How Much Does It Cost To Move A Safe

by | Jan 28, 2024

Safe Moving Costs

The minimum cost of moving a safe using Movivan Removals is £280+VAT.

 The price can be much lower if the safe is part of a bigger move. Moving a safe is a difficult task and will require heavy lifting and correct equipment. Here at Movivan, we understand moving can be expensive so we try our best to keep your safe moving costs to the minimum.

Why Does Size Matters to Determine The Safe Removal Costs?

The size of a safe is one of the primary determinants when calculating the costs involved in moving it. It directly impacts various aspects of the moving process, ultimately influencing the overall expenses incurred. Here’s how the size of the safe plays a crucial role in determining the moving costs:

  • Labor Costs: Larger safes generally require more labor to move due to their increased weight and bulk. More people or more hours may be needed to handle, disassemble, or install larger safes, which can significantly increase labor costs.
  • Equipment Needs: The size of the safe determines the type and amount of equipment needed. Larger safes may require specialized equipment like heavy-duty dollies, hydraulic lifts, or cranes to ensure safe and efficient moving, contributing to higher costs.
  • Transportation: A larger safe may necessitate a bigger transportation vehicle and more careful handling during transit due to its weight and dimensions. This may lead to increased transportation costs, including higher fuel consumption and possibly a need for specialized vehicles.
  • Installation Costs: Installing larger safes at the new location can be more intricate and time-consuming, involving additional equipment or structural modifications to accommodate the safe, hence adding to the overall costs.
  • Potential Structural Modifications: Larger safes might necessitate modifications to doorways, walls, or floors both at the pickup and drop-off locations to fit through, resulting in additional costs related to structural alterations and subsequent repairs.
  • Risk and Insurance: Larger and heavier safes pose a greater risk of damage to property and injuries.

Safe Removal Costs Difference – DIY vs. Hire Movivan

Choosing between a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach and hiring a professional service like Movivan for safe removal involves considering various aspects, including costs, expertise, and safety. Here’s a comparison of the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision:

DIY Safe Removal

Pros:

  • Cost Savings: Handling the removal yourself can potentially save on labor costs and service fees.
  • Flexible Timing: You can choose a time that suits you best without having to adhere to a company’s schedule.
  • Personal Handling: Managing the removal yourself ensures careful handling of your valuables.

Cons:

  • Risk of Damage: Lack of expertise and proper equipment can lead to damage to the safe or surrounding property.
  • Safety Concerns: Improper handling can result in personal injuries, especially with heavier safes.
  • Time and Effort: It can be time-consuming and physically demanding, particularly without the right tools and knowledge.

Hiring Movivan

Pros:

  • Expertise and Experience: Professionals bring the necessary skills and experience to handle the removal efficiently and safely.
  • Time-Efficiency: A specialized service can complete the removal more quickly and effectively than an inexperienced individual.
  • Equipment and Insurance: Professionals have the right tools and insurance to cover any damages or injuries that may occur during the removal.
  • Peace of Mind: Hiring a reputable company provides assurance of secure and proper handling, minimizing risks and worries.

Cons:

  • Higher Costs: Professional services come with fees that might be avoidable if handling the removal yourself.
  • Scheduling: You may have to adjust your schedule to fit the availability of the removal company.
  • Less Personal Control: Entrusting the task to a third party means relinquishing personal control over the handling and removal process.
Safe Removals

Types of Safes and Their Removal Costs

When discussing the various types of safes and the costs associated with their removal, it’s critical to recognize the diversity in design, function, and security features that each safe presents. This diversity not only impacts the use of the safe but significantly affects the complexities and the ensuing costs related to their removal.

Wall Safes

Wall safes are typically embedded within walls and are considered more secure due to their concealed nature. However, removing them can be labour-intensive and may involve repairing the wall afterwards, thus increasing the overall costs. 

As we are a relocation company only, we can only transport and collect a wall safe once it has been taken out of the wall. The price will depend on what equipment is needed, on which floor the safe is situated and how far it has to be transported.

Floor Safes

Similar to wall safes, floor safes are embedded into the floor and can be tricky and costly to remove, particularly if they are encased in concrete. The safe has to be taken out of the floor and ready to be collected. Your minimum safe moving costs will be £280.00+VAT.

Freestanding Safes

These are standalone units, varying widely in size and weight. The removal costs of freestanding safes are generally influenced by their dimensions, weight, and the level of security features they possess. Larger, heavier safes with advanced security mechanisms will typically incur higher removal costs.

Gun Safes

Specialized for storing firearms, gun safes can be bulky and heavily fortified, making their removal a substantial task. The costs will usually be higher due to the specialized handling required and potential legal considerations.

Deposit Box Safes

Often found in banks, removing deposit box safes can be highly intricate and regulated, entailing higher removal costs due to the necessity for skilled labor and compliance with stringent legal protocols.

Fireproof Safes

Designed to withstand high temperatures, fireproof safes may have specific removal challenges due to their built-in protective layers, potentially driving up the cost of removal.

Do you want an accurate safe removals price?

What Are The Labor Safe Removal Costs?

The final price of hiring us to move your safe will also be influenced by the number of removal men needed to lift, transport, and deliver the heavy item to the new address. It also depends on how many hours they will need. The safe removal costs will be higher if you are moving cross-country, but at the same time could be very minimal if it is part of a house removal service we are providing for you. As you can see, there is no way we can set a fixed price to move the safe. This will depend on a few important factors.

When it comes to the labor costs, the number of movers we need to send is similar to moving a piano service. The heavier the safe is and the more stairs we need to climb or take down, the more manpower we need to send the more time it will take.

How to move heavy furniture? ( Related Article )

Safe Transport Costs: Distance Considerations

Transporting a safe, especially over long distances, requires meticulous planning and execution, and the distance traveled is a crucial factor influencing the overall cost. Safes, due to their robust and heavy build, often require specialized transportation methods, and the further the destination, the higher the logistical expenses incurred. Factors like fuel consumption, the time spent on the road, and potential overnight stays for the moving crew all contribute to the escalating costs when covering more extensive distances.

Fuel Costs

  • Safe only – £1.50 per mile
  • Part of a bigger move – £0.20 per mile

Labour Costs

  • Safe only – £260+VAT ( minimum 4 hours fee )
  • Part of a bigger move – Depending on the distance and complexity of the move

How About Disposal Safe Removal Costs?

Disposing of a safe is not just about the removal process; it brings its own set of costs, and it’s crucial to understand them to avoid any surprises. When we, at Movivan Removals, undertake a safe removal, our costs are not just about fuel and labor; there is an additional, indispensable charge for the disposal of the safe at a recycling center.

We endeavor to dispose of safes in an environmentally friendly manner, adhering to recycling protocols, which implies an inevitable disposal center fee added to the overall cost. The minimum charge for this service is £80. This fee is essential, ensuring that the disposed-of safes are dealt with responsibly and sustainably, contributing to environmental preservation. It’s crucial for clients to factor in this disposal cost, along with fuel and labor, when calculating the total expense of safe removal and disposal, to attain an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the entire process’s financial implications.

Safe movers

Moving a Safe into Storage: Determining the Price

When moving a safe into storage, the price is determined by a variety of factors that collectively contribute to the overall cost. Here are the primary determinants:

Size and Weight of the Safe

The dimensions and weight of the safe influence the labor, equipment, and possibly the type of storage unit required, impacting the total cost. Heavier and larger safes may necessitate more specialized handling and a larger storage space, escalating the price.

Duration of Storage

The length of time the safe is to be stored affects the overall storage costs; longer durations incur higher cumulative fees.

Type of Storage Unit

The choice between a standard and a climate-controlled unit can significantly affect the cost. Safes containing sensitive items may require climate-controlled units, which are typically more expensive than standard ones.

Transportation to Storage Facility

The distance to the storage facility and the logistics involved in transporting the safe there also play a crucial role in cost determination. Longer distances and complicated logistics can increase transportation costs.

Labor Costs

The labor involved in moving the safe into storage, especially if it requires specialized skills or equipment, impacts the price. The more complex and time-consuming the move, the higher the labor costs will be.

Insurance

Opting for insurance on the stored items can also add to the cost, providing a safety net against potential damages or losses during the storage period.

Access and Amenities

The cost may also vary based on the accessibility of the storage unit and any additional amenities or services provided by the storage facility, such as 24/7 access or enhanced security measures.

Disassembly and Reassembly

If the safe needs to be disassembled to be moved stored and then reassembled, this can also add to the costs due to the increased labor and expertise required.

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