Moving house is expensive enough without hiring a traditional removal company. A man with a van offers a budget-friendly alternative for local and mid-distance moves, but costs vary wildly depending on distance, van size, timing, and what you're moving. More importantly, most people underestimate how much stuff they need to shift—and what to do with the items they're leaving behind.
This guide breaks down realistic man with a van pricing, explains what you actually get for your money, and crucially, shows you how to handle the unwanted furniture and clutter that tends to pile up during house moves.
What Does a Man With a Van Cost?
Pricing depends on several factors, but here's what you can realistically expect:
- Local moves (up to 10 miles): £150–£300
- Regional moves (10–50 miles): £250–£500
- Longer distance (50–100 miles): £400–£800
- Full-day hire (no distance limit): £200–£400
These are ballpark figures. Your actual quote depends on:
- Van size: A small 3.5-tonne van costs less than a 7.5-tonne Luton box van
- Time of year: Summer and weekends command premium rates; mid-week winter moves are cheaper
- Packing: If the driver has to load and unload (not just drive), expect to pay more
- Access: Narrow streets, stairs, or difficult parking increase costs
- Number of helpers: Most quotes include one person; extra labour costs £15–£25 per hour
What's Actually Included in a Man With a Van Quote?
This is where confusion happens. A basic quote typically covers:
- The van and driver
- Fuel
- Basic loading and unloading (if agreed)
What's often NOT included:
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
- Furniture wrapping or protection
- Multiple trips or waiting time
- Parking permits or congestion charges
- Specialist equipment (dollies, ramps, straps)
- Insurance for your belongings
Always ask for a detailed quote in writing. The cheapest quote isn't always the best—check whether the driver is insured, whether they'll handle fragile items, and whether they've quoted for the actual volume of your move.
Man With a Van vs. Removal Companies: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Man With a Van | Removal Company |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (local move) | £150–£300 | £400–£1,000+ |
| Insurance included | Usually no | Usually yes |
| Packing service | No | Yes (extra cost) |
| Flexibility | High | Fixed appointment |
| Best for | Small–medium moves, tight budget | Large moves, fragile items, peace of mind |
The Real Problem: What to Do With Unwanted Items
Here's what nobody tells you: most people discover they're moving far too much stuff once they start packing. Furniture you haven't used in years, clothes, kitchen gadgets, books—it all adds up. Moving it costs money. Storing it costs money. So what are your actual options?
Sell It
Facebook Marketplace, Vinted, and eBay are quick wins for furniture, electronics, and clothing. You won't get much, but you'll reduce the volume you're moving and offset some costs. Give yourself at least two weeks to shift items.
Donate It
Charity shops (British Heart Foundation, Oxfam, Age UK) collect furniture for free or a small donation. Some will even collect from your home. It's tax-deductible and faster than selling.
Skip Hire or Junk Removal
If you have a lot of waste, a skip costs £150–£400 for a few days. Specialist junk removal services (similar to RubbishBids) collect unwanted items and charge by volume—typically £100–£300 for a standard house clearance. This is often cheaper and easier than hiring a larger van to move rubbish you don't want.
Bulk Waste Collection
Your local council offers bulky waste collection for £15–£50 per item. It's slow but cheap, though you'll need to book weeks in advance.
Freecycle or Buy Nothing Groups
Post unwanted items on Freecycle or local Facebook Buy Nothing groups. People collect for free—no hassle, no money, but no guarantee of quick uptake.
Getting an Accurate Man With a Van Quote
To get realistic quotes:
- List everything you're moving (or take photos of each room)
- Measure large furniture pieces
- Be honest about access (narrow streets, stairs, parking)
- Get at least three quotes
- Ask about insurance and liability
- Check reviews on Trustpilot or Google
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a man with a van insured?
Not always. Basic van insurance covers the vehicle, not your belongings. Ask the driver explicitly whether they carry liability insurance. Many don't—you may need to buy additional coverage.
Can I hire a man with a van for just loading or unloading?
Yes, but it's often priced by the hour (£25–£50). A full move quote is usually better value.
What's the difference between a man with a van and a removal company?
Removal companies are larger, insured, and offer packing services—but cost significantly more. Man with a van is self-employed or small operators offering basic transport at lower cost.
How far in advance should I book?
For weekday moves, 2–3 weeks is fine. For weekends or summer, book 4–6 weeks ahead. Last-minute moves cost more.
What if my stuff doesn't fit?
This is common. Either book a larger van, make two trips (more expensive), or sell/donate items beforehand. The junk removal route often works out cheaper than a second van trip.
The Bottom Line
A man with a van costs £150–£500 for most UK moves, making it a genuine alternative to expensive removal companies. But the real saving comes from being ruthless about what you actually move. Before you book that van, sort your belongings: sell what's valuable, donate what's usable, and arrange junk removal for the rest. You'll pay less for the van, move faster, and start your new home clutter-free.
Looking to buy or sell a van for your move? OnlyVans is the UK's free marketplace for used vans—browse thousands of listings with no hidden fees or dealer markup.