Choosing between a man and van and a full removal company is one of the first decisions you'll make when planning a move. The right choice depends on the size of your move, your budget, and how much help you need.
What's the difference?
A man and van service is typically one or two people with a transit-sized van. You usually help with loading, and the service is charged by the hour. It's flexible, fast to book, and ideal for smaller moves.
A removal company provides a larger crew (2–4 people), bigger vehicles, and usually handles everything from loading to unloading. Many offer packing, disassembly, and storage too. They charge a fixed project price rather than hourly.
Cost comparison
Man and van: £60–£90/hour, typically £200–£400 for a small move.
Removal company: £400–£800 for a local 3-bed move, £800–£1,500+ for long-distance.
For a studio or 1-bed flat within the same city, a man and van is almost always cheaper. For a 3-bed house or anything involving stairs, fragile items, or long distances, the fixed price of a removal company often works out better value.
When to choose man and van
• Studio, 1-bed, or 2-bed flat moves
• Short distances (same city or under 30 miles)
• You're happy to help with carrying
• You've already packed everything
• You need a quick turnaround (many can come same-day)
When to choose a removal company
• 3+ bedroom houses
• Long-distance or cross-country moves
• You have heavy furniture, a piano, or fragile antiques
• You want packing and unpacking included
• You need storage between moves
• You have limited physical ability
How to compare both options
MAZE lets you compare both man and van services and full removal companies side by side. Enter your postcodes, and you'll see verified options with transparent pricing for both service types — so you can make the right call for your specific move.