Moving house is expensive. Between deposits, solicitor fees, and all the other costs involved, most people want to keep the actual move itself as affordable as possible. The good news is there are genuine ways to reduce what you pay—without cutting corners that matter.
Here’s a realistic look at your options, from the cheapest to the most convenient, and the trade-offs involved with each.
Option 1: Hire a Van and Do the Lifting Yourself
The cheapest option on paper is to move everything yourself. Borrow or hire a van, recruit friends or family, and handle the whole thing without paying for professional help. Companies like Enterprise, Europcar, and local hire firms offer vans by the hour or day. You still do the loading and driving, but you get a reliable vehicle and clear rental terms.
Typical cost: £60–£120 for a day’s hire, plus fuel and mileage
Pros:
- More affordable than hiring help
- Flexible timing
- You control how items are loaded
Cons:
- You need a suitable driving licence
- Large vans can be difficult to drive and park
- Still no help with heavy lifting
- Damage to the van or your items is your responsibility
This works well if you’re confident driving a larger vehicle and have enough people to help load. But factor in the time it takes—multiple trips in a smaller van can eat into any savings.
Option 2: Man and Van Service
Hiring a man and van gives you a driver, a vehicle, and usually help with loading and unloading. It’s the middle ground between doing everything yourself and hiring a full removal company.
Typical cost: £150–£400 depending on the size of the move
Pros:
- Professional help with heavy lifting
- Faster than doing it yourself
- Usually includes basic insurance
- Flexible and often available at short notice
Cons:
- Costs more than DIY
- Quality varies between operators
- May not include packing or assembly
For most people, this is the sweet spot. You save time and physical effort without paying full removal company prices. It’s particularly good value for one or two-bed flats and smaller house moves.
Option 3: Full Removal Company
A traditional removal company handles everything: packing, loading, transport, unloading, and sometimes unpacking too. They send a team, usually with a large vehicle or multiple vans.
Typical cost: £500–£1,500+ depending on the size of the move
Pros:
- Minimal effort required from you
- Professional packing protects fragile items
- Comprehensive insurance
- Best for large or long-distance moves
Cons:
- Significantly more expensive
- Less flexible on timing
- Often need to book well in advance
If you’re moving a large family home or relocating a long distance, a removal company may be worth the cost. But for smaller moves, you’re often paying for capacity you don’t need.
How to Reduce Costs (Whichever Option You Choose)
Regardless of which route you take, a few things can bring the price down:
Move midweek
Saturdays and end-of-month dates are peak times. Moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday often means better availability and lower rates.
Declutter before you move
Less stuff means a smaller van, fewer trips, and less time. Selling, donating, or disposing of things you don’t need is one of the easiest ways to cut costs.
Be ready when the driver arrives
If you’re paying by the hour, time spent waiting for you to finish packing is time you’re paying for. Have everything boxed, labelled, and ready to go.
Do your own packing
Packing services are convenient but add to the bill. If you can pack yourself using free boxes from supermarkets or Facebook Marketplace, you’ll save a fair amount.
Get multiple quotes
Prices vary, and not all quotes are directly comparable. Ask what’s included, check the van size, and confirm whether one or two people are provided.
What’s Actually the Cheapest?
On paper, doing it yourself is the cheapest. In reality, the cheapest option is the one that matches the size and complexity of your move without causing problems.
A DIY move that takes all weekend, leaves you exhausted, and results in a scratched sofa isn’t really cheaper than paying a professional for a few hours. Equally, hiring a full removal company for a studio flat is spending money you don’t need to.
The goal is to find the right fit—not just the lowest headline price.
If you’d like to compare costs for your specific move, you can get an instant quote and see exactly what it would cost with professional help.
