Moving home and trying to figure out the best option for you, man with a van or professional removals?
Choosing how to move your belongings is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make when relocating.
Get it right, and your move is smooth and stress-free; get it wrong, and it can become a costly and difficult experience.
The two main options are hiring a ‘man with a van’ or engaging a professional removals company.
While they may seem similar, they are fundamentally different services designed for entirely different needs.
This expert guide, based on over 150 years of industry experience, will provide a clear comparison to help you make the right choice for your specific situation.
The Expert’s Quick Verdict
For moving a few bulky items locally (like a sofa or mattress), a reputable ‘man with a van’ can be a cost-effective solution.
For a full flat or house move, the security, insurance, and comprehensive service offered by a professional, BAR-accredited removals company are essential to protect your belongings and ensure a successful relocation.
Understanding the Core Differences: A Side-by-Side Comparison
To make the distinction clear, here’s a direct comparison of what you can typically expect from each service:
| Feature | Man with a Van Service | Professional Removals Company (like Curtiss) |
| Ideal For | Single items, student moves, small flat moves (1-2 rooms max). | Full flat/house moves, office relocations, long-distance moves. |
| Team Size | Usually one person (you may be expected to help). | A team of trained, uniformed removers (2-4+ people). |
| Vehicles | A single transit-style van. | A fleet of specialised, large-capacity removal lorries. |
| Insurance | Varies significantly. Often only has basic vehicle insurance, not ‘Goods in Transit’ cover for your items. | Comprehensive ‘Goods in Transit’ and Public Liability insurance as standard. |
| Packing Services | Not offered. | Full & partial packing services, plus high-quality packing materials. |
| Storage Options | Not offered. | Secure, containerised storage and self-storage solutions. |
| Specialist Items | Unlikely to have the training or equipment for pianos, antiques etc. | Fully trained and equipped to handle valuable and specialist items. |
| Accreditation | Unregulated. No industry body oversight. | Often a member of the British Association of Removers (BAR). |
Export to Sheets
What is a ‘Man with a Van’ Best For?
As the name implies, this service typically consists of one person and a van.
It’s a logistics solution, not a comprehensive moving service. It’s the right choice for small, simple jobs over a short distance.
A ‘man with a van’ service is typically used for:
- Student moves to or from halls.
- Collecting a large item bought online (e.g., a wardrobe from Facebook Marketplace).
- Moving a few boxes or a single piece of furniture to a new flat.
- Small house clearances.
What Does a Professional Removals Company Provide?
A professional removals company offers a complete, end-to-end service designed to manage the entire process of relocating a home or business.
It’s a project-managed solution designed to remove stress and provide security.
A professional firm like Curtiss offers a multi-faceted service that includes:
- A Detailed Move Plan: A survey is conducted to assess your needs and create a clear plan for the moving day.
- Professional Packing: Trained teams who use the correct materials and techniques to protect everything from glassware to furniture.
- Dismantling & Reassembly: Expert handling of items like beds, wardrobes, and dining tables.
- Secure Storage Solutions: Seamless integration if you need to store items between moves.
- Full Coverage & Peace of Mind: Knowing that a comprehensive removals company service covers your possessions – in our case, MoveProtect.
- Accountability: As a BAR Member, we adhere to a strict code of practice, ensuring a high-quality, reliable service.
When is a Professional Mover Essential?
While the comparison table makes it clear, certain situations absolutely demand the expertise of a professional removals company:
- You’re moving a full 2+ bedroom house.
- You have valuable or sentimental items that need specialist care (e.g., antiques, artwork, pianos).
- You are moving long-distance and need a reliable, scheduled service.
- You don’t have the time or physical ability to pack and lift heavy items.
- You need the assurance of full insurance coverage.
Making the Right Choice for Your Move
We hope this guide provides a clearer picture of the two services.
The decision ultimately comes down to the scale and value of your move. For small, low-risk jobs, a man with a van can be a suitable option.
For the contents of your home, the security and expertise of a professional mover is an investment in peace of mind.
Need Expert Advice for Your Hampshire Move?
If you’re planning a move and are unsure about your needs, our friendly team is here to help.
Get in touch with Curtiss Moving & Storage for a free, no-obligation quote or call us on 023 9298 5830.
