"How much will this actually cost?" It's the first question everyone asks, and finding a straight answer online is surprisingly hard. Most sites give you vague ranges or push you to "request a quote" without any real numbers.
Here's the truth: man and van prices in London range from £45 to £100+ per hour, depending on van size, crew size, timing, and location. But that hourly rate is just the starting point - there are additional charges that can add 20-40% to your final bill if you're not careful.
This guide breaks down exactly what you'll pay, what affects the price, and how to avoid overpaying. No vague estimates - real numbers based on what companies actually charge in 2026.
Hourly Rates Breakdown
Here's what man and van services charge per hour in London as of January 2026:
| Service Type | Weekday | Weekend | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Man + Small Van (SWB) | £45-55 | £50-60 | £55-65 |
| 1 Man + Large Van (LWB) | £55-70 | £60-75 | £65-80 |
| 2 Men + Large Van (LWB) | £70-85 | £80-95 | £85-100 |
| 2 Men + Luton Van | £85-100 | £95-115 | £100-120 |
Minimum Booking
Most companies require a 2-hour minimum. Some charge 3 hours for Luton vans. This covers travel time to your location.
What's Included
Standard rates include driver who helps load/unload, fuel, and insurance. The driver isn't just driving - they're working.
What Your Move Will Actually Cost
Forget hourly rates for a moment. Here's what real moves cost in London:
Single Item Delivery
Sofa, bed, washing machine, eBay pickup
Studio Flat Move
Bed, small sofa, 15-25 boxes, within London
1-Bed Flat Move
MOST COMMONFull furniture, 30-50 boxes, within London
2-Bed Flat Move
Full household, 50-70 boxes, within London
3-Bed House Move
Full house contents, 80+ boxes, may need 2 trips
*Prices based on moves within London. Long-distance moves or those outside the M25 cost more.
What Affects Your Final Price
Time of Booking
Cheapest: Tuesday-Thursday, mid-month
Most expensive: End of month weekends, bank holidays
Location
Zone 1-2: Higher due to parking/congestion
Outer London: Often lower base rates
Van Size Needed
SWB: Studios, single items
LWB: 1-2 bed flats
Luton: 3+ bed houses
Crew Size
1 man: Light items, smaller moves
2 men: Heavy furniture, faster loading
Access
Ground floor + lift: Fastest, cheapest
4th floor no lift: Takes longer = costs more
Distance
Same borough: 1-2 hours driving
Cross-London: Add 1-2 hours for traffic
How to Pay Less (Without Cutting Corners)
Move Mid-Week, Mid-Month
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday are cheapest. Avoid the last weekend of the month when everyone's lease ends. Potential saving: £50-100
Be Ready When They Arrive
Have everything boxed and ready to go. Disassemble beds and furniture beforehand. Every hour you save is money saved. Potential saving: £50-150
Get the Right Van Size First Time
A slightly bigger van for one trip beats two trips in a smaller van. See our van size guide. Potential saving: £75-150
Book in Advance
Last-minute bookings often cost more, especially on busy days. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for best rates. Potential saving: £20-50
Ask About All-Inclusive Pricing
Get a quote that includes everything: congestion charge, stairs, distance. No surprises at the end. Potential saving: £30-80 in "hidden" fees
Man and Van vs Removal Company
Not sure which to choose? Here's the honest comparison:
| Man & Van | Removal Company | |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed flat move | £150-250 | £400-600 |
| 3-bed house move | £400-650 | £800-1,500 |
| Flexibility | Same-day available | Book weeks ahead |
| Packing service | Sometimes (extra) | Usually included |
| Best for | Flats, small moves, eBay items | Large houses, fragile items |
Our recommendation: For most London moves (studios to 2-bed flats), man and van offers the best value. Consider a removal company for 4+ bed houses or if you have lots of fragile/valuable items needing specialist packing.
Our Prices at Van Thats Quick
| Service | Per Hour | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Man + Small Van (SWB) | £45 | 2 hours |
| 1 Man + Large Van (LWB) | £55 | 2 hours |
| 2 Men + Large Van (LWB) | £75 | 2 hours |
| 2 Men + Luton Van | £90 | 3 hours |
All prices include: Driver who helps load/unload, fuel, insurance, ULEZ, and congestion zone. No hidden fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a man and van cost per hour in London?
In London, man and van services typically cost £45-£55 per hour for one man with a small van, £55-£70 for one man with a large van, and £70-£100 for two men with a large van. Prices vary based on time of booking, location, and specific requirements.
Is there a minimum booking time?
Yes, most man and van companies in London have a 2-hour minimum booking. Some may require 3 hours for larger vans or Luton vehicles. This covers travel time to your location plus the actual job.
Are weekends more expensive?
Yes, weekend bookings typically cost £5-£10 more per hour than weekday rates. Saturday is busiest and most expensive, while Sunday may have slightly lower demand. Bank holidays often carry an additional £10-£15 per hour surcharge.
Do I pay extra for stairs?
Many companies charge £5-£10 per floor for properties without lift access. At Van Thats Quick, we include up to 2 flights of stairs in our standard rate with no hidden charges.
What about congestion charge and ULEZ?
Some companies add £15-£18 for congestion zone jobs during charging hours (Mon-Sun 7am-10pm). ULEZ non-compliant vans incur £12.50/day. At Van Thats Quick, all our vans are ULEZ compliant and we include congestion charges in quoted prices.
How much does a 1-bed flat move cost?
A 1-bed flat move in London typically costs £150-£250, taking 3-4 hours with one man and a large van or 2-3 hours with two men. The exact cost depends on distance and amount of furniture.
Is man and van cheaper than a removal company?
Yes, typically 40-60% cheaper. A 1-bed flat move costs £150-£250 with man and van versus £400-£600 with a removal company. Man and van is best for smaller moves; removal companies suit large houses with specialist packing needs.
Can I get a same-day booking?
Yes! At Van Thats Quick, we offer same-day service subject to availability. Call us on 07547 467333 and we'll do our best to fit you in. Same-day bookings don't cost extra with us.
Get Your Free Quote
Tell us about your move and we'll give you an honest, all-inclusive price. No hidden fees, no surprises.