like Caversham or Earley, professional movers can ensure your belongings are transported safely, efficiently, and with less stress.

Professionals are trained in safe transportation and packing of fragile items, minimising the risk of damage to your belongings and your new or old home. Navigating Reading’s busy roads, narrow streets, and occasional parking restrictions, particularly in the town centre, requires planning. Local removal firms are familiar with these challenges and can plan routes, parking, and access in advance.

Reputable removal companies will also be insured if any of your items are damaged during the move. This peace of mind is particularly valuable for high-value or sentimental items.

Home removal companies work under a governing body called the British Association of Removers (BAR). BAR members must adhere to particular rules that dictate the standards of service customers will receive. 

Hiring a removal team allows you to focus on other parts of your move, like changing schools, setting up utilities, or handling paperwork, without the physical and logistical stress of packing and transporting everything yourself.

Whether you're moving across Reading or to a new town entirely, a professional removals service can make the process smoother, safer, and less overwhelming.