Hiring a van yourself and moving house alone differs fundamentally from paying a removal company to do the work. Both are legal and common in the UK, but they suit different circumstances, budgets and capabilities. Understanding what each option genuinely entails - not just the headline cost - helps avoid costly mistakes and physical injury.
What DIY van hire involves
Hiring a van or trailer means the householder takes responsibility for packing, loading, driving and unloading. The hire company supplies the vehicle; everything else falls to the person holding the keys.
Before booking, check your driving licence. You must hold category B or higher to drive most vans under 3.5 tonnes. Larger vehicles require category C or C+E, and you cannot legally drive them without the correct entitlement. The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) enforces these rules, and driving without the correct licence category is a criminal offence.
When you hire, you become responsible for the vehicle's roadworthiness. The Highway Code requires all drivers to check brakes, tyres, lights and mirrors before driving. If you tow a trailer, you must also obey towing regulations - securing the load correctly, displaying a registration plate on the trailer, and adhering to speed limits which are lower for towing than for cars alone. The DVSA publishes guidance on towing safety and the Highway Code sets out legal requirements.
Physical work is substantial. One person cannot safely load a removal van alone; injuries to the back, shoulders and knees are common. You will also need to arrange help from friends or family, and their time has a value even if unpaid. Packing takes longer than most people expect, particularly for fragile items, artwork and electronics.
Waste disposal is your responsibility too. Old furniture, broken items and packaging cannot simply be left at the roadside. Your local council will arrange bulky waste collection or direct you to a licensed waste site. The Environment Agency (or Scottish Environmental Protection Agency in Scotland) regulates waste disposal, and councils enforce local duty of care rules. Costs depend on the type and volume of waste; contact your council for their specific charges and whether they charge per item or per collection.
What a removal company handles
A professional removal company provides a team, a suitable vehicle, and expertise. They pack, wrap, load, drive, unload and often dispose of packaging. Many offer insurance to cover damage in transit. You arrange the booking and pay the invoice; the company assumes liability for the move.
Removal staff are trained in manual handling and have experience protecting furniture and fittings. They work faster than untrained people and reduce the risk of injury or damage. The company holds public liability insurance and may offer additional cover for high-value items.
However, the total cost reflects the labour, fuel, vehicle wear and insurance involved. Quotations vary based on the volume of goods, the distance travelled, access difficulties at either property, and the date of the move. Demand peaks in summer, so moves in winter or mid-week are often cheaper. The hiring company will provide a written quote after assessing the job.
Hidden costs in DIY hire
Self-hire often appears cheaper on the surface but incurs costs that do not always appear in the initial quote. Fuel for a van is significantly higher than for a car. Hire duration is charged by the day or week, and delays - caused by packing, loading, or traffic - can push you into an extra billing period. Damage to the hired vehicle, however minor, may result in charges from the hire company's damage waiver or insurance excess. Help from friends might end in restaurant bills or return favours. Waste disposal, as noted, is a separate cost.
Some removals require a skip for bulky waste. Local councils licence and charge for skip hire; fees vary widely and are set per council. Contact your council's waste team to confirm the cost and booking procedure, or search for licensed waste contractors in your area.
Choosing between the two options
DIY hire suits moves involving a small volume of goods, short distances, able-bodied people, and those with access to reliable help. It also suits people who enjoy managing the process and who have sufficient time.
Professional removals suit larger moves, longer distances, complex access (narrow terraces, flats with narrow stairs, or congested roads), high-value contents, and anyone with mobility issues or time constraints. They also eliminate the risk of injury and the stress of coordinating borrowed help.
Practical checklist for DIY hire
- Check your driving licence category before booking.
- Confirm the van's towing limits and your own towing experience if using a trailer.
- Book help from at least two other people at least two weeks ahead.
- Arrange waste disposal with your council before moving day.
- Inspect the hired vehicle for existing damage and photograph it; document any fault with the hire company in writing.
- Secure your load correctly; loose items are both a safety hazard and an insurance issue.
- Confirm the fuel policy - whether you return it full or pay a refuelling charge.
For removals in and around London and the south-west, GetBrent.co.uk lists local removal and logistics hire companies, including van hire operators and professional removal firms. Browsing available services in your area helps compare options and contact details directly.