A man and van quote might look straightforward—an hourly rate or a fixed price for the job. But the final bill doesn’t always match the original estimate. Sometimes that’s because the job took longer than expected. Other times, it’s because costs that weren’t mentioned upfront get added at the end.
Knowing what to look out for helps you avoid surprises and compare quotes more accurately. Here are the most common hidden costs and how to spot them before you book.
Minimum Charges
Most man and van services have a minimum charge, typically one or two hours. This means even if your job only takes 45 minutes, you’ll pay for the full minimum.
This isn’t unreasonable—it covers the driver’s time getting to you—but it can catch people off guard, especially for very small jobs. Always ask what the minimum is before booking, and factor it into your comparison if you’re only moving a few items.
Travel Time to Your Location
Some services start the clock when the driver leaves their base, not when they arrive at your door. Others charge a flat call-out fee to cover travel. Either way, you could be paying for 20–30 minutes before any actual moving begins.
Ask whether the quote includes travel time or whether it starts on arrival. If the driver is coming from far away, this can add a meaningful amount to the total.
Fuel Surcharges
Local moves usually include fuel in the hourly rate. But for longer distances—especially one-way trips—some operators add a fuel surcharge on top.
This is more common with fixed-price quotes, where the operator may not have fully accounted for fuel costs upfront. If you’re moving between cities or covering significant mileage, ask whether fuel is included or charged separately.
Return Journey Costs
If you’re moving a long distance in one direction, the driver has to get back. Some services include this in the quote; others add it as an extra.
A return journey charge can effectively double the travel portion of your bill. It’s worth asking how this is handled, especially for moves over 30–40 miles.
Congestion Charges and Parking
If your move involves central London, you may be liable for the Congestion Charge or ULEZ fee. Some operators absorb this; others pass it on.
Parking is another potential cost. If there’s no free parking at either end and the driver has to pay for a bay or risk a ticket, that cost might end up on your bill. In some areas, you may need to arrange a parking suspension with the council, which has its own fee.
Ask upfront whether any parking or congestion charges apply to your move.
Stairs and Difficult Access
A ground-floor flat with a parking space outside the door is quick and easy. A fourth-floor walkup with no lift and a narrow staircase takes considerably longer.
Most services don’t charge extra for stairs specifically, but the additional time will show up in your final bill if you’re paying hourly. Some fixed-price quotes may include a surcharge for difficult access.
Be honest about access when booking. If you don’t mention the stairs and the job takes twice as long, you’ll pay for it one way or another.
Waiting Time
If the driver arrives and you’re not ready—boxes still being packed, furniture not dismantled, keys not yet collected—the clock is still running.
Waiting time is charged at the normal hourly rate. Even 20 minutes of delays can add £15–£25 to your bill. The best way to avoid this is to be completely ready before the driver arrives.
Extra Stops
Need to collect something from a storage unit on the way? Dropping items at two different addresses? Each additional stop adds time and sometimes a flat fee.
Multi-stop moves are common and usually fine, but they should be agreed upfront. Springing an extra stop on the driver mid-job may result in an additional charge or simply not be possible.
Packing Materials
Basic equipment—blankets, straps, a trolley—is usually included. But packing materials like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap typically aren’t.
If you need the driver to supply these, expect to pay extra. You’ll usually save money by sourcing your own boxes beforehand from supermarkets, Facebook Marketplace, or a packaging supplier.
Assembly and Disassembly
Taking apart a bed frame or reassembling a wardrobe at the other end takes time. Some drivers are happy to help; others consider it outside the scope of a standard move.
If you need furniture dismantled or rebuilt, mention it when booking. It may be included in the time estimate, or it may be charged as an extra service.
Insurance Excess
Most reputable services carry goods-in-transit insurance, but policies vary. Some have an excess—meaning you’d pay the first portion of any claim—or exclusions for certain types of items.
This isn’t a hidden cost in the traditional sense, but it can become one if something gets damaged and you discover the policy doesn’t cover it fully. Ask about insurance terms before booking, not after something goes wrong.
How to Avoid Surprises
The simplest way to avoid hidden costs is to ask questions before you book:
- What’s the minimum charge?
- Does the price include travel time and fuel?
- Are there any extra fees for stairs, parking, or congestion zones?
- What happens if the job takes longer than expected?
- Is insurance included, and what does it cover?
A good operator will answer these clearly. If someone is vague or evasive about pricing, that’s a signal to look elsewhere.
If you want a quote with no hidden extras, you can get an instant quote that shows exactly what’s included.
