Guide
Van hire or a man with a van: which is better value?
Updated
The short answer
Van hire looks cheaper, but you also pay for fuel, the hire excess or deposit, your time collecting and returning the van, and you do all the driving and lifting yourself. A man with a van includes the van, the driver, the fuel and the lifting for one price agreed before the day. For a flat, a few big items or anyone without strong helpers, a man with a van is often the better value.
What van hire really costs
The daily hire rate is only part of it. Add up:
- Fuel, and sometimes a mileage charge
- The insurance excess or deposit, which you lose if the van is damaged
- Time to collect the van and bring it back, often on a different day
- Blankets, straps and a trolley if they're not included
- Friends or family to help with the lifting
When van hire makes sense
If you're comfortable driving a large van, have strong helpers and a flexible day, and you're moving over a long period with lots of short trips, hiring a van can work out well. A standard car licence (category B) covers vans up to 3,500kg, which includes most removal-size vans.
When a man with a van is better value
For a flat move, a few heavy items, a student move or a DoneDeal collection, booking a van with a driver usually costs about the same once you add everything up, and you don't do the heavy lifting or carry the risk of damaging a hired van.
Typical prices in Cork: €55–€75 per hour for a van and driver (2-hour minimum), €60–€100 for a single item across the city, €220–€380 for a studio or 1-bed flat and €350–€600 for a 2-bed flat.
Questions
Is it cheaper to hire a van or book a man with a van?
Van hire has a lower headline price, but once you add fuel, the deposit or excess, your time and the lifting, a man with a van is often similar or better value for smaller moves.
Do I need a special licence to drive a removal van in Ireland?
Not for most of them. A standard category B car licence covers vans up to 3,500kg gross weight. Check the van's weight with the hire company before you book.