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Removals Tips and Advice
January 27, 2026

How Much Does a Man With a Van Cost (2026 UK Guide)

How Much Does a Man With a Van Cost (2026 UK Guide)

We’re going to explore the true man with a van cost based on:

  • Averages
  • City
  • Per hour and per mile

Don’t pay more for your removals than necessary. Read our guide to make sure you’re not overpaying.

Man and Van Costs in 60 Seconds (2026)

What’s the average man with a van cost? Here are your costs in 60 seconds:

  • Hourly: £30-70 per (drive + loader)
  • Full-day: £300-550+ (8 hours)
  • Major City: £40-80+ an hour (London)
  • Regional City: £30-60 (Leeds)

Your house move charge will vary based on location, distances and load size. Do you need storage or another add-on service? Your price will go up.

Traditional service includes all insurance, petrol, blankets and straps. Compare quotes mid-week, and you can save a few pounds.

Average Man with a Van Prices in the UK (What Most People Pay)

Exact costs? We can’t provide them. But here’s what your relocation may cost based on:

  • Single and multiple items
  • 1-3 bed homes
  • Distance ranges

How much does a man with a van cost in your location? Be sure to start your comparison on VanUMove.

Most people will pay:

  • Single item: £30-50 for up to 10 miles
  • Single item: £50-70 for up to 30 miles
  • 1 bedroom: £50-80 for up to 10 miles
  • 1 bedroom: £80-120 for up to 30 miles
  • 2 bedroom: £80-120 for up to 10 miles
  • 2 bedroom: £120-180 for up to 30 miles
  • Full house: £150-200 for up to 10 miles
  • Full house: £200-300 for up to 30 miles

Man with a van costs rise for emergency moves. Prices above are reflective of the average costs with just a few factors. If you have an overly large home, expect to pay at least £400+.

Add more loaders and unloaders or require a larger van, and costs will rise.

Man and Van Cost Per Hour vs Per Mile — What’s the Difference?

You may be charged in one of two ways for a man and van in London:

  • Cost per hour: A flat hourly cost.
  • Cost per mile: A total cost based on mileage.

Expect to pay:

Cost Per HourCost Per Mile
One man and van£30–60£30–60 + £0.80–1.40 per mile
Two men and van£45–80£45–80 + £0.80–1.40 per mile
Three men and van£55–90£55–90 + £0.80–1.40 per mile
Greater£120+£120 + £0.80–1.40 per mile

Cost per mile in a city like London is £1.40 per mile or higher. Some providers may offer a certain number of miles in the hourly quote. Surcharges for longer distances may be added on top of the cost per mile.

For example, a two-hour short move may cost £60-120 plus the cost per mile. Let’s say £14 for 10 miles.

Man and Van Cost UK by City

We can’t cover every location in the United Kingdom. But we can provide a man with a van price for some of the most popular cities:

CityAvg Hourly (1 man + van)Full Day (8hr)
London£40–60/hr (higher demand & charges)£320–480
Manchester£35–55/hr£280–440
Birmingham£35–50/hr£280–400
Leeds£30–40/50£240–400
Glasgow£30–50/hr£240–400
Bristol£35–45/hr£280–360
Edinburgh£30–45/hr£240–360
Cardiff£30–45/hr£240–360
Liverpool£30–50/hr£240–400
Southampton (approx regional)£30–45/hr£240–360

How Much Does a Man with a Van Cost in London?

London generally has the highest man and van price in all of the UK due to:

  • Traffic
  • Higher demand
  • ULEZ charges and other fees
  • Restricted parking

The average cost for a London move ranges from £40 to £90 or more per hour if you require additional helpers. Knowing how much help you need and what size van you require can help you save on costs.

Use our van sizes guide to find the most appropriate van for your move.

Man with a Van Cost for Common Moving Scenarios

Understanding the costs of typical jobs makes budgeting simpler and easier. Actual prices vary based on location, distance and other factors. But here are some general estimates for common moving scenarios.

  • Single Items: Mattresses. Refrigerators. Washing machines. Single-item moves like these are less costly. Short journeys range from £30–£80. Longer journeys? £60–£150.
  • House Removals: Costs are £300–£600 for a 3-bedroom house and £450–£850+ for a 4-bedroom.
  • Flat Move: Studios. One-bedroom flats. Student moves. These range from £120 to £350.
  • Furniture Removals: Individual items and sets need less labor. Prices run from £100-£200.

These are general estimates. Quantities, distance and other factors will ultimately impact the overall price of your removal service.

Extra Costs People Often Don’t Expect

When budgeting for a man with a van cost, many people focus on the advertised rate. But additional charges can increase your final bill if you’re unprepared.

Unexpected fees can include:

  • Fuel and mileage charges
  • Waiting time
  • Parking and access fees
  • Additional helpers
  • Long distances
  • Time of day
  • Staircases

Understanding these potential fees allows you to compare quotes more accurately and avoid unexpected charges on moving day.

How to Save on Man and a Van Hire Costs

A little planning and smart decision-making can reduce your man and van cost. Use these strategies to help you save without sacrificing quality.

  • Book early. Schedule your move as early as possible to give yourself flexibility. Certain days or months have lower costs.
  • Choose your time wisely. Mid-week moves are often less expensive than weekend removals. An early morning or late-afternoon move can also save on costs.
  • Avoid extra services. Packing. Disassembly and reassembly. These services are convenient, but they come at a higher cost. Do some of the work yourself to reduce moving fees.

Don’t forget to compare quotes as well. Comparison is one of the best ways to save on moving costs.

How to Compare Man with a Van Prices Without Overpaying

Selecting the right man with a van service doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting value for your money and not just the lowest quote.

  • Understand what’s included. Check what each quote covers. Will there be additional fees for fuel and mileage, parking or extra helpers?
  • Check reviews and reputation. Price is important. However, it’s not everything. A low quote may be tempting, but poor service can cost you time and stress. Read reviews. Look for comments about punctuality and professionalism.
  • Consider timing and flexibility. Prices vary based on the day of the week or time of the year. Flexibility helps you secure the best price.

Price is only one part of the equation. Consider also the overall value delivered. A slightly higher quote may include a faster completion time or a second helper.

Here’s how to check real prices in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a man with a van usually cost per hour?

The average man and van cost is between £35 and £60 per hour. Fees vary based on factors such as:

  • Distance
  • Size of the move
  • Additional services required

What’s the minimum hire time for a man and van?

Typically 1-2 hours. Some drivers may offer 1-hour slots for very small jobs. Each removal service has its own requirements for minimum hire time. At VanUMove, the minimum booking time is just 30 minutes.

Is a man with a van cheaper than a removal company?

Yes, generally. Often, the man and van price is much lower than traditional removals when comparing quotes. Reduced labor and overhead help you save money on your move.

Why are London man and van prices higher?

High demand. ULEZ charges. Costly parking. Higher insurance and maintenance costs. These are just a few of the reasons why removal prices are higher in London.

How can I avoid hidden charges?

Choose a company that provides transparent quotes. At VanUMove, our quotes include all fees, so there are no surprises. Providing as much detail as possible about your move can further help you avoid hidden charges.

Can I get an instant man with a van quote online?

Yes. Our comparison engine helps you calculate your man with a van cost and find a driver who meets your requirements. Just fill in our form to get started. We’ll send quotes right away.

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