Removal companies Southampton and Portsmouth 2027
Southampton and Portsmouth together form one of the South Coast's most important urban areas, each with its own character. Southampton is a major port and commercial city, while Portsmouth is a historic naval city built largely on Portsea Island. A 3-bedroom local move in Southampton or Portsmouth typically costs £800 to £1,400 with a professional removal company, according to Pickfords move data 2026, although access issues on Portsea Island and around the waterfronts can add time to some moves.
This guide explains what removals cost in 2027, how to choose removal companies in Southampton and Portsmouth, local access issues, storage options and what each city is like to live in.
About Southampton and Portsmouth: What to know before you move
House prices in Southampton and Portsmouth
According to the ONS and HM Land Registry UK House Price Index for July 2026 (provisional):
| City | Average house price | Annual change | First-time buyer average |
|---|
| Southampton | £236,000 | Up 2.4% | £210,000 |
| Portsmouth | £251,000 | Up 1.3% | £232,000 |
Both cities are cheaper than much of Hampshire, which makes them popular with first-time buyers priced out of nearby towns such as Winchester.
Distance from London
Southampton is roughly 80 miles from London by road (around two hours via the M3), and fast trains from London Waterloo take around 1 hour 20 minutes. Portsmouth is roughly 75 miles from London by road (around two hours via the A3), with direct trains from Waterloo taking around 1 hour 40 minutes.
Things to do in Southampton and Portsmouth
- Visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose Museum.
- Climb the Spinnaker Tower at Gunwharf Quays for views across the Solent.
- Walk the Southsea seafront and visit Southsea Castle.
- Explore Southampton's medieval city walls, the SeaCity Museum and Ocean Village marina.
- Take the ferry to the Isle of Wight or head into the New Forest, both within easy reach.
Who Southampton and Portsmouth are ideal for
Both cities suit students (the University of Southampton, Solent University and the University of Portsmouth), people working in maritime, defence, logistics and the cruise industry, first-time buyers looking for value on the South Coast, and anyone who wants seaside living within reach of London.
Removal companies Southampton: What to look for
Southampton moves often involve modern apartments around Ocean Village and the waterfront, student houses in Portswood and family homes in areas such as Bassett and Chilworth. When choosing removal companies in Southampton:
- Check membership: British Association of Removers members must meet standards on insurance, financial protection and customer service.
- Get a survey: a home or video survey gives you an accurate, fixed quote.
- Ask about apartment access: waterfront developments often need lift bookings and set moving hours.
- Plan around permit zones: Portswood and Shirley have permit parking that needs advance suspension.
- Confirm insurance in writing: goods-in-transit and public liability cover.
Removal companies Portsmouth: What to look for
Removal companies in Portsmouth, Hampshire, need to plan around Portsea Island's limited road access, busy approaches on the M275 and A3 and the narrow Victorian terraces of Southsea and Old Portsmouth. When comparing quotes:
- Ask how the company handles island access: experienced crews plan arrival times to avoid peak congestion.
- Check vehicle size: smaller vehicles or a shuttle service may be needed on narrow streets.
- Ask about Gunwharf Quays and waterfront apartments: many have restricted moving hours and lift booking rules.
- Compare like for like: each quote should include VAT, packing, parking suspensions and storage if needed.
Our guide to removal costs in the UK explains how quotes are built.
What affects removal costs in Southampton and Portsmouth?
Removal costs are driven by the same core variables whether you are moving locally or arriving from another UK city:
- Property size
- Distance
- Volume of belongings
- Access and parking
- Time of year
- Day of the week
- Additional services
- Insurance
Access note for Southampton and Portsmouth: Portsea Island's geography creates a constrained urban environment, with a small number of main road routes on and off the island and frequent peak-hour congestion. Southsea and Old Portsmouth have narrow Victorian terraces where large removal vans may struggle to park close to properties. Portsmouth operates a class B Clean Air Zone, which charges non-compliant taxis, buses, coaches and HGVs; private cars and vans are not charged. Central Southampton has restricted loading zones, the Eastern Docks area and waterfront developments have controlled access, and parts of Portswood and Shirley have permit parking that requires advance suspension.
Removal service options in Southampton and Portsmouth
Professional removal companies
A full-service removal company provides a trained crew, an appropriately sized vehicle, goods-in-transit insurance, protective equipment and structured management of your moving day. Optional extras including packing, dismantling and storage can be added as required. For moves into Southampton and Portsmouth from another UK city, a professional company with local knowledge of the area is particularly valuable.
Best for: larger homes (3 or more bedrooms), long distance moves, families with specialist or high-value items and anyone who wants a fully managed move.
Man and a van
A man and a van service provides a driver, a helper and a van sized to your load. It is more flexible and usually cheaper than a full-service company, making it a practical option for smaller moves. Quality and insurance cover vary between operators, so always check both before booking.
Best for: studios, 1 to 2 bedroom flats, student moves, single large items and local moves within or close to Southampton and Portsmouth.
DIY van hire
Hiring a van and managing the move yourself is the lowest direct-cost option. You are responsible for packing, loading, driving and unloading. Standard van hire policies cover the vehicle but not your contents, so check your home insurance for transit cover or buy it separately.
Best for: very small moves, students with few possessions and short local distances within Southampton and Portsmouth where a single trip is feasible.
Estimated removal costs in Southampton and Portsmouth (2027)
Local moves within Southampton and Portsmouth
| Property size | Professional company | DIY van hire |
|---|
| 1-bedroom flat | £400 to £700 | £100 to £200 per day |
| 2-bedroom house | £600 to £1,000 | £100 to £200 per day |
| 3-bedroom house | £800 to £1,400 | £100 to £200 per day |
| 4 to 5-bedroom house | £1,000 to £1,800 | £100 to £200 per day |
Source: Pickfords move data 2026. Full-service moves including packing typically cost £900 to £1,500 for a 1-bedroom flat and £1,450 to £2,800 for a 3-bedroom house.
Long distance moves to Southampton and Portsmouth
| Route | Typical range | Notes |
|---|
| London to Southampton (approx. 80 miles) | £900 to £1,800 | Based on 2-bed long distance rate |
| London to Portsmouth (approx. 75 miles) | £900 to £1,800 | Based on 2-bed long distance rate |
Source: Pickfords move data 2026.
Additional costs to factor in
- Parking suspensions in Southsea, Portswood and Shirley: temporary suspension of resident parking bays can cost between £20 and £50 per bay.
- Peak-hour congestion on Portsea Island: may add time to a move. Plan outside peak hours where possible.
- Narrow Victorian terraces: confirm vehicle size with your removal company when requesting a quote.
- Full packing service: adds to the overall cost. Confirm when requesting a quote.
Self storage and student storage in Southampton
Storage helps when completion dates do not line up, when you are downsizing or when you need somewhere to keep belongings between tenancies. Pickfords self storage starts from £18 including VAT, with 24/7 access at selected facilities.
- Quick access storage: container storage and traditional self storage units suit short stays.
- Long-term storage: drive-up self storage suits longer stays and larger furniture.
- Student storage in Southampton: students at the University of Southampton and Solent University often store belongings over the summer instead of taking everything home. See our student self storage options.
Choose a secure facility to keep your belongings safe at all times.
How to reduce your removal costs in Southampton and Portsmouth
- Declutter before requesting quotes: every item you remove reduces your volume and potentially your vehicle size.
- Pack non-fragile items yourself: professional packing adds to the cost of a move. Goods-in-transit insurance does not cover owner-packed goods, as the contents have not been packed by a trained professional.
- Book early: six to eight weeks in advance for local moves and eight to twelve weeks for long distance moves. Last-minute slots carry a premium and availability is limited.
- Move mid-week: Tuesday and Wednesday are consistently the most competitively priced days for removals.
- Avoid peak summer months: January to March and October to November offer the most competitive rates.
- Check parking early: research permit requirements for your Southampton and Portsmouth street before your move date.
- Follow a plan: our moving house checklist keeps every task in order, and our guide on who to inform when moving house covers councils, utilities and banks.
Moving to Southampton and Portsmouth from abroad
If you are moving internationally to Southampton and Portsmouth, your shipment will arrive at a UK port or airport before being transferred by road. An experienced international removals company will manage customs clearance, port handling and final delivery to your Southampton and Portsmouth address as part of a door-to-door service.
- Customs: personal belongings can usually be brought in free of import duty and VAT under Transfer of Residence relief, provided you meet the conditions set by HMRC (including how long you have owned and used the items). Your removal company can help you apply.
- Insurance: comprehensive all-risk cover is strongly recommended for intercontinental moves.
- Storage: if your Southampton and Portsmouth property is not ready on arrival, short-term storage bridges the gap. Pickfords self storage starts from £18 including VAT.
- Final delivery: delivery within Southampton and Portsmouth is typically included in a door-to-door quote, but confirm access arrangements at your new address in advance.
Frequently asked questions
- How much do removals cost in Southampton and Portsmouth?
A 3-bedroom house move within Southampton or Portsmouth typically costs £800 to £1,400 with a professional removal company. Source: Pickfords move data 2026.
- Is it harder to move into Portsmouth because of the island's geography?
Access to Portsea Island is limited and peak-hour traffic on the M275 and A3 approaches can cause delays. Moving mid-morning on a weekday avoids the worst congestion, and some removal companies factor island access into their quotes.
- Are waterfront and marina properties more expensive to move into?
They can be. Developments at Ocean Village in Southampton and around Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth often have restricted vehicle access, lift booking rules and limited moving hours, which can add time. Contact building management early and pass the details to your removal company.
- Should I use a man and a van in Portsmouth?
For a studio or 1-bedroom flat with good access, a man and a van can be a practical option. For narrow streets in Southsea or Old Portsmouth, or properties above the first floor, a professional company with local experience is more practical.
- Does the Portsmouth Clean Air Zone affect removal vans?
Portsmouth's Clean Air Zone is class B, so it charges non-compliant taxis, buses, coaches and HGVs. Vans and private cars are not charged, but check the latest rules on Portsmouth City Council's website before moving day.
- Where can students store belongings in Southampton?
Self storage is a simple option for students between tenancies or over the summer. Pickfords offers student self storage, with prices from £18 including VAT.
- How far are Southampton and Portsmouth from London?
Southampton is about 80 miles from London and Portsmouth about 75 miles. Both are roughly a two hour drive, and direct trains from London Waterloo take between around 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 40 minutes.
Plan your move to Southampton and Portsmouth with Pickfords
Moving to Southampton and Portsmouth is straightforward when you plan ahead and understand the local access considerations. Pickfords has over 400 years of experience and is a member of the British Association of Removers, which means you can expect the high standards set by the UK's leading trade association. Our team will give you expert guidance and a tailored, no-obligation quote, whether you need a local move, a long distance move or a full service including packing and storage.
Request a free quote for your upcoming move to Southampton and Portsmouth and speak to our move manager team today.