Man and van costs at a glance (2026)
Looking for a quick ballpark figure? These typical 2026 prices give you a useful starting point before you compare quotes for your move.
| Typical Setup | Typical Hourly Cost | Typical Full-Day Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small van, driver only | £30–£50 | £240–£400 |
| Medium van, simple local move | £30–£60 | £300–£550 |
| Luton van, extra help | £90–£200 | £720+ |
- London prices: usually sit at the higher end because congestion charges, parking restrictions, busier routes, and higher demand can all add to the cost
- What affects the price most: van size, how much help you need, distance, and how long the job takes
- What’s usually included: the van, driver, fuel, mileage, insurance, plus straps and blankets for protecting items in transit
- Optional extras: extra helpers, packing support, and furniture dismantling or reassembly may add to the cost
- How to save: book mid-week or off-peak, declutter first, choose the right van size, and compare quotes before you book
How much does a man and van cost per hour?
Across the UK in 2026, man and van prices often start at around £30–£60 per hour for a simple local job, but can rise well beyond that depending on van size, help level, and the type of move.
At the lower end, you are usually looking at a driver-only service with a smaller van. At the higher end, larger vans with extra helpers can push hourly costs to £90–£120+, especially for bigger home moves or jobs where loading and unloading take longer.
Worth noting
Most man and van services in the UK have a minimum booking time of around two hours. Even if the move itself is quick, that minimum usually helps cover travel, setup, and loading time.
Typical hourly costs by team size
| Team / Van Type | Typical 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 or 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; small office moves |
Man and van costs by city
Prices can vary by area. London usually sits at the higher end because congestion charges, parking restrictions, busier routes, and higher demand can all add to the cost.
The table below compares typical 2026 man and van prices across major UK cities.
Typical prices by city (2026)
| City | Typical Hourly Cost | Typical 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 are typical guide prices. Your quote can still vary depending on van size, help level, distance, timing, and access.
Why prices vary by location
- London: congestion charges, parking restrictions, heavier traffic, and stronger demand usually push prices to the top end of the range. Get a man and van quote in London
- Manchester: prices are often a little lower than London, with good availability across the city. Get a man and van quote in Manchester
- Birmingham: rates are often similar to Manchester, with many jobs sitting below London pricing. 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 man and van prices calculated?
The price of a man and van move usually comes down to three main things: the size of the van, how much help you need, and how long the job is likely to take.
Distance matters too, but mostly because it affects travel time. Access at either property, such as stairs, long carries, or restricted parking, can also increase the cost for more awkward jobs.
What affects man and van costs?
- Van size: larger vans cost more, so it helps to book the size that fits your move
- Help level: adding helpers increases the cost, but can speed up bigger jobs
- Time: prices usually reflect loading, travel, and unloading time
- Distance: longer journeys usually increase travel time and mileage
- Access and extras: stairs, long carries, packing support, or furniture dismantling can add to the final price
If you want a more detailed breakdown of how prices are worked out, see our Man and Van price guide.
With Compare The Man And Van, you can enter your move details and compare quotes based on the van size, help level, and journey your move is likely to need.
What’s usually included in the price?
A man and van quote usually covers more than just the vehicle itself. In most cases, you are paying for a flexible moving service that can scale up or down depending on the job.
What’s usually included:
- The van. The size of the vehicle is one of the main things that affects the price, from a small van for a few items to a larger vehicle for a full flat or house move.
- 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.
- Fuel and mileage. Quotes cover the planned journey between the addresses you provide, which is one of the main advantages compared with self-drive van hire.
- Straps and blankets. These help protect and secure items in transit.
- Insurance. Drivers should be covered by goods in transit and public liability insurance.
Optional extras that can increase the price:
- Loading and unloading help. Adding helpers increases the cost, but can make heavier or larger moves quicker and easier.
- Packing support. Some providers offer full or partial packing as an extra service.
- Furniture dismantling and reassembly. This can be useful for beds, wardrobes, and other bulky items.
In practice, a man and van move can be anything from one driver with a small van for a single-item job to a larger vehicle with extra help for a full home move.
When does hiring a man and van make sense?
A man and van can work well for much more than just small local jobs. It is often a practical option when you want help with the move itself, but do not need a full removals service.
- Single bulky items such as a sofa, fridge, or washing machine
- Student, studio, and flat moves
- Larger home moves where you want lifting help without booking a full removals company
- Long-distance collection and delivery jobs
- Moves where you do not want the hassle of hiring, driving, parking, and returning a self-drive van
- Jobs where extra help with loading, unloading, packing, or awkward access makes the move easier
In short, a man and van can be a good fit for anything from a single-item job to a full home move, depending on the size of the van and the level of help you need.
How to save on man and van costs
-
Book in advance
Last-minute bookings often cost more, especially at busy times of year. August is usually one of the busiest months to move in the UK, so booking earlier gives you more choice. -
Declutter before you move
The fewer boxes and bulky items you take, the smaller van you may need and the less time the job is likely to take. -
Pick the right van size
Do not pay for a larger van than the job really needs if a medium van will do. -
Compare quotes
Prices can vary, so it is worth comparing a few options before you book. -
Move mid-week or off-peak
Weekends and month-end are usually busier. A weekday slot will often cost less than a Saturday afternoon. -
Be ready on the day
Pack and label boxes in advance so loading is quicker and you are not paying for wasted time. -
Get help
If you can handle some of the loading yourself, or get help from friends or family, you may not need to pay for extra helpers.
Even small changes, such as choosing the right van size or cutting down loading time, can make a noticeable difference to the final price.
For more ways to keep costs down, see our moving on a budget guide.
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Compare Man and Van QuotesAbout Compare The Man and Van
Compare The Man and Van helps people compare quotes from vetted, fully insured man and van drivers across the UK.
Our moving guides are written by our in-house team using insight from real bookings and the practical issues that affect moves and pricing, including van size, loading help, access, parking, distance, and timing.
When you compare quotes with us, you can see live prices from trusted local drivers and choose a mover that fits your move, your budget, and the level of help you need.
