A cheap man with a van is worth booking only if it is still insured, still has enough people to lift your things safely, and the price you are quoted is the price you pay. The cheapest adverts often leave out one of those three. The good news is that a professional, insured service does not have to be expensive, and you can lower the cost a lot yourself.
LMD Logistics runs man and van jobs from our Birtley yard with two or three movers and goods in transit insurance, and our man and van rates are often cheaper than hiring a van and doing it yourself. Here is what to check, and how to keep the bill down.
What actually makes the price
Knowing this makes it obvious where savings come from: less stuff, better access, fewer trips and no surprises on the day.
- How long the job takes, which is mostly how much is moving and how easy access is.
- How many people are needed to lift safely.
- The size of van, and whether it can be done in one trip.
- Distance between the addresses.
- Extras such as dismantling, packing or stairs.
What the cheapest adverts leave out
A very low price usually means one of these: no insurance, one person expected to move a sofa on their own, a van too small for the job, or a quote that grows on the day. None of these show up until moving day, which is the worst time to discover them. Ask directly whether goods in transit cover is included, how many people come with the van, and whether the price is fixed to the job you described.
Hiring a van yourself versus a man and van
Self-drive hire looks cheaper until you add fuel, the insurance excess, the time off work and the friends you owe a favour. You also carry the risk if something is dropped. For many small moves a man and van comes out similar or cheaper, and the lifting is done for you. If you do have strong helpers, our you-load service is a middle ground: a van and driver by the hour while your own people load. Our guide comparing van hire with a man and van works through the sums.
Seven ways to make it cheaper
- Get rid of what you do not want before the move, not after.
- Be fully packed and labelled when the van arrives.
- Take beds and flat-pack furniture apart the night before if you are confident doing so.
- Reserve parking right outside both addresses.
- Give an honest, complete list so the right van comes first time.
- Be flexible on the day or time if you can.
- Move small valuable items yourself in the car.
When a man and van is the wrong choice
For a full family home with lots of large furniture, a full removals service is usually better value than several man and van trips. For a single sofa or appliance, a collection and delivery job may suit you better. Our guide comparing man and van with full removals explains where each makes sense.
What you get with us
Two or three movers, a van from our Birtley yard, goods in transit insurance and a free quote, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Tell us what is moving and where, and we will tell you honestly whether man and van is the right service or not.
Common questions
Is a cheap man and van insured?
Not always. Ask whether goods in transit cover is included. Ours is, on every man and van job.
Is man and van cheaper than hiring a van myself?
Often, yes. Our man and van rates are often cheaper than self-drive hire once fuel, excess and your own time are counted.
How many people come with the van?
Two or three movers, so heavy items are lifted safely without you having to help.
Related services
- Man and Van in Chester-le-Street — Two or three movers and a van — we do the heavy lifting for you.
- You Load Services in Chester-le-Street — Hire the van by the hour and load it yourself — driver provided.
- Collection / Delivery in Chester-le-Street — Bulky items collected and delivered anywhere in the UK.
Areas this applies to
- Chester-le-Street — DH2 / DH3
- Durham — DH1
- Gateshead — NE8 / NE9 / NE10 / NE11