Hiring a Removal Van: The DIY Moving Option
Hiring a van and doing the move yourself can save serious money — especially for local moves. But it's not always the best choice. Here's what you need to know.
Removal Van Hire Costs
| Van Size | Capacity | Day Rate | Weekend Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small van (SWB) | 1-2 rooms, boxes only | £40 – £70 | £50 – £90 |
| Medium van (LWB Transit) | Studio – 1 bed | £60 – £100 | £80 – £120 |
| Luton van (3.5t) | 2-3 bed house | £80 – £150 | £100 – £180 |
| Luton van with tail lift | 2-3 bed + heavy items | £100 – £180 | £130 – £210 |
| Large Luton (4.25t+) | 4+ bed house | £120 – £200 | £150 – £240 |
Additional costs to factor in:
- Fuel: £30–£100+ depending on distance
- Insurance excess reduction: £10–£25/day
- Mileage charges (some companies): £0.10–£0.25 per mile
- Late return fees: £15–£30 per hour
Which Van Size Do You Need?
| Move | Recommended Van |
|---|---|
| Few boxes + small items | Small van (SWB) |
| Studio flat | Medium van (LWB) |
| 1-bed flat | Medium van or small Luton |
| 2-bed house | Luton van (3.5t) |
| 3-bed house | Large Luton or 2 trips |
| 4-bed house | Large Luton + 2 trips or hire 2 vans |
Tip: It's almost always better to hire a slightly bigger van than you think you need. The extra cost is £10–£20, but it avoids a second trip that wastes hours and fuel.
Where to Hire a Removal Van
The main UK van hire companies are:
- Enterprise — wide range, nationwide
- Europcar — good for one-way hires
- Budget — competitive Luton van rates
- Sixt — premium options
- Local independents — often cheaper, worth checking Google for "[your city] van hire"
Compare prices across 2-3 providers. Rates vary significantly by location and date.
One-Way Van Hire
If you're moving to a different city, one-way hire lets you collect the van near your current home and return it near your new one. This avoids driving the van back empty.
One-way hire typically costs 50-100% more than a return hire, but it saves fuel and a long drive. Available from Enterprise, Europcar, and some others.
What You Need to Hire a Van
- Driving licence — a standard UK car licence (Category B) covers vans up to 3.5 tonnes. Anything larger requires a C1 licence.
- Age — most companies require drivers to be 21-25+ depending on the van size
- Credit/debit card — for deposit and payment
- Insurance — basic cover is included, but the excess is usually high (£500-£1,000). Consider excess reduction.
Tips for a Smooth DIY Move
- Start loading heavy items first — washing machines, fridges, and furniture go in the back against the wall
- Use the van height — stack boxes high and use the space above furniture
- Secure everything — use ratchet straps to stop items sliding. Most hire companies provide these
- Protect your items — furniture blankets, bubble wrap, and old duvets prevent scratches
- Take photos of the van before and after to avoid damage dispute charges
- Plan your route — check height and weight restrictions if using a Luton van
- Bring helpers — you'll want at least 2 people for large furniture
DIY Move vs Hiring Movers
| DIY Van Hire | Man and Van | Full Removal Company | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (2-bed local) | £100 – £200 | £250 – £450 | £400 – £700 |
| Labour | You + friends | 1-2 workers | 2-4 workers |
| Insurance | Basic van cover only | Varies | Goods-in-transit |
| Time | 6-10 hours | 3-5 hours | 3-5 hours |
| Best for | Budget moves, local | Small – medium | Large, long-distance |
When to Skip DIY
A DIY van hire is not the best choice if:
- You have a 3+ bed house (you'll likely need multiple trips)
- You have heavy or fragile items (pianos, antiques, glass cabinets)
- You're moving long distance (fuel + time add up fast)
- You don't have fit helpers available
- You have tight deadlines — professionals are significantly faster
Use our calculator to compare the estimated cost of professional movers versus your DIY budget.