There is no single price for a London office move, and any firm that quotes one over the phone is guessing. Office relocation costs are built from a few levers, office size, building access, timing, IT and packing, and the reliable number comes from a survey of both premises, not a per-desk rate. This guide breaks down exactly what pushes the price up or down so you can brief it accurately and compare quotes properly. For the service itself, see our office removals service.
What drives an office move’s cost
- Size of the office. Headcount and desk numbers set the crew size and how many vehicles you need. A 10-person open-plan floor and a 50-person business over two floors are very different jobs.
- Access at both buildings. Goods lift or passenger lift only? Loading bay or street parking? Narrow corridors, long carries, a listed building with no trolley access? Access is usually the biggest swing factor, because it is really about time.
- Timing. Evening and weekend moves cost more in crew rates but save the business a full trading day. For many offices the downtime saved outweighs the after-hours premium.
- IT and equipment. Servers, monitors and specialist kit need careful handling. Some businesses use their own IT team to disconnect and reconnect; others need the crew to pack and transport it.
- Packing. Full professional packing is faster and reduces breakages but adds to the bill. Partial packing, where staff box personal items and the crew handles common areas and IT, is the middle ground. See Pack and Move.
- Storage. If the new premises are not ready when you vacate the old one, short-term storage bridges the gap.
- Disposal or donation. Old desks, chairs and filing cabinets that are not coming with you have to go somewhere. Disposal adds cost, though some charities collect usable furniture free.
Office size and what changes with it
This is a planning guide by size, not a price list. The actual figure depends on the access and timing factors above, which is why a survey matters.
| Office size | Typical crew and vehicles | Typical duration | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 10 desks | Small crew, one van | Half to full day | Straightforward access, minimal IT |
| 11 to 30 desks | 2 to 3 vans | Full day | Possible out-of-hours, IT handling |
| 31 to 75 desks | Multiple vehicles | Full day or phased | IT packing, crates, possible storage |
| 76 or more desks | Project-managed team | Possibly multi-day | Full packing, phased departments, building coordination |
The London-specific costs
London office moves carry charges that most other UK cities do not.
- ULEZ and the Congestion Charge. Any removals vehicle entering the ULEZ, which now covers all of Greater London, pays the daily charge, and the Congestion Charge applies in the central zone on weekdays. MET Removals includes both in the fixed-price quote, so they are built in, not added on the day.
- Parking suspensions. On many London streets the only way to guarantee kerb space for the van is a bay suspension through the borough. Costs vary by borough, roughly £25 to £120 per bay per day plus an admin fee, with about 7 to 10 working days’ notice, for example Newham at £23 per bay per day, Hackney at £35 per space per day, Redbridge at £55, and Waltham Forest with a £120 application fee. We advise on whether one is needed for your address.
- Loading bay windows. Buildings in the City, Canary Wharf and modern developments usually have designated loading bays with time slots, so the move is planned around them, sometimes an early start or a split day.
- Building management. Managed buildings often require lift bookings, floor protection and out-of-hours access arranged in advance, each adding coordination time.
Out-of-hours moves: the real trade-off
Evening and weekend moves cost more in crew rates, but the comparison that matters is against lost productivity. A 30-desk office moving on a normal working day loses a day of output across the whole team, a real cost that never shows on the removals invoice. For many businesses the after-hours premium is smaller than a day of downtime. We offer out-of-hours commercial moves, so when you compare quotes, ask each firm whether out-of-hours is available and what the actual premium is rather than assuming it is unaffordable.
What to prepare before you request a quote
- Count the desks and floors, and note any stairs or unusual access.
- Note the access: loading bay or street parking, goods lift or passenger lift only, and any building booking requirements.
- Identify what is not moving, the old furniture and redundant IT that needs disposal.
- Fix the dates, or at least the window. Out-of-hours slots book up.
- Decide on packing: full, partial or crew-only. If unsure, ask for a quote both ways.
- Check the new building’s requirements, and get a contact there who can confirm access.
With those ready, a quote takes minutes and comes back quickly.
FAQs
How much does an office move in London cost?
There is no flat rate, because the price is built from office size, access at both buildings, timing, IT complexity and whether packing is included. That is why a proper survey, by video call or site visit, gives an accurate figure rather than a phone estimate. Use the cost drivers above to brief it well, then get it quoted.
Does the quote include ULEZ and the Congestion Charge?
With MET Removals, yes. Fixed-price quotes include ULEZ, fuel, the Congestion Charge where it applies, and stair carries, with nothing added on the day. When comparing other firms, ask directly, because it is not consistent across the market.
Are out-of-hours office moves worth the premium?
Often, yes. The after-hours rate is usually smaller than the cost of losing a full working day across your team. We offer evening and weekend moves so you can weigh the two.
Do we need a parking suspension for a London office move?
Frequently, on controlled or busy streets. It is booked through the borough with about 7 to 10 working days’ notice, and we advise on whether your address needs one and arrange it as part of the move.
Can we move in stages instead of all at once?
Yes. For larger offices a phased move by department reduces disruption. It usually costs more in total than a single operation but preserves more working days, so mention it when you enquire and the quote can reflect it.
Plan your London office relocation
MET Removals covers office moves across East London, Essex, and North, South and West London, run by three brothers, Michael, Ethan and Troy, rated 5.0 stars from 161 Google reviews, with out-of-hours moves available and fixed-price quotes that include ULEZ, fuel and stair charges. Request a quote for your office move or call 07919 037695.
