Man and van: compare up to 5 quotes
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Vans and lorries
Compare man and van quotes from up to 5 removal companies
A man and van is the cheapest way to move a flat, a room or a few big items. You pay for the driver's time and the van, and often for a loader too. Prices vary by van size, how long the job takes and how far you go.
CompareMover matches your request with up to 5 suitable removal companies. They contact you with quotes by email or phone, and you choose who to book.
When a man and van is the right choice
- Studio, 1-bed flat or shared house moves.
- Student moves at the end of term.
- Single items bought or sold online.
- Small office or shop jobs.
For a full 2 to 4 bedroom house, a house removal team is usually safer and quicker. Not sure what size van you need? Try the van size calculator.
Typical prices
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| London, per hour | £40 to £80 |
| Outside London, per hour | £30 to £70 |
| Single item | £45 to £90 |
| Studio or 1-bed flat | £250 to £500 |
Indicative only. Live quotes vary.
Find your area
Compare quotes where you live: London boroughs, Surrey and UK cities.
What a man and van service actually includes
A man and van booking usually means one driver with a van, and often a second person to help with loading. You are paying for the vehicle, fuel in most cases, the driver's time and the labour. Some companies include blankets, straps and a trolley. Others charge for them or do not carry them. Because "man and van" covers everything from a student with a transit van to a professional two-person crew with a Luton and a tail lift, the price and the quality vary a lot. That is why comparing quotes matters more here than almost anywhere else in removals.
The main job types are small moves (a room, a studio or a one-bedroom flat), single large items (a sofa, a wardrobe, a washing machine), student and short-term moves, collecting something you have bought online or from a marketplace, and house or flat clearances. For a full two or three bedroom house, a man and van can work if you are flexible and the access is good, but a removal team with a larger vehicle is usually quicker. Our guide to man and van or a removal company helps you decide.
How man and van prices work
Most man and van companies charge by the hour. Typical guide prices are roughly £40 to £80 per hour in London and £30 to £70 per hour outside London, depending on the van size and whether one or two people come. Almost all companies set a minimum booking, commonly one to two hours, and some start the clock when the van leaves its base, not when it reaches you. Others charge a fixed price for the whole job. Neither is automatically better. Hourly pricing suits small, well-organised jobs. A fixed price suits anything where you cannot predict the time, because the risk of delays sits with the company.
- Van size. A bigger van costs more per hour but can mean one trip instead of two. See the van size guide.
- Number of people. A second person speeds up loading and is usually worth it for anything heavy or above the ground floor.
- Distance. Short local jobs are usually hourly. Longer journeys are often quoted as a fixed price, and may include a return trip.
- Access. Stairs, no lift, a long carry from the parking space and tight corners all add time, and time is what you pay for.
- Timing. Weekends, Fridays, the end of the month and school holidays are the busiest and often the dearest.
Man and van guide prices by team and van
| Set-up | Typical use | London guide (per hour) | Outside London guide (per hour) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small van, driver only | A few boxes or a single item | £40 to £55 | £30 to £45 |
| Medium or large van, driver only | Studio or 1-bed, light furniture | £45 to £65 | £35 to £55 |
| Large or Luton van, driver and helper | 1 to 3 bedrooms, heavier furniture | £60 to £80 | £50 to £70 |
Man and van guide prices by city
| City | Typical hourly guide | Why it differs |
|---|---|---|
| London | £40 to £80 | Parking pressure, traffic, congestion and emission charges |
| Birmingham and Manchester | £30 to £65 | Lower overheads, more varied access |
| Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle | £30 to £60 | Competitive local markets |
| Bristol, Cardiff and Brighton | £30 to £65 | Hills, narrow streets and busy student periods |
| Glasgow and Edinburgh | £30 to £65 | Tenement stairs and parking can add time |
These are broad guide ranges for 2026 compiled from typical market levels, not offers from us, and individual companies vary. Use them to spot a quote that looks far too high or too low, then compare real quotes for your own job. Many companies quote a full-day rate for longer jobs, so ask for the day price as well as the hourly rate.
For a full breakdown, see man and van prices per hour in the UK and our removal costs guide.
Choosing the right van
The most common mistake is booking a van that is too small, which turns a one-hour job into a two-trip job and costs more in the end. As a rough guide, a small van suits a few boxes and small items, a medium van suits a studio or a one-bedroom flat with a sofa and a wardrobe, a large van suits one to two bedrooms, and a Luton van suits two to three bedrooms or bulky furniture. If you are unsure, go one size up and ask the driver. Use the van size calculator to count your boxes and furniture before you request quotes.
Think about the street as well as the load. Luton vans are tall and long, and a narrow road, a low bridge or a tight car park can be a problem. Tell the companies about any restricted access when you compare man and van quotes.
How to compare man and van quotes properly
Two quotes of the same headline price can be very different jobs. Before you choose, check the following and make sure each company is quoting for the same thing.
- Hourly or fixed? If hourly, ask for the minimum hours, the rate per extra half hour and when the clock starts and stops.
- How many people? One driver or two. If you are moving heavy items, a driver on their own may not be allowed to carry them safely.
- What is included. Fuel, tolls, parking, blankets, straps, a trolley, dismantling and reassembling furniture, and VAT where charged.
- Insurance. Ask whether the company has goods in transit cover and public liability insurance, and ask for proof. See our guide to goods in transit insurance.
- Reviews. Look for recent, detailed reviews that mention the same kind of job as yours.
- Cancellation and deposit. A deposit is common for bigger jobs. Know what happens if you change the date.
Our list of questions to ask a removal company works just as well for a man and van.
Man and van across London and the UK
London has the largest man and van market in the UK, and prices there reflect parking pressure, the Congestion Charge in the central zone and the Ultra Low Emission Zone, which covers all London boroughs. Check Transport for London for the current rules and charges, because your driver may need to pass them on. Outside London, man and van companies are usually cheaper per hour, but the travel to and from a job can matter more. Use our area pages to see local advice for London boroughs, Surrey, the home counties and UK cities.
Packing and preparing for a man and van
You save money when the van is loaded quickly, and the single biggest factor is how ready you are when the driver arrives. Pack boxes ahead of time and keep them to a size one person can lift. Tape and label them by room. Take drawers out of heavy chests if the maker allows it and dismantle beds and tables in advance. Disconnect and defrost the fridge-freezer the day before. Clear a path to the door, and, if you live in a block, book the lift and confirm where the driver may park. If you are moving from a flat above the ground floor, see our guide to moving out of a flat with stairs or no lift.
Keep a small bag of things you need on the day with you: keys, phone chargers, paperwork, medicines, a kettle and something for the first night. Do not put these in the van.
What a man and van will not usually take
Most companies will not move hazardous items such as gas bottles, paint, aerosols, flammable liquids and some cleaning chemicals, and most will not move live animals or perishable food. Pianos, safes, pool tables and very heavy appliances often need a specialist team. Read what removal companies will not move and moving heavy items before you book.
Staying safe when you book a man and van
Because anyone can advertise a van, take a few simple precautions. Be wary of a price that is far below every other quote, a company that will not give a company name or an address, a request for the full payment in advance, or a driver who turns up in a different vehicle from the one you booked. Get the booking details in writing and keep the messages. Our guide to removal scams and red flags lists the warning signs, and our page on how we check companies explains what we ask of the companies you compare.
Tipping and finishing the job
Tipping is not expected, but many people give something for a good, hard day. Our guide to tipping removal men covers what is normal. Before the van leaves, walk through every room together, check the load against any list you have, and note any damage straight away so you can raise it with the company in writing.
Common questions
How much does a man and van cost in London?
Most London jobs cost roughly £40 to £80 per hour, usually with a one or two hour minimum. Stairs, parking and distance can change the price.
What size van do I need?
A small van suits a few items or a room. A medium van fits a studio or 1-bed. A large or Luton van suits 2 to 3 bedrooms. Use our van size guide to check.
Can a man and van help me load?
Often yes. Some drivers work alone and others bring a helper. Say what help you need when you compare quotes.
Is a man and van cheaper than a removal company?
For a small move, such as a room, a studio or a few large items, usually yes. For a full house, a removal team with a larger vehicle and more people can be quicker and safer, and the total price can end up similar. Compare both when you request quotes.
How many hours will my man and van job take?
A studio or one-bedroom flat often takes two to four hours including loading, driving and unloading, depending on access. A two-bedroom home can take four to eight hours. Stairs, parking and distance change this a lot, so tell the companies your access details.
Do I need two people for a man and van move?
Often yes. One person can drive and load boxes, but heavy or bulky items, stairs and above-ground-floor flats are much safer and faster with two. Ask each company whether the price covers a driver only or a driver plus helper.
Is my furniture insured by a man and van?
Only if the company has goods in transit insurance, and the limit may be lower than the value of your things. Ask for proof of cover and check the limit before you book. Your own contents insurance may also help, so check with your insurer.
Can a man and van move me on the same day?
Sometimes, especially on weekdays. Same-day and next-day jobs are common for small moves, but you have fewer companies to choose from and may pay more. Our last-minute removals guide explains how to improve your chances.
Should I pay a deposit to a man and van?
A small deposit on a larger booking is common, but be careful about paying the full amount upfront. Pay by a traceable method, get a written confirmation and agree what happens if either side cancels.
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