Not likely you'll be able to dig it out at that size, though it depends how long its been in the ground - more than 3 years, very difficult.

No chance of it surviving. Unless you can get a root ball 6 foot, by 6 foot then it may stand a chance, but this is highly unlikely and not very practical to move. Autumn is the best time to move plants, but it sounds like you may just have to prune it. Moving it is likely to kill it im afraid

Hi, I have two Bay trees, but I prune hard each year to keep them small enough to handle.

Thanks so much for your replies. I am very sad about it. I have had this bay tree for so long. All our neighbours get bay leaves for their cooking. But we are moving soon and the next inhabitants of our house may need to cut the tree down as the garden is not big. The tree smells lovely! Still, I'll grow another one in my new garden, I hope. Thanks again!