Removals worker

Removals workers move household and office furniture and other items from one location to another.


Typical Salary

£22,000 – £26,000

per year

Working Hours

40–45

hours per week

Career Area

Warehouse operatives

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Day-to-day tasks

As part of a team of removals workers, you would:

  • check job instructions with customers, listing items to be moved
  •  remove items like sofas, table, beds, carpets and kitchen appliances
  •  take apart large pieces of furniture or equipment to make them easier to remove
  •  pack items, load them into a vehicle and secure them safely
  •  make sure fragile or sentimental items are handled with care
  •  drive to the new location and unload items
  •  fill out inventory documents for items being sent overseas

Skills needed

  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • administration skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • knowledge of geography
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Entry requirements

You'll need an LGV licence if you're going to be driving larger removals lorries over 7.5 tonnes.

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Career progression

With experience, you could become a:

  • supervisor, removals co-ordinator or manager
  •  removals HGV driver
  •  specialist, for example, working in office or exhibition removals

You might also start your own removals or house clearance company.