Long distance removals guide: moving anywhere in the UK
What is a long distance removal?
A long distance removal is any move where the journey between your old and new home is a significant drive — typically moving to another region of the UK, such as from West Yorkshire to London, the South Coast, the Midlands, Scotland or Wales. These moves need more planning than local removals: driving time, rest breaks, arrival times and key collection all have to line up.
Friends Logists UK is based in Bradford and carries out removals to and from anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We use a dedicated vehicle and the same crew from start to finish.
Dedicated van vs part load: what's the difference?
| Dedicated removal (our standard) | Part load / shared load | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Your belongings only | Shared with other customers' goods |
| Timing | Travels straight to your new home on your date | Delivery date depends on other customers' routes |
| Handling | Same crew loads and unloads | Goods may be transferred between vehicles or depots |
| Best for | Most house moves and anyone with fixed dates | Small loads with very flexible dates |
If budget is your priority and your dates are flexible, ask us — we'll always suggest the most economical way to move you.
Popular long distance routes
We regularly move customers between Yorkshire and every corner of the UK. Common routes include Bradford and Leeds to London and the Home Counties, West Yorkshire to Manchester and Liverpool, moves to Birmingham and the Midlands, Newcastle and the North East, Bristol and the South West, Cardiff and South Wales, and Edinburgh and Glasgow. We also move customers into Yorkshire from all of these areas.
How a long distance move day works
- Early start or day-before loading — for longer journeys we often load the afternoon before, so we can set off early on moving day.
- Direct travel — your belongings travel straight to your new address with planned rest stops for the crew.
- Arrival planned around your keys — we agree an arrival window that matches your key collection time.
- Unloading and reassembly — furniture is placed in the right rooms and anything dismantled is rebuilt.
Very long or very large moves may be spread over two days, with your belongings kept secure overnight — we'll explain the plan clearly in your quote.
What affects the cost of a long distance removal?
- Distance and driving time, including fuel and any tolls or congestion charges.
- Volume of belongings, which determines the size of vehicle and number of crew.
- Access at both addresses — stairs, lifts, parking and distance from the van.
- Overnight or two-day moves, where required.
- Extras such as packing and storage.
Once agreed, your price is fixed — no surprise mileage charges on the day.
Tips for moving to another part of the UK
- Research parking rules at your new address — some cities require a parking suspension or permit for a removal vehicle.
- Register with a new GP and dentist, and update your council tax and electoral roll with your new council.
- Pack a bag for the first night as if you were travelling, in case you arrive late.
- If your new home isn't ready, use storage rather than paying for two moves.
Please note: moves to and from Northern Ireland involve a ferry crossing and are quoted individually. We don't currently offer removals to the Scottish islands, Europe or overseas.