If you’re planning a move this year, there’s one question that comes up every time: Is it cheaper to hire a Luton van and move yourself, or pay for a removal company? 

As Chief Operating Officer at Pace Van Hire, I’ve seen exactly what people spend on both, and the difference is often far bigger than expected. Let me break it down properly, using real numbers. 

What Removal Companies Charge in 2026 

Most people start by getting a removal quote. On the surface, it looks straightforward. Data from the HomeOwners Alliance shows average local moving costs at:

1-bedroom:

~£432

3-bedroom:

~£867

4-bedroom:

~£1,196

5-bedroom:

~£1,590

Long-distance moves increase that significantly: 

3-bedroom (100+ miles):

~£1,500

4-bedroom: up to

£2,000

But here’s the reality, those are just the starting figures.

The Extras That Double Your Moving Cost

What most people don’t realise is how quickly removal costs escalate.

Typical add-ons include:

Packing service: £400–£500
Furniture dismantling: ~£125
Unpacking: ~£200
Before long, a £900 quote can climb well past £1,400. A large portion of that cost is labour, overhead, and margin, not transport. 
Our guide to understanding house removal costs looks at the factors influencing moving costs in more detail.

What a Luton Van Hire Actually Costs

Now let’s look at the alternative: hiring a Luton van and doing the move yourself. 

At Pace Van Hire, current pricing is: 
Weekday hire: from £109 
Weekend hire: from £155  
Even after adding fuel and optional insurance, the total cost is still dramatically lower than a removal company. 
Real-world comparison 
1-bedroom move: well below £432 
3-bedroom move: often £500+ cheaper  

Larger homes: savings increase even further  

And that’s using a single Luton van. 

Why a Luton Van is The Best Choice For Moving House

There’s a reason professional removal firms use Luton vans, and it’s not by accident. 
A Luton van gives you:   
  • Around 4m load length and 2m height
  • Space for most 2–3 bedroom moves in one trip
  • A tail lift (up to 500kg) for heavy items
  • Wide rear access for bulky furniture
In practical terms, that means few trips, easier loading, and less physical strain. If you choose the right vehicle, half the difficulty of moving disappears.

Does The Cost Advantage Hold For Long-Distance Moves?

Yes, and this is where DIY really stands out. A removal company might quote £1,500+ for a 100-mile move. 
With a Luton van: 
  • Your main extra cost is fuel  
  • Pricing stays predictable  
  • You avoid distance-based labour charges  
  • The further you move, the bigger the saving gap becomes. 

The Honest Trade-offs of Hiring a Luton Van

I won’t pretend a DIY move is effortless. Lifting heavy furniture and packing the van properly can be challenging. But this is exactly why Luton vans are designed the way they are.

Features like tail lifts, internal rails for securing loads, and large, square cargo space, are all there to make the job manageable, even if you’re not used to moving house.

Flexibility: The Hidden Advantage

One thing people tend to overlook is timing. With a removal company, delays can trigger hourly charges and you’re working to someone else’s schedule.   

With a self-drive van, you move when you’re ready, there’s no waiting fees, a zero pressure if completion is a little delayed.  

That flexibility is a major advantage, especially if you’re in a chain. 

What About Insurance?

Removal companies do include limited transit cover. If you’re hiring a van, I always recommend checking your home insurance and adding optional cover if needed. 

It’s a small step that gives peace of mind. 

So, Is Hiring a Luton Van Cheaper Than a Removal Company?

In almost every case, yes.  Here’s the simple comparison: 
  • Removal company: £432 to £1,590+ (before extras)  
  • Luton van hire: from around £109 per day  

The savings regularly run into hundreds of pounds.

If you want a fully hands-off move, a removal company might still be the right choice. But if you’re willing to plan ahead, hiring a Luton van gives you more control, more flexibility, and significantly lower costs.

From what I see every day, it’s one of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of moving house in 2026.

If you are moving house in the coming months, take a look at our ultimate checklist for moving home to help ease the stress and ensure a smooth start to your new venture.

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, hiring a Luton van is significantly cheaper. A removal company for a three-bedroom house costs around £867 on average, while a Luton van can be hired from around £109 per day, plus fuel. The saving often runs into hundreds of pounds. 

A Luton van is usually the best option for a 2–3 bedroom house move. It offers enough space to move the contents in one trip for many households, especially when packed efficiently. 

Luton van hire typically starts from around £109 on weekdays and £155 on weekends, depending on the provider, location, and availability. Additional costs may include fuel and optional insurance. 

Yes, most Luton vans can be driven on a standard UK Category B driving licence, as long as the vehicle is under 3.5 tonnes. 

While larger than a car, most people find Luton vans straightforward to drive after a short adjustment period. They offer a high driving position and good visibility. Many also include features like tail lifts to make loading easier. 

Basic insurance is usually included with van hire, but it’s important to check the details. You may also want to consider additional cover or check whether your home contents insurance protects your belongings during the move. 

A Luton van typically has a load space of around 20 cubic metres, which is enough for the contents of a small to 3-bedroom home, depending on how efficiently it’s packed. 

About the Author: Kieron Tarbie

Chief Operating Officer of Pace Van Hire

Kieron Tarbie is the Chief Operating Officer at Pace Van Hire, having joined the business in 2018 to launch the Croydon branch. Since then, he has played a central role in Pace’s growth, helping expand the company’s operations, strengthen its service standards, and drive its move into B2B van hire. Kieron also oversees Pace’s in-house mechanics workshop, LCV, ensuring the fleet is maintained to the highest standards. With a hands-on approach and deep knowledge of every part of the business, he continues to champion Pace’s commitment to efficiency, customer care, and long-term, sustainable growth.

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