As older homeowners look to reduce upkeep, release equity or move closer to family, Moving Compared warns that downsizing is becoming one of the most misunderstood moving costs. While a smaller home may reduce long-term bills, the move itself can still be expensive. HomeOwners Alliance estimates the average cost of moving home in the UK in 2026 at £13,018, based on buying and selling an averagely priced property of £292,000. For downsizers leaving larger homes they have lived in for 20, 30 or even 40 years, costs can quickly rise once clearance, storage, packing and disposal are added.
The warning comes as Legal & General research shows 2.9 million UK homeowners over 55 still plan to downsize, while Census 2021 data found 68.8% of households in England and 76.3% in Wales had more bedrooms than required. However, later-life moving is not always straightforward, with HomeOwners Alliance finding that 1.2 million homeowners aged 55 and over have put moving plans on hold in the past two years.
The issue is not simply the removal van as downsizing can mean clearing lofts, garages, sheds, spare rooms and outbuildings, as well as deciding what to keep, sell, gift, donate, store or dispose of. Furniture may not fit the next home, while sentimental belongings can make decision-making slower and more difficult. When these decisions are left too late, households may face rushed clearance costs, short-term storage or extra removal support. Storage can also become an overlooked pressure point, with the average UK self-storage rental return rising to £29.13 per sq ft, according to the Self Storage Association UK Annual Industry Report 2025.
Legal and property costs can also remain significant, as downsizers still need to budget for conveyancing, surveys, estate agent fees and any property tax linked to their next purchase. They may also need to account for packing materials, specialist removals, insurance updates, utility changes and family support during the move. By comparing conveyancers, surveyors and removals providers early, reviewing the floorplan of the new home and building a realistic budget before committing, older homeowners can reduce last-minute pressure and avoid paying to move or store items they no longer need.
