Determining the Right Number of Movers for Your Man and Van Job
- The London Man And Van
- Dec 27, 2025
- 5 min read
Moving can be stressful, and one of the biggest questions I often get asked is how many movers are needed for a man and van job. Choosing the right moving crew size can save time, reduce costs, and make the whole process smoother. Whether you’re moving a small flat or a larger home, understanding the number of movers needed helps you plan better and avoid surprises on moving day.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the key factors that influence how many movers you should hire, explain the difference between one man and van or two, and when it makes sense to get a man and van with helpers. I’ll also share practical tips for moving help in London and beyond, so you can decide what works best for your situation.
Eye-level view of a mover loading boxes into a van during a man and van job
Understanding the Basics of Man and Van Services
A man and van service typically involves a driver with a van who helps transport your belongings. This setup is popular for smaller moves, quick deliveries, or when you want a more affordable option than a full moving company. But the number of movers needed can vary widely depending on what you’re moving.
One Man and Van or Two?
If you have just a few boxes or small furniture, a single mover with a van might be enough. But if you have bulky items or a larger volume, two movers can speed things up and reduce the risk of injury.
Man and Van with Helpers
Sometimes, the driver needs extra hands to load and unload heavy or awkward items. Helpers can be hired alongside the driver to form a small moving crew. This option is common for moves involving sofas, wardrobes, or multiple boxes.
Knowing these basics helps you decide the moving crew size that fits your needs.
Factors That Affect the Number of Movers Needed
Several factors influence how many movers you should hire for your man and van job. Here are the main ones to consider:
1. Volume and Weight of Items
The more stuff you have, the more hands you’ll need. For example:
A studio flat with mostly boxes and small furniture might only need one mover.
A two-bedroom apartment with heavy furniture like beds, wardrobes, and appliances usually requires at least two movers.
Larger homes or offices with bulky items often need a man and van with helpers to avoid delays.
2. Distance and Accessibility
Moving help in London or other busy cities often faces challenges like narrow staircases, parking restrictions, or long walking distances from the van to your door. These factors increase the workload and may require more movers.
If your building has no lift or tight staircases, extra movers can speed up the process.
Long distances between parking and your home mean more trips, so additional help reduces fatigue.
3. Time Constraints
If you need to move quickly, hiring more movers can save hours. A small crew can load and unload faster, making the whole move less stressful.
Tight schedules benefit from a larger moving crew size.
If you have flexibility, fewer movers might be enough but expect a longer move.
4. Budget
More movers mean higher costs. Balancing your budget with your needs is key.
One man and van or two movers is usually cheaper.
Adding helpers increases the price but can prevent damage and speed up the move, which might save money in the long run.
High angle view of a moving crew carrying a large sofa down a narrow staircase
When One Man and Van or Two Movers Are Enough
For many small moves, one man and van or two movers provide the perfect balance of cost and efficiency. Here are some examples:
Single Room Moves
If you’re moving a bedroom or a small flat with mostly boxes and a few small pieces of furniture, one mover can handle it. Two movers make it faster and safer, especially for heavier items.
Short Distance Moves
Moving within the same building or just a few blocks away often requires fewer movers since the van can be parked close.
Simple Deliveries
Delivering a few items like a mattress or a small table usually doesn’t need extra helpers.
Choosing this option keeps costs down and works well for straightforward moves.
When You Need a Man and Van with Helpers
Certain situations call for extra hands. Here’s when hiring a man and van with helpers makes sense:
Heavy or Bulky Furniture
Items like pianos, large wardrobes, or sofas require at least two movers. Adding helpers can prevent damage and injury.
Multiple Trips or Large Volumes
If your belongings won’t fit in one vanload, helpers can speed up loading and unloading between trips.
Challenging Access
Buildings without lifts, narrow doorways, or long distances from parking spots need more movers to handle the logistics.
Tight Deadlines
When time is limited, extra movers reduce the overall move duration.
Hiring helpers increases the moving crew size but improves safety and efficiency.
How to Estimate the Number of Movers Needed
Estimating the right number of movers involves assessing your belongings and move conditions. Here’s a simple approach:
Inventory Your Items
List all furniture, boxes, and special items. Note heavy or fragile pieces.
Consider Access and Distance
Check if there are stairs, lifts, or parking restrictions.
Estimate Time Available
Decide how quickly you want to finish the move.
Match Crew Size to Needs
Small volume, easy access, flexible time: One man and van or two movers.
Large volume, heavy items, difficult access, tight schedule: Man and van with helpers.
If unsure, ask your moving company for advice. Many offer free quotes and can recommend the right moving crew size based on your details.
Close-up view of a moving van parked outside a residential building with movers preparing to load
Tips for Hiring Moving Help in London
London’s busy streets and buildings create unique challenges for moving. Here are some tips to get the right number of movers:
Book Early
Popular times fill up fast. Early booking helps secure the right crew size.
Ask About Experience
Movers familiar with London’s access issues can advise on crew size and logistics.
Check Reviews
Look for companies offering flexible man and van with helpers options.
Clarify Costs
Understand how adding helpers affects the price.
Prepare Your Items
Pack boxes securely and disassemble furniture if possible to reduce moving time.
Following these tips helps you get the moving help London residents trust.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Number of Movers
Choosing the right number of movers for your man and van job depends on your belongings, access, time, and budget. One man and van or two movers work well for small, simple moves. For heavier loads, tricky access, or tight schedules, a man and van with helpers makes the process safer and faster.
