The Ultimate Guide To Removal Vans

Whether you're hiring a vehicle for a DIY move or working with a moving company, you'll likely be using a removal van for your relocation. Understanding the different types of removal vehicles will help you plan your move and know what to expect on moving day.

By choosing to transport your items in a removal van, you're taking important steps to protect your belongings. These vehicles are equipped with the necessary tools to ensure your items are transported safely and securely.

Removal Vans and Their Prices

The cost of hiring a removal van will vary based on the type of vehicle and the services you require. Hiring a van yourself tends to be more affordable, but you may find it beneficial to opt for a removal company or a Man and Van service. Keep in mind that the total cost includes the vehicle(s), team, equipment, insurance, and time. You're also paying for the experience and expertise of the movers, which can make a significant difference in the efficiency and safety of your move.

Removal Company

According to our data, the average cost of hiring a removal company for a 3-bedroom house is £806. The total cost of your move will depend on your specific requirements. Removal firms will consider factors such as the distance of the journey and the size of the move. Additionally, prices may vary based on your location, with costs typically higher in London and other major cities.

Man and Van

Man and Van prices are often by the day or by the hour. According to CheckaTrader, you could pay anywhere between £35 to £93 an hour. Keep in mind that many of these companies have minimum charges and you may be asked to pay a deposit.

Self-Drive Hire

If you are renting a removal van, you will likely pay either a daily or hourly rate. This will depend on the company you use and can vary in price. It will also depend on what size van you opt for. This could cost anywhere from £43 a day for a Medium Wheel Base to £108 for a Luton Lorry.

Types and Sizes of Removal Vans

The type of removal van you need will primarily depend on the volume of items being moved. It will also vary based on the size of the items and whether you have any specialist items that require extra care. Larger moves typically require a bigger vehicle, a larger team, and additional equipment.

There are four main types of removal vans, which include:

Medium Wheelbase Transit and Sprinter Van

This is the UK's most commonly used removal van, suitable for smaller moves. A typical vehicle will have a loading capacity of 280-380 cubic feet. These will more than likely be a Ford Transit or Mercedes Printer. They are usually ply-lined, have a high roof and an easy loading platform

Long Wheelbase Transit and Sprinter Van

These are larger vehicles, typically with a loading capacity of 380-530 cubic feet. Long Wheelbase Transit vans can carry white goods and furniture. They hold approximately 30-40 boxes alongside other items.

3.5 Tonne Luton Van

With a loading capacity of around 550 cubic feet, Luton Vans are popular among removal firms. Many of the partners in our network will have these in their fleet.

7.5 Tonne Luton Van

This size of Luton Van has a loading capacity of around 880-650 cubic feet. This is suitable for an average 3-bedroom house move, fitting 40-80 moving boxes.

For more information see: A Guide to Removal Van Sizes

Renting a Removal Van by Yourself

According to the government website, you can drive a van up to 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes) with a standard car driving licence. Van rental companies may have their own restrictions, however.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you are driving the removal van yourself:

Vans often have lower speed limits on UK roads

Vans have a maximum weight when loaded so be sure not to overload it or you could risk prosecution.

Make sure the goods within the vehicle are secured properly

Be aware of where you can legally park

Make sure the van you are renting has the correct insurance in place

Pros and Cons of Self-Drive Hire

Below we look at the pros and cons of using a self-drive removal van:

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When Should You Hire a Removal Van?

There are a few scenarios where hiring a removal van would be beneficial. Below we look at the main reasons why someone would need to hire a removal vehicle.

Small Moves

If you don’t have many possessions or are moving from a smaller property, a self-drive van is perfect for a small move. While you could hire a Man with a Van to assist you, it would be more cost-effective to hire the van and drive it yourself. In this case, you may want to enlist the help of friends and family to pack and move your items.

Large Moves

For larger moves, you will want to look into hiring a larger removal vehicle. You must ensure that you are legally allowed to drive the van you opt you and that you are comfortable doing so. Alternatively, you can look at hiring a professional removal company. They will have the people and experience to ensure the move runs smoothly.

Student Moves

As many students live in dorms or house shares, they are limited to the number of items they can take with them. As a result, a student move is often a smaller move, meaning a self-drive removal vehicle would suffice. It is also a cheaper option for those on a budget.

Storage Moves

Hiring a van can be ideal for moving your items to or from a storage unit. Whether you are between moves or storing seasonal items, the contents of a self-storage unit will usually fit in a standard removal vehicle.

When Shouldn’t Your Hire a Removal Van?

Although there are advantages to self-drive removal vehicles, there are some instances where it is not advisable. These include:

Nervous Drivers

If you are nervous about driving a car, driving a removal van comes with extra considerations and stress. In this instance, it is recommended that you don't attempt to drive a larger vehicle yourself.

Inexperienced Drivers

If you don’t drive often or have not long passed your test, driving a removal van would not be advised. In this case, hiring a removal company or Man and Van would be a safer option.

Large Moves

If you are moving a large number of items, you may struggle to complete the move alone. There are also safety considerations to be aware of, in addition to the time it will take you to move. If the items are heavy and awkward, hiring professionals will save you time and avoid accidents.

Moving Specialist Items

If you are moving items like art, antiques or large musical instruments, you may want to leave this to the experts. Attempting to move these items yourself could result in breakages and accidents.

Alternatives to Self-Drive Removal Vehicles

If hiring a removal vehicle yourself isn’t the right option for your move, you might consider alternatives such as hiring a Man and Van service or a professional removal company. Not only do these services take on the heavy lifting, but they also come with specialist equipment and experience. They are fully insured and know how to safely handle your items, ensuring the protection of both your belongings and your home.

Another reason to hire a removal company is that many offer extra services to help with your move. These include but are not limited to:

Packing: Many firms offer a professional packing service, part-pack or packing specialist items. They may also be able to supply packing materials.

Storage: Some companies either have their own facilities or a partnership with a storage firm.

Dismantling and Reassembling: Some companies can dismantle furniture before the move and reassemble it at your new home.

For more information read: Why Hire a Professional Removal Company

Removal Insurance Explained

If you're hiring a van, many companies will offer insurance or include it in the rental price. It’s essential to ensure that you have insurance in place before driving or loading the van.

Removal companies must have Goods in Transit and Public Liability Insurance before partnering with us. Goods in Transit insurance covers the value of the goods and property during the move, with maximum coverage up to £10,000. While we require our partners to have this insurance, it's important to note that it is not a legal requirement.

There is also Hire and Reward Insurance, which covers the physical vehicles. This is a legal requirement for any removal van.

For more details on removals insurance, see our Guide to Removals Insurance.