DIY move or removal company: which is cheaper?
Hiring a van looks cheap. Here is how it compares once you add everything up.
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Hiring a van and doing it yourself is the cheapest-looking option, but the price on the van hire page is only part of it. Here is the fuller picture.
The DIY costs people forget
- Van hire for the day, plus a deposit.
- Fuel, which is higher in a large van.
- Insurance, since hire cover often has an excess and may not cover your belongings.
- Helpers, such as food, drink or a small payment to friends.
- Equipment: straps, a trolley and blankets.
- Your time, including driving a larger vehicle you are not used to and extra trips.
- Parking and charges in cities.
Cost comparison for a two-bedroom flat
| Item | DIY | Removal company |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Van hire plus fuel | Included |
| Labour | You and friends | Trained crew |
| Insurance | Your own arrangement | Goods in transit cover |
| Time | Often a full day or more | A few hours |
| Risk of damage | You carry it | Shared with insured company |
When DIY makes sense
- Small move with few heavy items.
- Ground floor or lift access at both ends.
- Willing friends and a flexible date.
When to book a company
- Stairs, tight access or heavy furniture.
- A tight completion window.
- Fragile or valuable goods.
- You want insurance and a single point of responsibility.
The middle option
A man and van with a helper can cost little more than DIY once all costs are counted, and the crew does the lifting. See man and van prices or compare quotes for your own move to see the actual gap.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to move myself?
Sometimes for small moves, but fuel, insurance, helpers and time often narrow the gap.
Does my home insurance cover a DIY move?
Often not fully. Check your policy for contents in transit before you rely on it.
Can I hire a man with a van just for the lifting?
Yes. Some companies offer labour-only services, and you provide the vehicle.
Related guides
- Man and van prices per hour in the UK
- How to save money when you move house
- Man and van vs removal company
Prices and rules in this guide are general guides and change over time. Check GOV.UK or a qualified adviser for your own situation.
The real cost of doing it yourself
A DIY move looks cheap, but the numbers add up. You pay for the van hire (by the day, with extras and fuel), insurance cover for the van, boxes and packing materials, equipment such as trolleys and straps, possible parking charges and your time off work. You also carry the risk: a damaged item, an injury or a van that is too small. For a small move with help from friends, it can be a good choice. For a larger one, a professional crew often costs only a little more and is quicker and safer.
A side-by-side comparison
| DIY with a hired van | Man and van | Removal company | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Van, fuel, equipment | Hourly or fixed price | Fixed or day price |
| Labour | You and friends | 1 to 2 people | A trained crew |
| Insurance | Van cover only | Varies. Ask for proof | Goods in transit cover |
| Risk | On you | Shared, depending on insurance | Mostly with the company |
| Best for | Small moves, good access | Small to medium moves | Larger moves, difficult access |
If you do it yourself
- Check that you hold the correct licence for the vehicle size. Larger vans have licence limits.
- Plan the load, with heavy items at the bottom, and use straps.
- Get help for lifting. See how to lift heavy items safely.
- Check your own contents insurance covers your belongings in transit.
- Allow extra time for loading, driving and unloading, and for the trip back to return the van.
When to hire a professional
Hire a crew if you have a lot of furniture, stairs, valuable or fragile items, a tight schedule or a long journey. Compare quotes first, as the price difference may be smaller than you think. See man and van or removal company and compare removal quotes.
Common questions
Is it cheaper to move myself?
For a small move, usually. For a large move, the difference can be small once you add van hire, fuel, materials and the risk.
Does van hire insurance cover my belongings?
No. It covers the vehicle. Check your contents insurance for your belongings.
Can I drive a large van on a car licence?
Only up to a certain weight. Check the licence rules on GOV.UK before you hire a larger vehicle.
