Are there hidden costs with self-drive van hire?

Self-drive hire can include hidden costs for fuel, mileage limits, tolls, insurance excess, and cleaning. Man and van pricing usually bundles these so you know the total upfront.

Do I need special insurance for self-drive hire?

Rental vans include basic cover but excesses often exceed £1,000 and you cover any damage to your belongings. Man and van services include Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance.

Can a man and van handle heavy or awkward furniture?

Yes. You can add helpers so large items are lifted safely, and drivers bring straps, blankets, and dollies to protect your furniture.

Can I book a man and van for long-distance moves?

Many man and van providers cover long-distance moves with transparent mileage pricing. Comparing quotes helps you find the best option for your route.

Which option works best for driving in London traffic?

A man and van is usually easier in London. Local drivers understand congestion zones, parking restrictions, and tight streets, reducing stress and risk.

Man and Van vs Self-Drive Van Hire: Which Should You Book?

Weigh up the costs, labour, and logistics so you can pick the moving option that saves time, money, and stress.

From packing boxes to settling in, moving day demands choices. One of the biggest is deciding whether to book a professional man with a van or rent a van and do it yourself. Each route brings different benefits depending on how hands-on you want to be and how confident you feel on the road.

This guide shows you the real-world differences, cost breakdowns, and scenarios that will help you make the right call for your home, budget, and schedule.

Quick tip: Compare quotes at least two weeks ahead to secure the best rates and availability.

Mover unloading boxes from a van for a house move

Step 1: Compare the Core Differences

Take a high-level look at what is bundled with a dedicated man and van service versus a self-drive rental.

Labour included

Man and Van
Driver and optional helpers handle lifting and loading.

Self-Drive Van Hire
You and your helpers manage every item.

Vehicle responsibility

Man and Van
Expert drivers navigate traffic, parking, and access.

Self-Drive Van Hire
You collect, drive, and return the van on time.

Insurance & liability

Man and Van
Included in the quote with minimal excess.

Self-Drive Van Hire
Standard rental cover often carries £1500+ excess.

Time commitment

Man and Van
Focus on packing and admin while pros handle logistics.

Self-Drive Van Hire
Factor in paperwork, refuelling, and return checks.

Flexibility

Man and Van
Pick from a range of van sizes and helper levels.

Self-Drive Van Hire
Fixed van sizes and mileage limits unless you pay extra.

Need a smoother, low-effort move? Choose a man and van.

Happy to drive and DIY? Self-drive keeps costs tight.

Step 2: Calculate Full Moving Costs

Look beyond the headline prices. Consider everything from deposits to helper fees so you are comparing like for like.

Man and van quotes usually cover fuel, labour, and insurance.
Self-drive rentals often add £200–£250 deposits plus refuelling charges.
Extra labour from friends may take longer than a professional team.

Use our tools: Try the Van Size Calculator and Cost Guide for tailored estimates.

Cost Element	Man and Van	Self-Drive
Hourly / Daily Rate	£30–£60 per hour	£60–£120 per day
Fuel	Included	£30–£70 per move
Deposit / Excess	Usually none	£200–£250 deposit £1500+ excess
Extra Labour	Add helpers as needed	Friends or separate hire
Straps to secure items	Included	£20-£30
Time Investment	Focus on your move	Allow for collection & return admin

Hourly / Daily Rate

Man and Van: £30–£60/hr

Self-Drive: £60–£120/hr

Fuel

Man and Van: Included

Self-Drive: £30–£70 per move

Deposit / Excess

Man and Van: Usually none

Self-Drive: £200–£250 deposit
£1500+ excess

Extra Labour

Man and Van: Add helpers as needed

Self-Drive: Friends or separate hire

Straps to secure items

Man and Van: Included

Self-Drive: £20-£30

Time Investment

Man and Van: Focus on your move

Self-Drive: Allow for collection & return admin

Packing Materials

Man and Van: Bring straps and blankets

Self-Drive: Buy or rent separately

Parking & Access

Man and Van: Drivers handle logistics

Self-Drive: You’re responsible for permits & planning

Insurance

Man and Van: Goods in transit included

Self-Drive: Limited cover unless you pay extra

Post-Move

Man and Van: Job finishes when you’re unloaded

Self-Drive: Return van in time to avoid penalties

Couple lifting a sofa in their house during a DIY move

https://www.comparethemanandvan.co.uk/images/advice/woman-unloading-van-3x2-min.jpg

Step 3: Assess Your Readiness

Be realistic about the skills and energy your move demands:

Driving confidence: Larger vans feel different on tight or busy roads.
Physical effort: Lifting heavy furniture takes planning, protective gear, and enough hands.
Risk tolerance: Damage to a rental van may cost you your deposit.

If any of these give you pause, a man and van keeps everything safe, insured, and on schedule.

Step 4: Check Dates, Routes, and Access

Busy periods and tight streets can sway the best choice:

Midweek moves often cost less for both services.
Need parking permits? Professionals handle them for you.
Long-distance trips add mileage, fuel, and fatigue to DIY options.

Outsource the drive if juggling routes, traffic, and timings feels like one job too many.

Step 5: Book the Option That Fits Your Move

Once you have the numbers, confidence, and helpers lined up, it is time to lock in your move. If you prefer expert support, we can connect you with vetted drivers quickly.

Short local moves: Self-drive can work if you have willing helpers.
Larger homes or high-value items: A man and van offers peace of mind and insurance.
Tight schedules: Professionals keep everything on track while you focus on admin.

Line-up of different van sizes available for moving

Ready to Compare Quotes?

See prices from trusted drivers across the UK and book the move that suits your budget and timeline.

Compare Man and Van Prices

Man and Van vs Self-Drive FAQs

Yes. Factor in fuel, mileage limits, tolls, congestion or clean air zones, insurance excess, and cleaning fees. With a man and van quote these costs are usually bundled upfront so you know the total.

Self-drive vans include basic cover but excesses can exceed £1,000. You are also liable for damage to your belongings. A man and van service covers the vehicle and includes Goods in Transit and Public Liability insurance for added protection.

Definitely. You can add helpers so bulky items like wardrobes, sofas, or pianos are lifted safely. Drivers arrive with straps, blankets, and dollies so you are not risking injury or damage.

Yes. Many drivers cover nationwide routes with transparent pricing for travel time and mileage. Request multiple quotes through Compare the Man and Van to find the best value for longer journeys.

Self-drive may look cheaper upfront, but once you add fuel, insurance, and your time, a man and van is often better value. Choosing customer loading keeps costs low while using a professional driver.

A man and van is usually best. Local drivers know parking rules, congestion zones, and restricted streets. They handle permits and navigation so you are not dealing with city traffic in a large rental van.