Key takeaways
- Expect £30–£50 an hour for a driver and small van, and £50–£100 an hour for a driver plus a helper with a larger van.
- London sits at the top of the range: typically £40–£60 an hour for a basic service.
- Most firms have a two-hour minimum, and extra time is charged in hourly or half-hour blocks.
- Access, stairs, parking and timing can change the final bill as much as the distance.
Hourly rates by van and crew
Man and van services are almost always priced by the hour, and the rate depends on how big the van is and how many people come with it:
| Setup | Typical hourly rate | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Driver only, small van | £30–£50 | Single items, marketplace collections |
| Driver + 1 helper, medium van | £50–£80 | Studio flats, house shares |
| Driver + 1 helper, large van | £60–£100 | One and two-bed flats |
| Driver + 2 helpers, 3.5-tonne Luton | £90–£200 | Two-bed-plus houses |
How rates vary around the UK
Typical hourly rates for a basic service, and the cost of a full day:
| City | Per hour | Full day |
|---|---|---|
| London | £40–£60 | £320–£480 |
| Manchester | £35–£55 | £280–£440 |
| Birmingham | £35–£50 | £280–£400 |
| Bristol | £35–£45 | £280–£360 |
| Leeds | £30–£40 | £240–£320 |
| Glasgow | £30–£40 | £240–£320 |
London costs more because of traffic, parking restrictions, the Congestion Charge and simple demand.
What a typical move costs
Using those hourly rates, here's a rough idea of a whole job, including loading, driving a short local distance and unloading:
- Single item, such as a sofa or wardrobe: often £40–£100.
- Studio or room in a shared house: around £100–£250.
- One or two-bed flat: around £200–£500.
- Two-bed-plus house with a Luton van: around £450–£1,200.
Treat these as guides rather than quotes. Long distances, awkward access or a lot of fragile items will push them up.
The extras that catch people out
- Stairs and long carries: no lift, a third-floor flat or a 50-metre walk from the van all add time.
- Parking: if the van can't stop outside, you may need to pay for a parking suspension through your council, or pay the crew's parking charges.
- Weekends and month-end: Saturdays and the last days of the month are the busiest. A weekday slot is often cheaper.
- Packing and dismantling: wrapping furniture, taking beds apart and putting them back together takes time, so it's charged.
- Running over: if the job takes longer than planned, you pay for the extra time, so be realistic about how much you own.
How to book a man and van with confidence
- Describe the job properly: list the big items, count your boxes, and mention stairs, lifts and parking at both ends.
- Add photos. They help the driver choose the right van and quote accurately.
- Ask what's included: fuel, mileage, blankets and straps, dismantling and the minimum booking time.
- Check insurance. A professional should carry goods in transit and public liability insurance; ask what each covers and how to claim.
- Get it in writing: the hourly rate, the minimum, how extra time is charged and the arrival window.
Man and van, or a removal company?
A man and van is ideal for smaller, flexible moves where you're happy to pack yourself and help on the day. For a full family home, a long-distance move or valuable antiques, a removal company with a larger crew, packing service and higher insurance limits is often worth the extra cost.
Getting the right price
Post your move on HelloPros for free, add your item list and a few photos, and verified local man and van services will send you their prices. You can compare reviews, insurance details and availability before you book anyone.
Frequently asked questions
Is a man and van cheaper than a removal company?
Usually, for smaller moves. Removal companies tend to price by the job and include more people, packing and insurance cover.
Do I need to help carry things?
With a driver-only service, often yes. If you can't help, book a crew with at least one helper.
Is there a minimum booking?
Most firms have a two-hour minimum, then charge in hourly or half-hour blocks.
What insurance should a man and van have?
Goods in transit insurance for your belongings and public liability insurance for damage to property or people.
