Hiring a Van vs. Man with a Van: What’s the Best Option for Your Move?
Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, whether you’re getting your first place, relocating for a new job, or simply starting fresh somewhere else. We also understand that moving can also come with its own challenges. One decision you’ll face is whether to rent a van yourself or hire a man with a van service. Let’s explore these two options to help you figure out what works best for your situation.
Important Factors to Consider
Before you make your choice, think about exactly what you’ll need to move. Are you transporting large pieces of furniture like sofas, tables, wardrobes, and beds, or mostly smaller items like boxes, bags, and personal belongings? Or perhaps you have a mix of both? Knowing the size and quantity of your belongings helps you choose the right vehicle or service.
Next, consider your budget and how much help you’ll need. Are you looking for the most cost-effective way to move, or do you prefer to pay extra for convenience? It’s also helpful to think about the support you have available. Will family or friends assist with loading, or would you prefer professional support?
Renting a Van Yourself
Renting a van puts you in control, ideal if you’re happy driving something a bit bigger than you’re used to. We’re happy to provide advice to help you feel confident and safe, plus we have lots of helpful tips on our blog.
You’ll be responsible for loading and unloading your belongings. Hiring a van typically offers excellent value, particularly if you’re moving lots of items or larger furniture. Our van hire starts from £25 a day and includes unlimited mileage, meaning you can make as many trips as necessary without extra rental fees.
Choosing the right-sized van is important to avoid extra trips and additional fuel costs. We offer various van sizes, from compact vans perfect for small moves, to spacious Luton vans suited to larger relocations.
Every van we offer is well-maintained and serviced regularly, and we provide 24-hour UK-wide roadside assistance for your peace of mind.
One major advantage of renting a van yourself is flexibility. You manage your schedule without pressure from hourly rates or other people’s availability. You can take breaks whenever you need to, making the process less stressful.
However, you’re doing the heavy lifting. That could mean half a day’s work solo, compared to a couple of hours with pros.
Using a Man with a Van Service
A man with a van service offers both transportation and a driver who assists with moving your items. Most will load and unload for you, and some offer extras like packing or furniture dismantling for a fee, handy if your move’s a bit more complex. This option is particularly appealing if you’re moving alone or have limited help available, as they’ll manage heavier items and bulkier furniture.
Not having to drive the van yourself can be reassuring, especially if you’re not comfortable handling larger vehicles, driving long distances or don’t have a license.
However, costs for this type of service can quickly escalate, especially for bigger moves or longer distances. Pricing often starts around £40-£60 for smaller jobs but can rise significantly depending on the volume of items and distance travelled.
Additionally, your moving schedule will depend on the availability of the service provider. You’re placing trust in someone else to transport your belongings safely, so it’s essential to carefully review their customer feedback and verify their insurance coverage. Most come with goods-in-transit insurance (often up to £10,000 – check their policy), covering your belongings if something breaks.
Why Renting a Van Might Work Better for You
For moves involving more than a few items, renting a van yourself usually offers greater financial savings. You’re only paying for vehicle hire, without the extra cost of labour.
Hiring a van gives you control over your moving day. You decide your schedule and the pace of your move, making it more relaxed, especially if friends or family can lend a hand.
Using a larger van from us, such as our Luton van, allows you to transport everything in fewer trips. For example, a two-bedroom home move typically fits comfortably in one trip, saving time and fuel.
Ready to Book Your Van and Get Moving?
If you’re ready to get started, just give us a call on 01603 426487 or drop us an email at info@trott-rentals.com. You can also head over to trott-rentals.com to check van availability or get a quick quote. We’re always here to help you choose the best van for your move and answer any questions you’ve got.
