Key Differences at a Glance
Man and Van
- Team: 1-2 movers
- Vehicle: Transit or LWB van
- Pricing: £45-65/hour (London)
- Booking: Same-day available
- Your input: May help with lifting
Removal Company
- Team: 3-5 movers
- Vehicle: Luton van or lorry
- Pricing: Fixed quote upfront
- Booking: 1-4 weeks advance
- Your input: Hands-off experience
Cost Comparison (London 2025)
Here's what you'll actually pay for each service in London. These prices include labour, van, and typical move duration.
| Property Size | Man & Van | Removal Co. | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio flat 2-3 hours | £100-180 | £250-400 | ~55% |
| 1-bed flat 3-4 hours | £150-250 | £350-550 | ~50% |
| 2-bed flat 4-6 hours | £250-400 | £500-800 | ~50% |
| 3-bed house 6-8 hours | £400-600 | £800-1,200 | ~45% |
| 4-bed house Full day+ | £600-900* | £1,200-1,800 | Consider removal |
* For 4+ bed properties, removal companies often provide better value due to larger teams completing the job faster.
Hourly Rate Breakdown (London)
£45-55/hr
£55-75/hr
£65-85/hr
Fixed quote
Pros and Cons
Man and Van
Pros
- 40-60% cheaper than removal companies
- Same-day booking often available
- Flexible scheduling including evenings/weekends
- Personal service with direct communication
- Navigate tight spaces better than large trucks
- Pay by the hour - only for time used
Cons
- May need to help with some lifting
- Limited capacity - may need multiple trips
- No packing service typically included
- Variable insurance - always check coverage
- Not ideal for long-distance or international
Removal Company
Pros
- Completely hands-off - you do nothing
- Full packing/unpacking service available
- Higher insurance coverage (£50,000+)
- Specialist equipment for pianos, antiques
- Fixed price quote - no surprises
- Storage options if needed
Cons
- 40-60% more expensive than man and van
- Book 1-4 weeks ahead typically required
- Less flexible with timing changes
- Larger vehicles struggle on narrow streets
- Overkill for small moves - paying for unused capacity
Quick Decision Quiz
Answer these 5 questions to get a personalized recommendation.
1. How many bedrooms are you moving?
Man and Van is Right for You!
Based on your answers, a man and van service will meet your needs and save you 40-60% compared to a removal company.
Get a Free QuoteConsider a Removal Company
Based on your answers, a full-service removal company would better suit your needs. The extra cost provides specialist handling and a completely hands-off experience.
Either Option Could Work!
You're in the middle ground. A premium man and van service (like us with a 2-man team) offers the best of both worlds - professional service at a lower cost.
Discuss Your MoveWhen Man and Van is the Better Choice
Smaller Properties
Studios, 1-bed, 2-bed, and most 3-bed flats/houses. If everything fits in one large van load, man and van is ideal.
Pre-Packed Moves
Already boxed up and ready to go? Man and van handles loading and transport efficiently without packing service overheads.
Single Item Delivery
Sofa, bed, wardrobe, washing machine. No need to pay removal company prices for one item collection/delivery.
Student Moves
Moving between uni halls, shared houses, or back home. Smaller loads, tight budgets - man and van is perfect.
Marketplace Purchases
eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree finds. Quick collection and delivery at a fraction of courier prices.
Last-Minute Moves
Need to move today or tomorrow? Man and van services offer same-day availability that removal companies can't match.
Local London Moves
Moving within London or nearby? Man and van excels at local moves where hourly rates work in your favour.
Budget-Conscious
Want professional help but watching costs? Man and van gives you skilled movers without the premium pricing.
When a Removal Company Makes More Sense
Large Properties (4+ bed)
Big houses with lots of furniture benefit from larger teams and vehicles. More efficient than multiple man and van trips.
Specialist Items
Grand pianos, antique furniture, fine art, safes. These need specialist equipment and trained handlers.
International Moves
Moving abroad requires customs documentation, international shipping, and coordination that removal companies specialize in.
Physical Limitations
If you genuinely cannot help at all - health, age, or disability reasons - removal companies handle everything.
Corporate Relocations
Office moves with IT equipment, strict timelines, and business continuity requirements need professional project management.
Full Packing Service Needed
Want someone to pack everything for you, from clothes to kitchenware? Removal companies offer end-to-end packing.
London-Specific Considerations
Moving in London presents unique challenges that affect which service to choose.
Congestion Charge & ULEZ
Man and Van Advantage: Most use ULEZ-compliant vehicles as standard. Check with removal companies - older lorries may incur £12.50/day ULEZ + £15/day Congestion Charge fees that get passed to you.
Parking & Access
Man and Van Advantage: Transit vans fit in standard parking bays and navigate narrow Victorian streets easily. Luton vans and lorries often need suspended parking bays (£50-100+ council fee) and struggle with tight corners.
High-Rise Flats
Consider Both: If you're on floor 5+ with no lift, multiple trips are tiring. A 2-man team (man and van) handles most cases well, but removal companies' larger teams can be faster for high floors with lots of heavy furniture.
Traffic & Timing
Man and Van Advantage: More flexible with start times. Can begin at 7am before traffic or work evenings/weekends. Removal companies often have fixed morning slots that hit peak traffic.
Services Breakdown
| Service | Man & Van | Removal Co. |
|---|---|---|
| Loading & unloading | ||
| Transportation | ||
| Furniture disassembly/assembly | ||
| Basic protection (blankets, straps) | ||
| Goods-in-transit insurance | ||
| Full packing service | ||
| Unpacking service | ||
| Storage facilities | ||
| Specialist item handling (pianos, etc.) | ||
| Same-day booking | ||
| Evening/weekend flexibility |
= Included/Available | = Sometimes/Extra cost | = Not available
Real Scenarios: Which Would You Choose?
Sarah - Young Professional
"Moving from a 1-bed flat in Clapham to a 2-bed in Hackney. I've packed everything myself and can help carry boxes, but I need help with the bed and sofa."
✓ Best choice: Man and Van
Estimated cost: £180-280 (4-5 hours) vs £450+ with removal company
The Thompson Family
"Moving from a 4-bed house in Richmond to Sevenoaks (Kent). We have a baby grand piano, antique china cabinet, and my husband has a bad back so can't lift anything."
✓ Best choice: Removal Company
Specialist piano handling + full service needed. Expect £1,500-2,200
Marcus - University Student
"Need to move from halls in King's Cross to a shared house in Wembley. Just got a desk, single bed, 4 boxes, and some clothes. Budget is tight."
✓ Best choice: Man and Van
Estimated cost: £100-150 (2-3 hours). A removal company would be overkill and 3x the price.
James & Emma - Couple
"Moving from a 3-bed house in Brixton to Manchester. Haven't started packing, both work full-time, and we have 3 weeks until the move date."
✓ Best choice: Removal Company (or hybrid)
Long distance + packing needed. Could use man and van if they pack themselves over 3 weeks (save ~40%), or removal company for full service convenience.
Lisa - Facebook Marketplace Buyer
"Found a gorgeous velvet sofa on Marketplace in Wimbledon. Need it delivered to my flat in Islington. Seller can't deliver."
✓ Best choice: Man and Van
Estimated cost: £80-120 for single item collection. No removal company would take this job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between man and van and removal company?
A man and van service typically provides 1-2 movers with a transit van, charging hourly rates (£45-65/hour in London). You may need to help with loading. A removal company provides a full team (3-5 movers), larger vehicles, packing services, and fixed-price quotes. Removal companies cost 40-60% more but offer a hands-off experience.
How much cheaper is man and van than a removal company?
Man and van services typically cost 40-60% less than removal companies for equivalent moves. For example, a 1-bed flat move costs £150-250 with man and van versus £350-500 with a removal company. A 2-bed flat costs £250-400 (man and van) versus £500-800 (removal company).
When should I use a removal company instead of man and van?
Choose a removal company for: 4+ bedroom properties, valuable antiques or fine art, international moves, if you cannot physically help at all, corporate relocations with strict timelines, or when you need full packing/unpacking services included.
Do man and van services have insurance?
Reputable man and van services carry goods-in-transit insurance (typically £10,000-25,000) and public liability insurance (£1-2 million). Always ask for proof of insurance before booking. Removal companies often have higher coverage limits (£50,000+) suitable for high-value moves.
Can man and van handle a 3-bedroom house move?
Yes, but it depends on the amount of furniture and whether you're willing to help. A 2-man team with a large van can handle most 3-bed houses in 6-8 hours for £400-600. However, for heavily furnished 3-bed properties or if you prefer not to help, a removal company may be more efficient.
How long does a man and van move take?
Average move times: Studio flat 2-3 hours, 1-bed flat 3-4 hours, 2-bed flat 4-6 hours, 3-bed house 6-8 hours. Times vary based on floor access (stairs vs lift), parking distance, amount of furniture, and how much is pre-packed.
Our Verdict
For the majority of London moves - studios, flats, and houses up to 3 bedrooms - a good man and van service is all you need. You'll save 40-60% compared to removal companies while still getting professional, insured movers who know London's streets.
Reserve removal companies for genuinely large moves (4+ beds), specialist items (pianos, antiques), or when you want complete white-glove service with packing included.
At Van Thats Quick, we bridge the gap - offering man and van affordability with removal company reliability. We're fully insured, always punctual, and can provide a two-man team for larger jobs.