Single Item Delivery Cost: Sofa, Fridge and Furniture
What single-item delivery typically costs in the UK for sofas, fridges, beds and wardrobes, and how to book it without paying for more than you need.
You bought a second-hand sofa from a marketplace listing, or a fridge-freezer is being sold three towns away. You do not need a removal firm, just someone with a van who can collect and drop it safely. That is single-item delivery, and the pricing is different from a house move.
How single-item jobs are priced
Most providers use one of three models:
- Fixed price by item and distance. Common for sofas and wardrobes.
- Hourly with a minimum. One hour minimum is frequent, two hours in busy areas.
- Per-mile charge plus base fee. Often a base of £30 to £50 plus a few pounds a mile.
Typical totals for a same-city job are around £40 to £100. Cross-county trips of 50 miles or more are often £100 to £250, and longer trips rise further. London and the South East are generally higher.
Typical prices by item
These are rough ranges, not quotes.
| Item | Typical local price |
|---|---|
| Armchair or small table | £35 to £70 |
| Two-seat sofa | £45 to £90 |
| Corner sofa or large three-seater | £60 to £130 |
| Fridge-freezer or washing machine | £50 to £100 |
| Double bed and mattress | £60 to £120 |
| Wardrobe, assembled | £60 to £130 |
Add extra if stairs are involved or the item has to be taken apart.
What to tell the provider
A short message with the right details gets you a better price and avoids arguments on the day:
- Size. Height, width and depth, especially for sofas.
- Weight. Appliances and solid wood furniture are heavy.
- Access at both ends. Floors, lifts, narrow hallways, steps to the door.
- Whether help is needed. One person cannot safely carry a large sofa alone.
- Photos. Ideally of the item and the entrance.
Our guide on moving a sofa through tight doors goes into measuring.
Checking the item before it travels
If you are buying, check it before paying and before it is loaded. For electricals, confirm it is disconnected and drained properly. Appliances should travel upright where possible. If you are not sure, read moving appliances: washing machines and fridges.
Protecting the item and your home
- Ask whether blankets and straps are provided.
- Measure doorways and stairs at the destination as well as the pickup.
- Clear a path and protect floors.
- Take photos of the item before it is loaded, so any later issue is documented.
Is it worth sharing a van?
Some providers combine jobs on a route, which can lower the price in return for a wider time window. This is worth asking about if you are not in a rush.
Avoiding common problems
Two of the most frequent issues are a sofa that does not fit through the door and a provider arriving alone when two people were needed. Both are avoided by giving accurate measurements and stating clearly if a second person is required.
On Compito you can describe the item and both postcodes in a request, compare ID-verified local providers, and message them directly about access before you accept an offer.
A worked example
You have bought a three-seater sofa 15 miles away. The provider quotes a base fee, a mileage charge and a short time for loading. One person, 15 miles each way and a ground-floor pickup might come in around £60 to £100. If the sofa is on a third floor with no lift, and needs a second person, the same job could reach £120 to £180 because of the extra labour and time. Telling the provider about the stairs up front gets you the accurate price.
One person or two?
| Item | Usually one person | Usually two people |
|---|---|---|
| Armchair | Yes, with care | If stairs are involved |
| Two-seater sofa | Often borderline | Recommended |
| Fridge-freezer | No | Yes, with a trolley |
| Washing machine | Sometimes, with a trolley | Yes, especially on stairs |
| Double wardrobe | No | Yes |
| Mattress | Yes | If flights of stairs or tight turns |
If you are unsure, assume two. Moving heavy items alone is how injuries and damage happen.
Common mistakes
- Not mentioning stairs or a lift
- Forgetting to ask whether the seller will help with loading
- Booking a van that is too small
- Not checking the collection time with the seller
- Paying the seller before you have inspected the item
Buying second-hand safely
Meet in daylight if possible, check the item matches the description and be sure it will fit at home. Keep payment and messages traceable. Do not hand over money until you have seen the item, and do not let a seller rush you.
Getting a better price
Flexible timing, a shared van and a short route all reduce the cost. Combining several items into one trip is cheaper than separate deliveries, see how much a man and van costs.
Frequently asked questions
Can a man and van pick up from a shop or marketplace seller?
Yes, as long as you give the pickup address and the seller is aware. Having the seller's contact details helps, and you should be present or arrange access.
Do I need to be home for delivery?
Someone needs to let the provider in and show where it should go. If nobody is available, agree the plan in advance and in writing.
What if the item is damaged on the way?
Photograph it, tell the provider straight away and check their terms. See how to make a removals damage claim.
Is it cheaper to hire a van myself?
Possibly, for a short trip, but you need to be able to drive it, load safely and have help. Once you add fuel, cover and a helper, the saving may be small.