Moving in London doesn’t always require a full-scale removal company. Sometimes, all you need is a reliable man with a van — especially if you’re moving a few boxes, furniture, or handling a small student move. But here’s the real question: how much does a man with a van cost in London?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Prices vary depending on time, van size, distance, and whether you need extra services like packing or loading. In this guide, we’ll break down average costs in 2025, explain what affects the price, and share practical tips to save money.
Average Man with a Van Cost in London (2026)
On average, you can expect to pay:
| Service Type | Average Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly Rate (1 Man + Van) | £40–£60 per hour | Driver helps with loading/unloading |
| Hourly Rate (2 Men + Van) | £60–£80 per hour | Faster loading, ideal for heavier items |
| Half-Day (4 Hours) | £160–£250 | Flat rate for small moves |
| Full-Day (8 Hours) | £300–£500 | Larger moves, multiple stops |
Compared to hiring Home Movers or Apartment Movers, a man with a van is usually the cheaper option, especially for smaller moves.
Hourly Rates
Most London man-and-van services charge by the hour. If you’re only moving a sofa across town, expect to pay around £50–£60. But if you need two movers and a larger van, that cost could climb closer to £80 an hour.
Day Rates
For bigger jobs or multiple trips, a full-day hire might work out cheaper. Flat rates between £300–£500 are common for an 8-hour booking, which includes both the van and loading help.
Factors That Affect the Cost
Not every job is priced the same. Here’s what can increase or lower your final bill:
- Distance – Longer drives around London (or outside the city) add mileage charges.
- Van Size – Small vans are cheaper; larger Luton vans cost more.
- Number of Helpers – One man is the cheapest option; adding extra movers costs extra but saves time.
- Time & Day – Weekends and evenings are pricier than midweek daytime slots.
- Extra Services – Packing, dismantling furniture, or storage will raise costs.
👉 If you’re moving house instead of just a few items, consider Domestic Movers for a more structured service.
Man with a Van vs Full Moving Service
When should you pick a man with a van over a traditional removal company? Let’s compare:
| Option | Best For | Cost | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Man with a Van | Small moves, students, single items | £40–£80 per hour | Limited space |
| Full Movers | Entire households, long-distance moves | £500–£1,500+ | More expensive |
If you’re just moving a flat or transporting furniture, a man with a van is usually the most practical and cost-effective choice. But for larger homes or long-distance relocations, a full-service team like Apartment Movers is more reliable.
How to Save Money on Man with a Van in London
Here are a few tricks to cut your moving costs without cutting corners:
- Book in Advance – Last-minute bookings often cost more.
- Choose Weekdays – Midweek moves are cheaper than weekends.
- Declutter First – The fewer items you move, the smaller van you need.
- Compare Quotes – Don’t accept the first price; shop around.
- Do Some Packing Yourself – If you handle boxing up, you save on labour time.
For more budget-friendly moving tips, check out our blog on Affordable Moving in London.
When Should You Choose a Man with a Van?
A man with a van is ideal if you:
- Are a student moving between flats.
- Only need to move one or two large pieces of furniture.
- Want a quick and flexible option for same-day moving.
- Are looking for a cheaper alternative to full movers.
If that sounds like your situation, you can book directly with our Man with a Van London Service and get a quick quote.
Final Thoughts on Moving Costs in London
So, how much does a man with a van cost in London? In 2025, expect anywhere from £40 to £80 per hour, depending on van size, helpers, and time of booking. For a half-day or full-day hire, prices average between £160 and £500.
The bottom line:
- Small moves = man with a van (budget-friendly).
- Large house moves = professional movers.
Either way, booking smart and planning ahead can save you both money and stress.
FAQs – Man with a Van Cost in London
Most services charge between £40–£80 per hour, depending on van size and number of movers.
For small moves, a man with a van is usually cheaper. For full house relocations, a moving company is more efficient long-term.
Both. Most charge hourly, but flat rates are available for half-day and full-day hires.
Book midweek, declutter before moving, and compare multiple quotes.
Yes, many companies offer same-day service, but rates may be higher than pre-booked moves.