Short answer: the extra you are most likely to need is stairs. A third of our moves include at least one flight. Mileage, ULEZ or Congestion Charge fees, packing materials and heavy items like American fridges are much rarer, each turning up on fewer than 1 in 15 jobs. Here is what we see across more than 22,200 completed jobs, and how to plan for each one.
How often each extra is added
| Extra | Share of jobs |
|---|---|
| Flights of stairs (either address) | 33% |
| Stairs at both addresses | 13% |
| Mileage (longer-distance moves) | 6% |
| Boxes and packing materials | 5% |
| Extra hours on the day | 3% |
| Travelling with the van | 2% |
| Congestion Charge or ULEZ | 2% |
| American-style fridge freezer | 1% |
Stairs
Stairs are the most common extra because carrying items up and down takes longer and needs more care. On a two-mover Luton van job, moves with stairs had a median total of £320 in our records, compared with £283 for moves without. On a one-mover medium van job, it was £140 against £120.
Tip: tell us the floor and whether there is a lift at both addresses when you book. Declaring stairs up front means the right crew size is sent and there are no surprises on the day.
Mileage and long-distance moves
Most moves are local and the hourly rate covers the drive. Mileage was added to about 6% of jobs, usually moves between towns or cities. These jobs naturally cost more: their median total was £377 against £192 for jobs without mileage, because they are also longer and bigger moves. For long-distance moves, see our guide to nationwide removals.
Congestion Charge and ULEZ
If your move starts or ends inside a charging zone, the daily charge is passed on at cost. Even though about 45% of our moves are in London postcodes, only around 2% of jobs needed a Congestion Charge or ULEZ line. We confirm whether any charge applies when you book.
Packing materials
About 5% of customers add boxes, bubble wrap or a materials bundle. If you are short on boxes, ordering them with the booking is usually easier than sourcing them yourself in the final week. Our packing service can also pack fragile items for you.
Heavy and awkward items
American-style fridge freezers appear on about 1% of jobs and are listed separately because they need two people, careful handling and sometimes door removal to fit through frames. Pianos, safes and large range cookers are quoted individually. Mention any item over about 80 kg when you book.
Extra hours
Only about 3% of jobs had extra hours added on the day. When it happens, it is almost always because packing was not finished or parking was far from the door. Extra time is charged at the same hourly rate as your booking.
Travelling with the van
Around 2% of customers ride along in the van. If you want a seat, tell us when booking so we can confirm space in the cab.
How to avoid surprise costs
- List stairs, lifts and parking at both addresses when you book.
- Mention heavy items such as American fridges, pianos and safes.
- Be fully packed before the crew arrives.
- Check whether either address is in a charging zone.
- Book the right crew. Two movers are usually faster and cheaper overall than one for anything bigger than a studio.
Get a clear price with your extras included.
Frequently asked questions
Do movers charge extra for stairs?
Yes, stairs are added as an extra because they make the job longer. They appear on about a third of our moves.
Is the ULEZ charge included in the price?
If a charging zone applies, the daily charge is added at cost. It applied to about 2% of our jobs.
Can I travel in the van with my belongings?
Usually, yes, if there is a spare seat. Ask when you book so it can be confirmed.
About this data: based on 22,200+ jobs completed by Hello Vans movers between July 2019 and September 2026. Price comparisons are median totals paid, extras included.