Man and van, van hire or removal company: How to choose
There are three main ways to move your belongings from one home to another: hire a van and do it yourself, book a man and van service or use a full removal company. Each one suits a different kind of move. The right choice depends on how much you own, how far you are going, how much lifting you can manage and how much time you have.
In short, self-drive van hire usually works for small, local moves where you have help. A man and van service suits single items or small flats where you would like someone else to drive and help carry. A removal company is the usual choice for family homes, longer distances and moves where you want packing, insurance and planning handled for you.
Quick comparison
| Self-drive van hire | Man and van | Removal company |
|---|
| Typical cost | Daily hire plus fuel and any insurance excess cover; usually the lowest upfront cost | Usually charged by the hour or as a fixed fee for small jobs | £400 to £700 for a local one-bedroom move, up to £1,400 to £2,500 for a local 5+ bedroom move (Pickfords move data 2026) |
| Who lifts | You and your helpers | The driver, often with your help; a second person may cost extra | A trained crew sized to your home |
| Insurance for your belongings | Usually limited; check the hire terms | Varies by provider; ask for written details | Goods in Transit and Public Liability cover as standard |
| Packing | You pack | You pack | Optional full or fragile-only packing |
| Best for | Studios, small flats and short local moves | Single items, student moves and small flats | Two bedrooms and above, longer distances and specialist items |
Self-drive van hire
Hiring a van gives you full control over timing and is often the lowest upfront cost. It works well if you are moving a small amount a short distance and have friends who can help.
Things to think about before you book:
- Van size: a van that is too small means extra trips, more fuel and a longer day. Measure your largest items first.
- Licence: most drivers with a standard car licence can drive a van up to 3,500kg. Check the details on GOV.UK if you passed your test recently or are unsure.
- Insurance: van hire insurance generally covers the vehicle. Your belongings may not be covered while in transit, so check your home contents policy.
- Lifting: carrying sofas, wardrobes and white goods down stairs is physically demanding. Plan breaks, use proper lifting technique and have enough people.
- Time: loading, driving, unloading and returning the van can take a full day or more.
Man and van
A man and van service is a driver with a van who helps load, transport and unload your belongings. Services vary a great deal, from a single driver who expects you to help carry to small teams with blankets and straps.
This option suits moves such as:
- Collecting a single piece of furniture
- Moving out of student accommodation
- Moving a studio or one-bedroom flat locally
When you book, ask how many people will attend, whether there are stairs at either end, whether the price is hourly or fixed and what insurance covers your belongings. Getting these answers in writing helps you compare like for like.
Removal company
A removal company plans and carries out the whole move. Most begin with a home survey, either in person or by video, to assess the volume of your belongings and any access challenges. You then receive a written quote that sets out the cost, the crew and the services included.
According to Pickfords move data 2026, local moves typically cost:
| Property size | Local move (under 50 miles) |
|---|
| 1-bedroom flat | £400 to £700 |
| 2-bedroom house | £600 to £1,000 |
| 3-bedroom house | £800 to £1,400 |
| 4-bedroom house | £1,000 to £1,800 |
| 5+ bedroom house | £1,400 to £2,500 |
Packing, storage and specialist items such as pianos are optional extras. You can see how prices change for longer moves in our guide to removal costs in the UK.
A removal company tends to be the better fit when:
- You are moving a home with two or more bedrooms
- The move is long distance or involves an overnight stop
- There are stairs, narrow streets or restricted parking
- You have valuable, fragile or heavy items
- Your completion dates do not line up and you need storage
If there is a gap between moving out and moving in, self storage from £18 lets you keep your belongings safe until your new home is ready. Choose a secure facility to keep your belongings safe at all times.
How to decide
Start with three questions: how much do you have, how far are you going and who will do the lifting? A short list of answers usually points to the right option. If you are still unsure, get a removal quote alongside a van hire price and compare the full cost, including fuel, your time and any time off work. Our guide on choosing a removal company explains what to look for.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it cheaper to hire a van or use a removal company?
For a small, local move with plenty of help, hiring a van is usually cheaper upfront. For larger homes, the cost of a bigger van, several trips, fuel and time off work can narrow the gap. Compare the full cost of both before deciding.
- What size van do I need to move house?
It depends on your volume of belongings more than the number of bedrooms. A small flat may fit into a large panel van, while a family home often needs a lorry or several trips. A removal survey can tell you the volume you need to move.
- Are my belongings insured if I hire a van?
Van hire insurance normally covers the vehicle rather than its contents. Check whether your home contents insurance covers belongings in transit, and ask any man and van provider for written insurance details.
- Can a man and van move a whole house?
Some can, particularly for smaller homes. For a larger home, ask how many people and vehicles will attend and how long the job is expected to take, so you are comparing like for like with a removal quote.
- How far in advance should I book?
For a removal company, six to eight weeks ahead is sensible for a local move and eight to twelve weeks for a long-distance move. Vans and man and van services can also book up quickly on Fridays, weekends and at the end of the month.
- Do I need to help carry with a man and van?
Sometimes. Some services include one person only and expect you to help. Confirm this when you book if you would prefer not to lift.
Whatever size your move, our team can help you plan it. Request a free quote for your upcoming move and get a clear, fixed price.