How Much Does a Man and Van Cost in the UK? [2025 Guide]
Compare hourly and daily rates, regional differences, and get expert tips to save money on your move.
There’s no two ways about it. Moving house can be stressful. And costly.
With the cost of living climbing in the last couple of years, getting an up-to-date quote with no hidden charges is key to helping you stay on budget.
Whether it’s a few boxes, a couple of bulky items or an entire flat, a man and van service not only offers flexibility, but is often the most cost-effective option too.
But before you book, the crucial question is: how much does a man with a van actually cost in the UK now?
This guide will break down the true costs in 2025.
We’ll bring together this year’s average man and van prices. From hourly and daily rates to city-by-city differences. We’ll also cover how costs are calculated, what’s included, and smart ways to save on your move.
Think of it as your practical, no-fluff breakdown of what a man and van really costs in 2025.
Man and Van Costs at a Glance (2025)
Here just to get a ballpark figure? These are the average man and van costs in 2025 at a glance.
| Average Hourly Rate | Average Full Day Rate | Based On |
|---|---|---|
| £30–£60 | £300–£550 | Medium sized van, you handle all loading and unloading |
| Average Hourly Rate | £30–£60 |
|---|---|
| Average Full Day Rate | £300–£550 |
| Based On | Medium sized van, you handle all loading and unloading |
- Hourly rates: £30–£60
- Full-day hire: £300–£550
- London: typically 20–30% more expensive due to demand, parking, and congestion charges
- Regional cities: £30–£60/hr, £300–£550/day
- What’s included: straps and blankets, petrol, insurance
- Optional extras: packing, dismantling/reassembly, extra helpers
- How to save: book mid-week/off-peak, declutter, pick the right van size, and compare quotes
What Does a Man with a Van Do?
On a practical level, a man with a van can be more than just transport.
You’re paying for a flexible moving service that can scale up or down depending on what you need.
What’s usually included:
- The van itself. Sized to fit anything from a few boxes to the contents of your entire home and garden.
- Straps & blankets. Keep your items safe and secure in transit.
- A professional driver. Someone who understands how to load safely, knows the local area, and is skilled at getting your goods from A-B without any damage.
- Petrol & mileage. Quotes cover all costs associated with a single journey between the addresses selected.
Optional extras you can add on:
- Loading and unloading help. Ideal for bulky furniture or to speed up your move.
- Packing services. Some providers offer full or partial packing support.
- Furniture dismantling and reassembly. Useful for wardrobes, beds, and flat-pack items.
In short, a man and van can be as simple as one person with a small van or a team with a large vehicle taking on an entire flat move. The flexibility is what makes it such a popular alternative to a full removals company.
How Much Does a Man and a Van Cost Per Hour?
Across the UK in 2025, average hourly rates sit between £30–£60, depending on van size, number of helpers, and location.
At the lower end (£30–£60 per hour), you’re usually looking at a driver-only service with a smaller van. At the higher end (£90-£120+ per hour), you’ll have extra helpers and a larger vehicle, which can save time on bigger jobs.
Whatever you choose, booking a man with a van is flexible, allowing you to only pay for the time you need.
Worth noting: Most man and van services in the UK have a minimum booking time of two hours. This means that even if your job only takes an hour, you’ll still be charged for a minimum of two hours. This is pretty standard, and ensures their time is used efficiently and takes into account time taken to get to you and set-up.
When Hourly Hire Makes Sense
You'll be surprised at how quickly a professional team can load and unload a van, so booking with help included can reduce the time and cost of your move. Even if you're doing the heavy lifting yourself, hiring a man and van by the hour makes sense when your job is quick and straightforward:
- Single items like a sofa, fridge, or washing machine
- Short-distance moves (under 10 miles)
- Student or studio flats where heavy furniture is minimal
- Small deliveries where you just need transport plus a bit of lifting help
Typical Hourly Costs by Team Size
| Team/Van Type | Average Hourly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Driver only, small van | £30-£50 | Single items; solo moves between furnished properties |
| Driver + 1 helper, medium van | £50-£80 | Studio/house share moves; heavy, single items |
| Driver + 1 helper, large van | £60-£100 | 1-2 bed flat moves; smaller houses |
| Driver + 2 helpers, 3.5t Luton van | £90-£200 | 2 bed+ house moves; office relocations |
London vs Regional Hourly Prices
In London, expect to pay at the higher end (£50–£60+ per hour). In other cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Glasgow, rates are closer to £30–£45/hr.
See the full list of UK cities and regions we cover.
Man and Van Cost UK by City
Base hourly rates are fairly consistent nationwide, but London moves are costlier due to demand, congestion, parking, and ULEZ zones.
Here’s how the averages compare across major UK cities in 2025:
Typical Man and Van Costs by City (2025)
| City | Avg Hourly Cost | Avg Daily Cost |
|---|---|---|
| London | £40-£60 | £320-£480 |
| Birmingham | £35-£50 | £280-£400 |
| Manchester | £35-£55 | £280-£440 |
| Leeds | £30-£40 | £240-£320 |
| Bristol | £35-£45 | £280-£360 |
| Glasgow | £30-£40 | £240-£320 |
These figures are averages; your quote will vary depending on van size, helpers, and timing.
Why Prices Vary by Location
- London. Higher demand, congestion charges, and tricky access push prices to the top end of the scale. Get a Man and Van quote in London
- Manchester. Competitive rates with plenty of availability, making it one of the more affordable big cities. Get a Man and Van quote in Manchester
- Birmingham. Similar to Manchester, with hourly rates typically under £45 for most jobs. Get a Man and Van quote in Birmingham
Can’t see your city listed? Get a local Man and Van quote in your area
How Are Moving Prices Calculated for a Man with a Van?
The quote you get depends on practical considerations: van size, helpers, distance, access, and time of day can all affect cost.
Moving Services Cost Calculator
Total Cost = (Hourly Rate × Hours) + Travel Time + Extras
- Hourly Rate = £30–£60 average
- Hours = loading + unloading + travel
- Travel Time may include mileage charges
- Extras = helpers, stairs, packing, congestion fees
For more information on how prices are calculated, see our Man and Van price guide.
This is where Compare The Man And Van makes calculating your quote easy - just tell us your addresses and when you want to move, and we'll do all the maths for you.
How to Save on Man and Van Hire Costs
- Book in advance. Last-minute jobs often cost more, especially at busy times of year. In the UK, August tends to be the busiest month to move. If you can avoid peak times, you’ll have more choice.
- Declutter before you move. The fewer boxes and bulky items you take, the smaller van (and fewer hours) you’ll need.
- Pick the right van size. Don’t overpay for a Luton if a medium panel van will do the job.
- Compare quotes. Prices can vary, so it’s worth getting a couple of options before you book.
- Move mid-week or off-peak. Weekends and month-end are the busiest. A Tuesday morning slot will usually be cheaper than a Saturday afternoon.
- Be ready on the day. Pack and label boxes in advance so loading is quick and you’re not paying for wasted time.
- Get help. Recruit family members and friends to help on the day. This will reduce the need for additional paid helpers.
Even small changes, like booking a smaller van or shaving an hour off your loading time, can add up to big savings on the final bill.
For more information, our moving on a budget guide is full of useful tips and advice to help you save money on your move.
Ready to see what you could save? Compare man with a van quotes in your area now.
Find a Man with a Van Near You
With Compare the Man and Van you can get instant quotes from our network of trusted drivers across the UK.
Whether you need one item delivered, a few boxes collected or a whole flat moved, a man with a van can be faster, easier and cheaper than a full removals service.
Enter your details, compare prices and choose the option that fits your budget and time frame. Once you’ve chosen your service just confirm the booking and your mover will be with you.
Ready to book your move?
With Compare the Man and Van you can get instant quotes from our network of trusted drivers across the UK.
Whether you need one item delivered, a few boxes collected or a whole flat moved, a man with a van can be faster, easier and cheaper than a full removals service.
Enter your details, compare prices and choose the option that fits your budget and time frame. Once you’ve chosen your service just confirm the booking and your mover will be with you.
Ready to book your move?
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