EasyMove guide
Man and van vs removals vs self-drive
Three ways to move — each suits a different job. Here's how a man and van, a full removals company and self-drive van hire compare on the things that matter.
| Man & van | Full removals | Self-drive | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | From £45 fixed | £££ (hundreds–thousands) | £ van hire + fuel + your time |
| Who does the lifting | Driver + optional movers | Full professional crew | You |
| Best for | Flats & small–mid moves | 3+ bed houses, packing | A few items, DIY |
| Insurance | £25,000 cover included | Included (varies) | You arrange it |
| Price certainty | Fixed (Price Lock) | Usually quoted | You carry the risk |
| Speed to book | Instant, same-day possible | Survey often needed | Depends on hire |
Which should you choose?
- Man and van — the sweet spot for studios, flats and 1–2 bed moves, single-item deliveries and anything where you want a fixed price and help loading.
- Full removals — best for large houses, professional packing, and high-volume whole-home moves.
- Self-drive hire — cheapest on paper for a handful of items, if you're happy to drive, load and insure it yourself.
FAQs
Is a man and van cheaper than a removals company?
For studios, flats and small-to-mid moves, a man and van is usually much cheaper — EasyMove starts at a £45 minimum fare with the driver included. Full removals companies suit 3+ bedroom houses and packing services, and cost from several hundred to a few thousand pounds.
Is a man and van cheaper than hiring a van yourself?
Often, yes, once you add up van hire, fuel, insurance, your own time and the risk of moving heavy items without help. A man and van gives you a driver (and optional movers), insurance and a fixed price.
When should I use a full removals company instead?
Choose full removals for large houses (3+ bedrooms), when you want professional packing and unpacking, or for long-distance whole-home moves with a large volume of goods.
Not sure which you need? Get a fixed man-and-van price first.
Get a fixed quote