Skip the van hire
Removal van hire, or movers with the van?
Hiring a van to move house means the hire, the fuel, the driving and all the lifting. With Movesmith you get the van, a driver and movers for one fixed price, shown before you book.
- Van, driver and movers in one price
- No fuel, deposit or return trip
- Fixed before you book
- Movesmith accepts liability
The short answer
Moving van hire suits a small load, a confident driver and friends who'll lift. For most home moves, the hire is only part of the cost: you also pay for fuel and give up a day of your time, and you do the heavy lifting yourself.
With Movesmith, a studio flat moves from £270 and a single item from £100, with the van, driver and movers included. Every price on this page includes VAT.
See your price in minutes. The earliest you can book is the next day.
Van hire against a fixed-price move
An honest side-by-side. Van hire firms and their terms vary, so check the details of any hire you're offered.
| Item | Hiring a van yourself | Movers with Movesmith |
|---|---|---|
| The van | Hiring a van yourself: A hire charge, often with a deposit, a mileage limit and a set return time | Movers with Movesmith: Included in the fixed price |
| Fuel | Hiring a van yourself: Usually returned full, at your cost | Movers with Movesmith: Included in the fixed price |
| Driving | Hiring a van yourself: You drive a large van, loaded, through your own streets | Movers with Movesmith: A professional driver |
| Lifting | Hiring a van yourself: You, and anyone you can persuade to help | Movers with Movesmith: Movers carry everything, or choose "I'll help" on a smaller move and pay less |
| Your time | Hiring a van yourself: Collect the van, load, drive, unload and return it | Movers with Movesmith: Let the movers in and show them where things go |
| Damage | Hiring a van yourself: Damage to the van usually falls to you or your hire excess; damage to your things is yours | Movers with Movesmith: Movesmith accepts liability for your goods while we move them, under the terms shown before you book |
| Road charges | Hiring a van yourself: You pay them yourself | Movers with Movesmith: Shown as their own line in the quote and passed through at cost |
| The final bill | Hiring a van yourself: Extra days, extra miles or a late return can add to it | Movers with Movesmith: One fixed price before you book |
When hiring a van makes sense
Sometimes doing it yourself is the right call. It can work out well when:
The load is small
A few boxes and light furniture you can lift safely between you.
You have helpers
At least one strong friend for the heavy pieces, at both ends.
You're happy driving
You've driven a large van before and know where you'll park it.
Your day is flexible
You can spare a whole day, including collecting and returning the van.
If any of those don't fit, compare the full cost: the hire, fuel, your time and the risk to your back and your furniture. Then compare it with one fixed price.
What movers cost with Movesmith
Typical prices for a short local move, ground floor or a lift, van near the door, including VAT. The van, the driver and the movers are all included.
| A single item, full team | from £100 |
|---|---|
| Studio flat | from £270 |
| 1-bed flat | from £310 |
| 2-bed flat | from £605 |
| 3-bed house | from £1,050 |
| Studio flat, I'll help | from £165 |
Happy to lift with the driver? Choose "I'll help" in the quote. Single items are from £100 either way. Helping saves most on bigger moves: a studio flat is from £165 instead of £270. "I'll help" means you help the driver carry heavy items.
Your quote shows the exact fixed price before you book, with nothing added on the day.
How it works instead of van hire
Tell us what's moving
Start from the typical list for your home and change it, or add single items.
Add both addresses
The floor, any lift and where the van can park, at both ends.
See your fixed price
The van, driver, movers, drive and date in one price. Book when you're ready.
Moving day
The movers load, drive and unload. You don't fuel or return anything.
Questions and answers
Is it cheaper to hire a van or use movers?
The hire charge on its own can look lower. Add the fuel, a day or more of your time and the help you need, and the gap often closes, especially for a bigger home or stairs.
With Movesmith a studio flat moves from £270, including the van, driver, movers and VAT. Compare that with the full cost of a hire.
Can I hire a van with a driver?
Yes. That's what a Movesmith booking is: a van with a driver, and movers to carry, at a fixed price. For a smaller load, see man and van.
See man and van.
Do you hire out vans without a driver?
No. Movesmith doesn't rent out vans. Every booking comes with a driver and the movers your move needs.
What size van do I need?
You don't have to guess. The quote works out the van and the number of movers from your list of things and the access at both homes.
Can I help with the lifting to pay less?
Happy to lift with the driver? Choose "I'll help" in the quote. Single items are from £100 either way. Helping saves most on bigger moves: a studio flat is from £165 instead of £270. "I'll help" means you help the driver carry heavy items.
How soon can I book?
The earliest you can book is the next day. Pick a date in the quote and you see the fixed price for that date before you book.
Who is responsible if something is damaged?
Movesmith accepts liability for your goods while we move them, under the terms shown before you book. Every move includes Movesmith Cover up to £10,000 — with increased cover up to £50,000 available when you declare a higher value.
Ready to see your price?
Add what you're moving and both addresses. See your price in minutes.
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