Find a local man with a van service

Man with a Van specialists - what you need to know

What does a man with a van do?

“Man with a van” might sound a bit vague, but it essentially describes a removals service. It’s very much “does what it says on the tin” – typically involving a vehicle, the person driving it and the time involved to lift and shift your goods.

They’re typically a cheaper option than a large removals company, ideal if you’re moving from a rental property where you’re not taking big items of furniture, or if you’re a 1-2 person household with not too much stuff.

Here’s why a man with a van will take the stress out of a moving day:

• You won’t have to worry about hiring a van – or returning it after a long, stressful day of moving. You might only need it for 3-4 hours, so spending that extra time picking up and returning a hire van is time that could be better spent unpacking (or opening prosecco).
• You’ll have someone who’s used to driving vans, as well as knowing how to pack the back of the van to make the best use of the space – it’s harder than it looks.
• 1-2 extra pairs of hands on moving day.

You’ll get a door-to-door service; loading up the van with your belongings or rubbish, and delivering it to your new home, (or disposing of unwanted items).

A man with a van can be a one-man band, a family business, or even part of a larger company. Many offer a range of services, from office removals and garden waste, to transporting heavy or specialist goods – like a fancy motorcycle, or even bulky machinery.

Cost of a man with a van 

Most who offer this service will have an hourly rate, and usually impose a 2-hour minimum charge. The cost will vary depending on how many pairs of hands you require, as well as the distance involved.

Bigger moves will likely warrant a more detailed quote, with a survey being carried out ahead of the move to ensure the right-size van is available. For these larger jobs, a fixed cost can be agreed, which is often preferable as the clock won’t be ticking.

The average costs for the use of a Transit van are below. If you need a larger Luton-style van or lorry, then costs will likely be higher. Always ask your man with a van about additional fuel expenses too.

• Budget (1 person): £40 per hour
• Medium (2 people): £50-£60 per hour
• Expensive (3 people): £75+ per hour

Things you should consider before finding a man with a van

There are lots of factors that can affect a quote. To help them provide an accurate costing, tell your man with a van exactly what you need. Here are some considerations:

• Extra help beyond removals. Do you need help packing? Or disassembling furniture? And how about unpacking at the other end? Some will offer these services for an additional fee.
• Quantity and size of items. It’s important to accurately estimate what you need to move, as this will determine what type of van is required. Be careful not to forget things in the attic or garden shed. And equally, don’t overestimate what you have, as this could lead to you paying for a larger van that isn’t necessary.
• Day of the week. Weekends and Fridays are always the busiest time for a man with a van so, if you’re able to make your move earlier on a weekday, it could result in a cheaper quote.

The qualifications your man with a van needs

A man with a van doesn’t require any qualifications to be able to operate. However, they should be a registered business, and not just someone from the local area who has a van handy. Many are also members of the British Association of Movers (BAM).

Insurance for man with a van work

First and foremost, a man with a van will need a suitable commercial motor insurance policy that covers the vehicle being used for transportation. It’s also important that they provide public liability insurance, and goods-in-transit insurance to protect your belongings in the event of damage.

Parking permits should also be considered, as removals aren’t exempt from parking fines if operating in a restricted area.

Questions you should ask your man with a van

• Do they have commercial motor insurance?
• Do they have liability insurance?
• Can they help with packing and disassembling?
• Will protective covers be used on items?
• Will packing boxes be provided?
• Will they organise parking permits?
• Will there be extra costs for fuel?