Removals company invoice template
A worked example for removals companies in the transport and logistics category, with 2026 prices and the VAT rules that apply.
A removals company invoice should show a unique invoice number, your name and address, the client's details, the date, each item of work with its price, and the total due. Removals companies typically ask for payment on receipt and take a 20% deposit. VAT at 20% is added only if you are VAT registered.
Example removals company invoice
Dated 1 October 2026 with payment due on receipt and a 20% deposit already received. Names and prices are fictional.
Invoice
INV-0042
From
P. Reid
Removals company
43 Castle Street
Bristol
BS1 3DE
Bill to
Brightwater Marketing Ltd
2nd Floor, 15 Queen Street
Manchester
M2 5HX
- Invoice date
- 1 October 2026
- Due date
- On receipt
- Terms
- Payment on receipt
- Reference
- Removals company work, October 2026
| Description | Qty | Unit price | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| House move, 3 bed to 3 bed, 2 vans and 3 staff, Friday 2 October | 1 day | £890.00 | 20% | £890.00 |
| Packing service, day before, 2 packers | 1 day | £380.00 | 20% | £380.00 |
| Packing materials: 40 boxes, tape, paper and bubble wrap | 1 lot | £145.00 | 20% | £145.00 |
| Overnight storage of part load | 1 night | £60.00 | 20% | £60.00 |
- Subtotal
- £1,475.00
- VAT at 20%
- £295.00
- Total
- £1,770.00
- Less deposit received (20%)
- -£354.00
- Balance due
- £1,416.00
Typical rates for removals companies
Guide figures for 2026. Rates vary by region and experience; the VAT figures come from the 2026-27 tax year data.
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Typical hourly rate | £45 to £90 |
| Typical day rate | £380 to £900 |
| Payment terms | On receipt |
| Deposit | 20% up front |
| VAT flat rate sector | Transport or storage, including couriers, freight, removals and taxis (10%) |
| VAT registration threshold | £90,000 taxable turnover in 12 months |
How do removals companies usually invoice?
Removals companies quote a fixed price for the move after a survey or video call, take a deposit of around 20% to secure the date and collect the balance on or before moving day, usually by card on completion. Packing, materials and storage are listed as separate lines. The invoice names the collection and delivery addresses and the date because the price is specific to that job.
Removals companies in this example are paid on receipt, after a 20% deposit taken before the work starts. Hourly rates run from £45 to £90. A full day is typically £380 to £900.
What should a removals company put on an invoice?
Beyond the legal basics, removals companies should:
- Put the collection and delivery addresses, the date and the crew and van count on the invoice.
- Invoice the deposit when the date is booked and credit it on the final invoice.
- List packing, materials and storage separately from the move itself.
- State the waiting time rate in case completion is delayed, and charge it as a separate line if used.
Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:
- a unique, sequential invoice number
- your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
- the client’s name and address
- the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
- a clear description of each item of work or goods
- the amount due and when it must be paid
- your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered
Do removals companies charge VAT?
Removals are standard rated at 20% once you are VAT registered, which is compulsory above £90,000 turnover; most firms with a van and two staff cross it. Below the threshold you charge no VAT. Moves to or from outside the UK have their own place of supply rules, so check before invoicing an international job.
On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for removals companies is usually “Transport or storage, including couriers, freight, removals and taxis” at 10% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.
Source: GOV.UK: Invoicing and taking payment from customers; GOV.UK: VAT Flat Rate Scheme, how much you pay. Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
- How much do removals companies charge?
- A local three bedroom house move is £600 to £1,200 in 2026 with two or three staff, with packing adding £250 to £500 and long distance moves priced per mile and per day. Hourly rates of £45 to £90 for a van and two staff apply to small moves. Storage is charged per week or per container.
- Should removals be paid before or after the move?
- Most firms take a deposit on booking and the balance on moving day, either before loading or by card on completion. Chasing after a move is hard because the customer has just spent a great deal, so settle on the day. Business clients pay on invoice within 14 or 30 days.
- Do removals companies charge VAT?
- Yes at 20% once registered, and a firm with a van and two staff usually passes £90,000. Domestic customers cannot reclaim it, so quote prices including VAT. The flat rate sector for removals is transport at 10%.
More transport and logistics templates
- Courier invoice template
- Van driver invoice template
- Taxi driver invoice template
- Driving instructor invoice template
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- Car valeter invoice template
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Cite this page: “Removals company invoice template”, SoleKit, https://solekit.co.uk/invoice-template/removals