Pricing Guide
How Much Does a Man and Van Cost? 2026 UK Price Guide
Transparent man and van pricing for every move size. Hourly rates, full move costs, what is included and how to get the best price for your removal.
Get a Free Quote — 07721935061One of the first questions anyone asks when planning a move is: how much does a man and van cost? Prices vary based on team size, distance, move complexity and the time of year. This guide gives you real 2026 rates for South East London and Kent moves so you know exactly what to expect before you call.
Man and Van Hourly Rates in 2026
| Service | Hourly Rate | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|
| Van Only (driver included) | £45/hr | Large van, driver, fuel (local) |
| 1 Man and Van | £65/hr | Van, driver, 1 removal specialist |
| 2 Men and Van | £85/hr | Van, driver, 2 removal specialists |
All rates above include fuel for local moves within Kent and South East London. No weekend surcharge. No ULEZ surcharge. 1-hour minimum booking.
Industry context: According to Which?, the average cost of a man and van in the UK ranges from £50 to £100 per hour depending on location and team size. London rates typically sit at the higher end of this range.
How Much Does a Man and Van Cost by Move Size?
| Move Type | Team | Typical Hours | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio flat | 1 Man and Van | 1.5-2 hrs | £98-£130 |
| 1 bedroom flat | 1 Man and Van | 2-3 hrs | £130-£195 |
| 2 bedroom flat | 2 Men and Van | 3-4 hrs | £255-£340 |
| 3 bedroom house | 2 Men and Van | 4-6 hrs | £340-£510 |
| Single item collection | Van Only | 1-1.5 hrs | £45-£68 |
| Office relocation | 2 Men and Van | 3-5 hrs | £255-£425 |
What Affects the Cost of a Man and Van?
- Number of men: More movers means a higher hourly rate but a faster job. For a 2-bedroom flat, 2 men often costs less overall than 1 man taking longer.
- Distance: Local moves within a town are billed purely on time. Longer moves may include a fuel supplement for motorway routes.
- Floor level and lift access: Ground floor moves are fastest. Upper floor moves without a lift add significant time. A 3rd floor flat with no lift can add 1 to 2 hours vs a ground floor equivalent.
- Volume of items: More items means more van loads. A realistic assessment of your belongings helps the operator advise the right team size.
- Time of year: Summer (June to August) and end of month are the busiest periods. Rates are stable but availability is tighter.
- Packing: If you pack yourself, you save money. Packing services are an additional cost if required.
How Much Does a Man and Van Cost in Kent?
Kent rates are competitive compared to London. Most local Kent moves come in between £130 and £400 depending on move size. The most common routes we handle include:
| Route Example | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Sevenoaks to Tonbridge (local move) | £130-£195 |
| Maidstone to Gravesend | £195-£300 |
| Dartford to Bromley | £130-£255 |
| Swanley to London | £195-£340 |
| Sevenoaks to Central London | £260-£425 |
How to Get the Cheapest Man and Van Price
- Book mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) when demand is lower
- Avoid end of month — completion dates cluster here and so do removals
- Have everything packed, boxed and ready before the van arrives
- Disassemble furniture in advance to save time on the day
- Get at least 3 quotes and compare what is included in each
- Book as early as possible — last minute bookings can carry a premium
MoneySavingExpert notes that being flexible on your moving date is one of the easiest ways to reduce removal costs.
What Is Included in a Man and Van Price?
Always confirm what is included with your operator. As a guide, Affordable Man and Van includes:
- Large van with full cargo space
- Driver plus quoted number of movers
- Fuel for local moves (Kent and South East London)
- Goods in transit insurance
- Public liability insurance
- No ULEZ surcharge (all vans fully compliant)
- No weekend or bank holiday premium
Packing materials and packing labour are available at additional cost if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a man and van cost per hour?
Man and van hourly rates in the South East typically range from £45 to £90 per hour depending on team size. Van only with driver is around £45/hr, 1 man and van is around £65/hr, and 2 men and van is around £85/hr.
How much does a man and van cost for a one bedroom flat?
A one bedroom flat move typically takes 2 to 3 hours with a 1 man and van team. At £65/hr that is £130 to £195. Local moves within the same town are at the lower end of this range.
How much does a man and van cost for a two bedroom house?
A two bedroom house move typically takes 3 to 5 hours with a 2 man and van team. At £85/hr that is £255 to £425. Packing materials, travel time between distant locations and access issues can add to the total.
Do man and van companies charge for travel time?
Some do, some do not. Many local operators include travel time to your property within a local radius for free. For moves further afield, travel time may be charged at the same hourly rate. Always confirm this before booking.
Is there a minimum charge for a man and van?
Most man and van companies have a minimum booking of 1 to 2 hours. Affordable Man and Van has a 1-hour minimum. Even for a very quick single item collection, the minimum booking applies.
Are man and van prices higher at weekends?
Many companies charge a weekend premium of 10 to 20% more than weekday rates. Affordable Man and Van charges the same rate 7 days a week with no weekend surcharge or bank holiday premium.
What affects the cost of a man and van?
The main factors are: number of men needed, distance of the move, floor level and lift access, volume of items, packing required, time of year and how far in advance you book.
How do I get the cheapest man and van price?
Book mid-week and mid-month when demand is lower. Have everything packed and ready before the van arrives to minimise time. Get at least 3 quotes and compare what is included. Avoid booking at the last minute if possible.
What is included in a man and van price?
Typically included: the van, the driver, any additional helpers quoted, fuel for local moves, goods in transit insurance and public liability insurance. Typically not included: packing materials, packing labour, storage and long distance fuel supplements.
How much does a man and van cost in Kent?
In Kent, man and van rates start from around £45/hr for van only and £65/hr with one mover. Most local Kent moves cost between £130 and £400 depending on move size and distance.