A customer’s experience
Plymouth man and van.
A man-and-van move in Plymouth, booked at a fixed price.
★★★★★
“A real person to speak to about my specific needs … I would definitely recommend Movesmith”
Nick, Plymouth · Google review
Read on Google ↗Man and van · London
Man and van in London — a man with a van at a fixed price from £105
Most London moves don't need a five-strong crew and a lorry. They need a van, a mover or two, and a clear price for the job you've described. Movesmith gives you a fixed man-and-van price before you book, then matches you with a verified operator who covers your area.
- Fixed price before booking — from £105
- Congestion Charge and crossings shown up front
- MoveReady Protection included
- No hourly meter, no on-the-day surprises
Or call 020 3143 1719 (Every day, 8am–8pm, UK time) or WhatsApp us.
What is Movesmith? Movesmith is a removals booking platform where customers across the UK can submit move details and receive a fixed price, then book it straight away; a verified mover accepts the job, and if none does in time the customer pays nothing.
- Fixed price before booking
- Verified operators
- Protected payments
- No hourly meter
London man and van prices, fixed before you book
Starting prices from our pricing engine. Your quote gives the exact fixed price for your items, access and date.
| Move | Fixed price from |
|---|---|
| Single item or small man-and-van load | £105 |
| 3-seater sofa, 2 people | £147 |
| Fridge freezer, 2 people | £147 |
| Wardrobe, 2 people | £147 |
| Studio flat | £198 |
| 1-bed flat | £201 |
| 2-bed flat | £421 |
Every figure is what our pricing engine charges today for a short move in South East London on a standard day, with the van near the door at both ends, ground floor or a house, and 2 movers unless it says "1 mover + you". Prices include VAT. Your price depends on your items, access and date. Bigger homes are on our removals pages.
A fixed-price man and van, not an hourly meter
Much of London's man-and-van market runs on an hourly clock: a low headline rate, then a minimum call-out, the traffic you sit in, and parking, congestion and stairs added when the van arrives. Movesmith prices the whole job up front instead. You see one fixed number, and as long as the move matches what you told us, that's what you pay.
Whether you call it a man and van or a man with van, it's the same booking flow for collecting a single sofa in Zone 2 or moving a studio flat across town. Give the details once, see the price, and a verified operator is matched to the job. There's no calling round five numbers, no bidding site and no waiting for a stranger's quote.
London adds its own layer: controlled parking zones across much of the inner city, walk-up conversions with no lift, service-lift bookings in new blocks, red routes, the Congestion Charge and the river crossings. The quote asks for your floors, lifts and the walk from the van, so the price reflects your move, not an average.
What's included in the fixed price
A London man-and-van price that looks cheap per hour often isn't once the clock, fuel, parking and road charges are added. Here is what your Movesmith price already covers, and the one kind of charge that shows as its own line.
The van, the lifting and the drive
Loading, the drive between your addresses, and unloading at the other end. Fuel and driving time are built into the price. There's no hourly meter running in the background.
Stairs, lifts and the carry to the van
Floors, lifts and how far the van is from your door are part of the time the job takes, so they're built into the price. They are in the price you see before you book.
MoveReady Protection
Every move includes MoveReady Protection for a Declared Value up to £10,000, at no extra charge. Boxes you pack yourself are covered only for fire, collision or the van overturning. £100 excess per claim. We pay it, so you pay no excess.
Congestion Charge and crossings, shown up front
If your route enters the Congestion Charge zone during charging hours, or uses the Dartford Crossing or the Blackwall or Silvertown tunnels, the charge is its own line in the quote. It's passed through at the published rate, and it's in the total you agree before booking.
No ULEZ charge to you
Using a vehicle that meets the ULEZ standard is the operator's responsibility. There is no ULEZ line in a Movesmith quote.
VAT and protected payment
Prices include VAT. Your card is saved at booking. Once an operator is confirmed, the fixed price is reserved around 48 hours before the move, and normally it's only taken after you confirm completion with your Sign-Off PIN.
More on how MoveReady Protection works and our cancellation policy.
What a man and van covers
One booking flow for small loads and single items — bigger jobs move onto full removals pricing automatically.
Single-item & marketplace pickups
One sofa, a fridge, a Facebook Marketplace or eBay collection — pickup at one address, drop at another.
Studio & 1-bed flat moves
A small flat's worth of boxes and furniture in one or two van loads, with one or two movers.
House-share & student rooms
Just your room, priced on the items you own — not a whole-property rate.
Store & warehouse collections
IKEA, Argos and warehouse or storage-unit pickups delivered to your door at a fixed price.
Studio and bulky-item moves
Furniture, boxed belongings and bulky items for household moves, planned around your access.
Move-outs & donation deliveries
Household contents moved to a new address, customer-arranged storage or charity. Clearance is not currently offered.
How it works
One quote flow, one fixed price, one verified operator matched to your job.
- 1
Tell us what's moving
Item list or rough load size, both postcodes, floor level, lift and how far the van is from the door. The details that set the real price — not a per-hour guess.
- 2
See your fixed price
One number before you book, with stairs and distance built in and any congestion or crossing charges shown as clear line items — never added on the day.
- 3
A verified operator turns up
We match your job with a verified man-and-van operator who handles loading, transport and unloading, and completes sign-off.
Tell us what's moving and see your fixed price before you book anything.
Get my fixed priceWhich van do you need? A London van size guide
You don't have to guess the van. The quote works out the vehicle from your item list, and the vehicle plan is shown before you pay. As a guide, these are the vehicle classes our operators run and the smallest one each kind of move needs.
Small van
Single items and marketplace pickups
A sofa, a fridge freezer, a washing machine or a Facebook Marketplace collection. It's the easiest van to park on tight terraced streets.
Medium van
Studio and 1-bed flats
The usual choice for a studio or a 1-bed flat, or a room from a house-share with a bed, a desk and boxes.
Luton van
2-bed flats and houses
A tall box body, often with a tail-lift, for a 2-bed flat or a small house. It's the usual van for a 2-bed move.
3.5t van
3-bed homes and up
For three bedrooms and up. The biggest homes may need two vehicles, and the quote shows the plan before you book.
If everything won't fit in one trip, the quote may offer a two-journey plan. The same operator, van and crew do both trips on the same day, and each option is priced separately so you choose.
What affects the price of a man and van in London
What you're moving
The biggest factor. Each item's size and weight, and how long it takes to carry, set the van and the time. A realistic item list means the right van turns up first time.
Floors, stairs and lifts
A third-floor walk-up takes longer than a ground-floor flat with the van outside. Floors, stairs and lifts are part of the job's time, so they're built into the fixed price when you give us the right details.
Parking and the carry to the van
Where the van can park lawfully, and how far it is from your door, shape the time. Tell us about controlled bays or a long carry and it's priced up front. A carry of 50 metres or more gets a tailored review first.
The route and road charges
The drive between your addresses is built into the price. The Congestion Charge, the Dartford Crossing and the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels show as their own lines when your route uses them. ULEZ is always the operator's responsibility.
Extra work
Dismantling, reassembly or disconnecting an appliance are priced before you book when you add them. Nothing is added on the day without your express approval.
The date
Busy days — Fridays, weekends, the end of the month and bank holidays — cost a bit more. Monday to Thursday mid-month is our standard price. The rules are set in advance and are the same for everyone. Live demand never moves a price, and once you've been given a price for your details it doesn't change.
Man and van or full removals: which do you need?
People often say "man with a van" when they mean "small move", and "removals" when they mean "whole home". The line between them is really about how much you're moving.
A man and van suits
- Single items, marketplace and shop collections
- Studio and 1-bed flats
- A room from a house-share or student let
- Moves where you're happy to lift with your mover ("1 mover + you")
Full removals suits
- 2-bed flats and every house
- A Luton or 3.5t van and a bigger crew
- Packing, dismantling and reassembly booked as extras
- Moves that may need two vans or more than one day
On Movesmith it's one booking flow. Tell us what you're moving and the quote picks the right van and team. Larger moves are priced as removals automatically, so the van and crew fit the job you describe.
The best time to move in London
Midweek, mid-month is the calm spot
Fridays, weekends and the end of the month are the busiest days for moving, so lifts, loading bays and parking are in most demand. Monday to Thursday in the middle of the month is usually calmer.
Mind the Congestion Charge hours
The central zone charges from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and from noon to 6pm at weekends and on bank holidays. There's no charge between Christmas Day and the New Year bank holiday. A move that crosses the zone outside those hours has no charge line.
Book parking before the van
Much of inner London is covered by controlled parking zones. If there is nowhere lawful to load, book a parking bay suspension through your council as soon as you know your date. Councils need notice, and the rules differ from borough to borough.
Book lifts and loading bays early
Newer blocks often ask you to book the service lift or the loading bay. Book your slot first, then put it in your booking so the operator plans around it.
Plan around the student calendar
Late August to late September is peak season for student moves around London's universities. If your date is fixed, book early to get the slot you want.
When can you book?
You can book a man and van for today, or any day after.
Pick a date and a time in the quote. You see the fixed price before you book.
For today, we look for a mover straight away. Same-day is subject to a mover accepting. If none does, you pay nothing and we tell you straight away.
Pick your date and see the fixed price for it, with any road charges already in the total.
Get my fixed priceMan and van across London, by area
Our local pages show fixed prices, parking and access notes, and common moves for each area. Pick yours, or get a price for anywhere in Greater London from the quote.
Central London
North London
East London
South London
- Man and van Bexley DA5 →
- Man and van Bromley BR1 →
- Man and van Catford SE6 →
- Man and van Clapham SW4 →
- Man and van Croydon CR0 →
- Man and van Deptford SE8 →
- Man and van Greenwich SE10 →
- Man and van Kingston KT1 →
- Man and van Lambeth SW9 →
- Man and van Lewisham SE13 →
- Man and van Merton SW19 →
- Man and van New Cross SE14 →
- Man and van Peckham & Nunhead SE15 →
- Man and van Rotherhithe & Canada Water SE16 →
- Man and van Sidcup DA14 →
- Man and van Sutton SM1 →
- Man and van Wandsworth SW18 →
- Man and van Woolwich & Plumstead SE18 →
Man and van by area, and related pages
Need a crew for a few hours?
Hire movers for 2 hours, a half day or a full day. Half day or full day, everything included.
2 hours
£205
2 movers and a Luton van for 2 hours
2 hours, 3 movers
£275
3 movers and a Luton van for 2 hours
Half day
£340
2 movers and a Luton van for 4 hours
Full day
£680
2 movers and a Luton van for 8 hours
Full day, 3 movers
£920
3 movers and a Luton van for 8 hours
Everything included in your hours
- Stairs and carrying, however far
- Dismantling and putting back together
- Any items and boxes, within your hours
- A second load, within your hours
Running over? An extra hour is £80 for 2 movers or £120 for 3 movers, charged after the move, never on the doorstep. Prices include VAT.
Need a man and van in London?
See your fixed price before you book. Verified operators, protected payment, no hourly meter.
Man and van in London — straight answers
Common questions on man-and-van pricing, what fits, and how Movesmith works.
How much does a man and van cost in London?
From £105 fixed for a single item or small load. Studio, 1-bed and 2-bed flats have their own starting prices, shown on our price list. The exact price depends on what's moving, the distance, floors, lifts and the walk from the van at both ends. It's all confirmed before you book, and it stays fixed while those details match the job.
Is it a fixed price or charged by the hour?
Fixed. Unlike the hourly man-and-van market, Movesmith prices the whole job up front. Stairs and the drive are built into the price, and any congestion or crossing charge is shown as its own line. Then the total is locked. If the move matches what you told us, the price doesn't change.
Can I book a man with van near me in London?
Yes. We match your job with a verified operator who covers your part of London. Tell us the access at both ends so it's planned before the day rather than discovered on it.
What can a man and van move?
Single items and marketplace pickups, studio and 1-bed flat moves, a room from a house-share, and shop or storage-unit collections. Bigger household loads are priced as full removals in the same booking flow.
Is the Congestion Charge or ULEZ included in the price?
If your route enters the Congestion Charge zone during charging hours, the charge is shown as its own line in your quote, at the published rate, and it's part of the total you agree before booking. The same goes for the Dartford Crossing and the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels. There is no ULEZ charge to you: using a compliant vehicle is the operator's responsibility.
What size van do I need?
You don't need to choose. The quote works out the vehicle from your item list and shows the plan before you pay. As a rough guide, single items fit a small van, studio and 1-bed flats a medium van, 2-bed homes a Luton van, and three bedrooms and up a 3.5t van.
Are my belongings covered?
Yes. Every move includes MoveReady Protection for a Declared Value up to £10,000, at no extra charge. Boxes you pack yourself are covered only for fire, collision or the van overturning. £100 excess per claim. We pay it, so you pay no excess. Limits are in the MoveReady documents. Operators also give us Goods in Transit and Public Liability documents before they can take jobs.
Should I book a man and van or a removals company?
A man and van suits single items, studio and 1-bed flats and house-share rooms. Two bedrooms and up usually need a Luton or larger van and a bigger crew, which is full removals. On Movesmith it's one booking flow: tell us what's moving and the quote prices the right van and team.
Can I book a same-day man and van?
You can book for today. Choose today in the quote and pick an arrival time that hasn't started yet. You see the fixed price before you book, and we look for a mover straight away. Same-day is subject to a mover accepting. If none does, we cancel, release the hold on your card in full and tell you straight away, so you pay nothing.
Are Movesmith man-and-van operators verified?
Movesmith checks identity, Goods in Transit and Public Liability documents, records the declared vehicle type, and requires a vehicle-compliance declaration. We do not claim to physically inspect vehicles.
What happens after I get a quote?
You see the fixed price straight away. If it works, you book and your card is saved. We match your job with a verified operator and send you their details before the day. The price is reserved on your card once an operator is confirmed, and you can cancel free of charge 48 hours or more before the move.
What parking and access details do I need to provide?
Tell us about pickup and delivery: choose where the van can park lawfully, then give the carry distance, floor, lift, stairs and any awkward access. A private driveway or unrestricted street selection is enough. For permit-controlled, paid or loading-bay parking, also give who is arranging it, whether it is confirmed, its operating window and the exact lawful position. Unknown access, unsupported restrictions or a carry outside the online pricing limits needs a tailored review before we offer a fixed price. Do not enter gate codes, passwords or access credentials in the booking.
What happens if parking or access is different on moving day?
If there is no lawful parking, furniture does not fit, access is unsafe, unplanned dismantling is needed or delivery cannot be completed, the operator pauses the affected work and sends Movesmith a structured report with evidence. The operator cannot invent a charge or take cash at the door. Movesmith reviews the facts and, if the job needs to change, sends you a fixed proposal. Extra work or payment happens only after you expressly approve it; if you reject it, there is no variation charge and Ops arranges the safe next step, rebooking or a fresh quote.
Can I hire movers and a van for a few hours?
Yes. Man and van, 2 hours (1 person and a medium van): £125, extra hour £50. 2 people and a van, 2 hours (2 people and a medium van): £175, extra hour £75. 2 hours, 2 movers and a Luton van: £205. 2 hours, 3 movers and a Luton van: £275. Half day, 2 movers and a Luton van for 4 hours: £340. Full day, 2 movers and a Luton van for 8 hours: £680. Full day, 3 movers and a Luton van for 8 hours: £920. Prices include VAT. Everything is included in your hours: stairs and carrying, dismantling and rebuilding, your items and boxes, and a second load. Running over? An extra hour is £80 for 2 movers or £120 for 3 movers, charged after the move, never on the doorstep. Book a crew: half or full day.