The Real Cost of Moving a One-Bedroom Flat Locally

How a man with a van can slash your small-move costs

Moving house is stressful enough without the fear of getting hit with a bill that makes your eyes water. Anyone who has asked a removals company for a quote knows the feeling. A few years ago, when I was moving from a one-bedroom flat in Farnborough to a three-bedroom house in Fleet, the quote that landed in my inbox was just over £800. The distance was barely five miles. I remember looking at the number and the amount of stuff we actually owned and thinking, 'This cannot be right.'

How I handled my move with a standard Transit van

At the time, I owned a standard Ford Transit. Not the long-wheelbase model, not a large model, just the everyday size you see everywhere. I would not consider a Transit van a luxury, but in that moment, it felt like one. Being able to use my own van meant the entire move cost me nothing but time and exhaustion. My wife and her parents helped out, we loaded it up, made four trips, and got everything across town safely. No broken furniture, no disasters, just a very tired version of me at the end of the day. It proved that for many small local moves, you do not need a large removals truck or a full crew.

Why man-and-van services matter during the cost-of-living crisis

Of course, most people do not have a van sitting on the driveway, and amid the cost-of-living crisis, people are looking for any way to save money. Moving home can be horrendously expensive, especially when you add deposits, first month’s rent, cleaning costs, new furniture, and time off work.

That is where man-and-van services can be an absolute godsend. They save you money, offer far more flexibility, and can often get the job done faster than the big boys.

What I learned from people who run these services

Over the years, I have known a couple of people who ran these small van operations, and their stories backed up everything I learned from my own move.

Most of their jobs involved small flats, student rentals, and moves within a few miles. They told me how many customers were shocked at how much they could fit into a standard Transit or Sprinter. Double mattresses, dining chairs, boxed kitchenware, TVs, you name it. As long as you wrap it and stack it properly, the space goes further than most people expect.

They also told me how often they rescued people who had been let down by a large removals company at the last minute. Sometimes it was a vehicle issue. Sometimes, there was a double booking; sometimes, they simply did not have enough staff. Either way, the customer would be panicking with keys due back the next day.

A man with a van could step in, often with only a few hours’ notice, and get everything moved, even if it took a couple of runs back and forth. In one case, the destination was a block of flats with almost no parking. A full-size lorry would never have managed it. A small van just squeezed in and out.

They are also helpful for everyday purchases

These services are valuable for more than whole-home moves. They can save you a fortune on everyday things, too!

If you find a bargain on Facebook Marketplace but the seller cannot deliver, hiring a van is often cheaper than a large vehicle. The same applies when picking up flat-pack furniture or bulky items. Also, if you sell items on Facebook Marketplace, etc., it can be helpful to know who can help you get your sale to its new home!

I once bought an ex-display sofa from IKEA. They did not offer delivery, and I did not have a van at that point. A man with a van collected it, delivered it to my house, helped me get it inside, and it cost less than IKEA’s standard delivery charge!

All he needed from me were the details and a time. He handled the rest.

Why we also use them in the bathroom industry I work in

In my ‘day job’ in the bathroom industry, we have used the much more affordable man-and-van services many times to resolve urgent customer issues.

If a product arrives damaged or needs to be replaced quickly, these small operators are often the best option. They can reach the customer quickly, collect or drop off items, and keep everything moving without the delays or costs of booking a large removals firm or a specialist courier.

Their flexibility is the real advantage. They can fit you in between other jobs, reroute quickly, and keep costs reasonable.

The real cost difference

So what does the cost difference actually look like?

A typical one-bedroom local move with a man and van might be priced in two ways. Some charge per hour, typically £35-£40, depending on the area and the number of helpers you need.

Others price the whole job. A real example from a Hampshire operator: two people and one van for three hours, at around £245.

Compare that to the £800 quote I was given, and the difference becomes clear. Add packing materials, assembly or stairs, and the price rises, but it is still far cheaper than a full removals company because you are not paying for a huge vehicle and a large team.

When a removal company is still the right choice, and when a man with a van is better

Full removal companies absolutely have their place. If you have a large house, oversized furniture that cannot be dismantled, or you are moving long-distance, a professional removals crew is worth the cost. For one-bedroom flats, student rentals, and small local moves, a man with a van is usually the most sensible option.

If you are planning a move, it is worth checking what an affordable man-and-van service typically charges so you can price your options accordingly.

If an item is too big, dismantle it and wrap it properly. A smaller van is cheaper, easier to park, and easier to book at short notice.

And in today’s world, where every penny matters, it is good to remember that these small services exist.

They solve problems quickly, save you a chunk of money, and often give you a smoother move than you would get from a much bigger company. I would choose a man with a van for a small move without hesitation.

For help with tenancy timings, notice periods, or legal responsibilities, GOV.UK has clear guidance on the recently changed renters’ rights about ending a tenancy. Citizens Advice also has a helpful section on planning a move and managing associated costs.