How Much Does a Man and Van Cost in the UK?
Typical UK man and van prices by hourly rate, job size and distance, plus what pushes a quote up and how to get an accurate figure.
Man and van prices look simple until you start collecting quotes and find a spread that makes no sense. One firm quotes £40 an hour, another £90 for what sounds like the same job. The gap usually comes from how the price is built, not from one provider being a rip-off.
This guide explains the common pricing models, typical ranges, and the details that move a quote up or down.
The three common ways of charging
Hourly rate
Most small jobs are priced per hour. Typically a single driver with a van is around £35 to £60 an hour, and a driver plus a helper is often £50 to £90. London and the South East usually sit at the top of those ranges, and some firms set a two or three hour minimum.
Fixed price
For a defined job, such as one sofa from a shop to your flat, many providers offer a fixed price. It protects you from slow loading or traffic, but only if the details you gave are accurate.
Half-day or day rate
Larger moves are sometimes quoted as a half day or a full day. A day rate often suits a one-bedroom flat or a student move where you want the team to keep going until it is finished.
What typically changes the price
- Volume. More furniture and boxes means more time and sometimes a second van trip.
- Distance. Mileage and fuel are often included in the hourly rate locally, then charged separately on longer trips.
- Access. Third-floor walk-ups, long carries from the van, and tight stairwells all add time.
- Helpers. A second person halves the loading time but raises the hourly rate.
- Timing. Weekends, month ends and bank holidays tend to cost more.
- Extras. Dismantling, packing materials, waiting time and disposal are commonly itemised.
Rough budgets for common jobs
Treat these as ballpark figures only, because they vary by region, distance and access.
| Job | Typical time | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Single large item, same town | 1 to 2 hours | £40 to £100 |
| Studio or small flat | 2 to 4 hours | £100 to £250 |
| One-bed flat with a helper | 3 to 5 hours | £150 to £350 |
| Student move, a few boxes | 1 to 2 hours | £50 to £120 |
Anything larger usually crosses over into removal firm territory. If you are unsure which side of that line you sit on, read man and van vs removal company.
How to get a quote you can rely on
- List the big items: bed size, wardrobes, sofa, washing machine, desk.
- Count boxes honestly. Most people undercount, so add 20 per cent.
- Say where the van can park, which floor you are on, and whether there is a lift.
- Give both postcodes so mileage and likely traffic are clear.
- Ask whether the price covers loading, driving and unloading, and whether there is a minimum.
Sending photos of awkward items helps a provider price correctly rather than guess and add a buffer. For a longer list of things worth checking, see questions to ask a removal company.
Avoiding unwelcome extras
Cheap hourly rates can be the most expensive option if the clock starts at the provider's depot and stops back there. Ask when the time starts and finishes. Check whether fuel, congestion charge or parking fees are included. Confirm whether waiting time is charged if your keys are late.
If you book through Compito you can search by postcode, compare ID-verified local providers, send the details as a request and receive an offer you can accept and pay online, with messages kept in one place if anything changes.
A worked example
A one-bed move, three miles, with a driver and helper at a typical mid-range hourly rate, might take four hours including loading and unloading. If the rate is around £60 an hour for two people, that is about £240. Add £20 for a parking permit and £40 for boxes and tape, and the move sits in the low £300s. Move the same job to a third-floor flat with a long carry and it might take six hours, and the total rises accordingly.
Single driver or driver plus helper?
| Factor | Driver only | Driver plus helper |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | Lower | Higher |
| Loading speed | Slower | Faster |
| Heavy items | Needs your help | Easier |
| Best for | Small loads, light items | Furniture, stairs |
How a minimum charge works
Many providers set a minimum, often two or three hours. If your job only takes 90 minutes, you may still pay the minimum. Ask whether travel time to your address is included in that minimum or charged on top.
Edge cases
- Collection from a shop or seller: ask whether the price covers waiting while goods are loaded.
- Flats with entry codes or concierge: build in time for access.
- Congestion zones and tolls: can add to the bill in London and some cities.
- Out-of-hours work: evening or very early starts may be priced higher.
Common mistakes
- Comparing hourly rates without considering crew size.
- Forgetting that time starts earlier than you think.
- Not saying what is being moved, which leads to a vehicle that is too small.
- Paying a large deposit without clear terms.
When a man and van is not enough
A piano, safe or full family house usually needs specialist handling or a larger crew. Treat that as a signal to compare options, not a failure of the budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is a man and van cheaper than a removal company?
For small moves it usually is, because you pay for one or two people and one vehicle for a short time. For a full family home the larger crew and bigger lorry often finish faster and can come out similar or better value.
Do I pay extra for stairs?
Some providers include stairs in the hourly rate and others add a surcharge for high floors without a lift. Mention the floor and access when you ask for a price so it is built in from the start.
Should I tip a man and van driver?
It is optional. Many people offer a drink and a small tip if the work was careful and hard going. See tipping and refreshments for a removal team for what is typical.
Is the quoted hourly rate per person or per van?
It varies. Always ask whether the rate is for the van and driver, or whether helpers are charged separately, and put the answer in writing.