Moving house, shifting furniture, or clearing out a space? Hiring a man with a van is one of the most popular ways to get things from A to B in Ireland — but if you haven’t done it before, you probably have questions.
We’ve been connecting people with van operators across Ireland since 2006. With over 700 registered drivers on our books, we’ve heard every question going. Here are the 20 most common ones, answered honestly.
1. How much does a man with a van cost in Ireland?
It depends on three things: the size of the load, the distance, and how long the job takes. As a rough guide, a small local job (moving a sofa down the road) can cost as little as €35. A full van going from Dublin to Cork, including loading and unloading time, would typically run between €250 and €400.
The best way to get an accurate price is to describe your move in detail and let operators quote you. On VanQuotes.ie, up to four local drivers will get back to you with prices — free of charge. The more detail you give (number of items, floor level, access issues), the more accurate the quote will be.
2. Is the service on VanQuotes.ie free to use?
Yes, completely free for customers. You fill in a form describing your move, and we send the details to van operators in your area. Up to four drivers will contact you with quotes. You pick the one that suits you best. There’s no booking fee, no commission on your end, and no obligation to go ahead.
3. How do I get the best price for my move?
Three things will help. First, be specific about what you’re moving — vague descriptions lead to vague quotes. Second, be flexible on dates if you can — mid-week moves are often cheaper than weekends. Third, use a comparison service like VanQuotes.ie so you’re getting multiple quotes side by side rather than going with the first price you find.
It’s also worth knowing that drivers sometimes have empty return journeys. If your move happens to align with a driver’s route, you could get a significantly lower price because they’d rather fill the van than drive back empty.
4. Are the drivers insured?
Every professional man with a van in the VanQuotes.ie network is required to maintain valid public liability insurance and goods-in-transit insurance. This means your belongings are covered from the moment they leave your door to when they’re placed in your new home.
If insurance is important to you (and it should be), ask the driver to confirm their cover before the move. A professional operator won’t hesitate to provide this.
5. How far in advance should I book?
For a standard move, booking 5 to 7 days in advance gives you the best chance of getting your preferred driver and time slot. During busy periods — the start and end of the month, bank holiday weekends, and the summer months — booking 2 weeks ahead is safer.
That said, same-day and next-day bookings are possible, especially for smaller jobs. Many of our drivers check for new leads throughout the day and can take on last-minute work if their schedule allows.
6. Can I book a man with a van for the same day?
Yes, though availability depends on your area and the size of the job. Smaller jobs (single items, short distances) are easier to arrange at short notice. If you need a same-day move, fill in the form as early in the day as possible to give local drivers time to respond.
7. Will the driver help with loading and unloading?
Most drivers will help with loading and unloading as standard, but it’s worth confirming this when you speak to them. Some operators include this in their price, while others may quote for transport only and charge extra for physical assistance.
If you have particularly heavy or awkward items — a piano, a heavy safe, large appliances — mention this upfront so the driver can bring extra help or the right equipment.
8. Can I help the driver load to reduce the cost?
Absolutely. Many customers do this, especially for smaller moves. If you’re happy to do the lifting yourself and just need the van and driver, mention it when you’re discussing the quote. Some operators will offer a lower price for transport-only jobs.
9. What van sizes are available?
Van operators on VanQuotes.ie use a range of vehicle sizes, from small transit vans suitable for a few boxes and small furniture, up to large Luton vans that can handle a full house move. When you fill in the quote form, there’s a guide showing the approximate load capacity of each van size.
If you’re unsure which size you need, don’t worry — experienced drivers can usually tell from your description of the move. And if the destination is close by, a smaller van can make multiple trips, which sometimes works out cheaper than hiring a larger vehicle.
10. What happens if my belongings get damaged during the move?
This is exactly why insurance matters. If a driver has goods-in-transit insurance and something gets damaged, you can make a claim. Before the move, take photos of any valuable or fragile items. If damage occurs, report it to the driver immediately and document everything.
Professional drivers take great care with your belongings — they’ll use blankets, straps, and careful packing to keep things secure. But accidents can happen, so having that insurance layer is essential.
11. Can a man with a van handle a full house move?
Yes, though the approach depends on the size of the house. A one-bedroom flat can usually be done in a single trip with a large van. A three or four-bedroom house may need a larger vehicle or multiple trips, and the driver might bring a helper.
When describing your move, be honest about the volume. Mention how many bedrooms, whether there are large appliances (washing machine, fridge), and any garden furniture or shed contents. This helps the driver quote accurately and plan the right resources.
12. Do you cover moves between counties?
Yes. VanQuotes.ie has over 700 drivers across all counties in Ireland, so inter-county moves are a standard part of the service. Whether you’re moving from Dublin to Galway, Cork to Limerick, or anywhere in between, local drivers in both areas may be available to quote.
For long-distance moves, drivers sometimes combine jobs along the same route, which can result in a better price for you.
13. Is there anything a man with a van won’t move?
Most standard household and office items are fine. However, there are some things drivers typically won’t transport: hazardous materials (chemicals, gas cylinders, flammable liquids), extremely heavy items without specialist equipment (like a full-size snooker table or hot tub), and live animals.
If you have an unusual item, just mention it in your description and the driver will let you know if they can handle it.
14. Do I need to provide packing materials?
Most van operators on VanQuotes.ie can provide packing materials — boxes, bubble wrap, tape — if you request them in advance. Some include this in their service, while others charge a small extra fee.
If you’re packing yourself, use sturdy boxes, wrap fragile items individually, and label everything clearly. This makes loading faster and safer, which can also keep costs down since many drivers charge by the hour.
15. Will the driver place furniture in specific rooms?
Yes — as long as you give clear directions on the day. Professional drivers will carry items to the correct rooms, not just dump everything at the front door. Let them know the layout as you arrive at the destination, and they’ll place furniture where you want it.
16. Can I use a man with a van for a business or office move?
Absolutely. Office relocations are one of the most common jobs on VanQuotes.ie. Drivers can handle desks, chairs, filing cabinets, IT equipment, and general office furniture. When filling in the form, you can request this service specifically, and only drivers experienced in commercial moves will respond.
If your office move needs to happen outside of business hours — evenings or weekends — just specify this in your request.
17. Can the driver pick up from multiple locations?
Yes. Multi-stop moves are common, especially for people collecting furniture from different sellers or delivering items to multiple destinations. Let the driver know about all stops upfront so they can plan the route efficiently and quote accordingly.
18. How do I choose between the quotes I receive?
You’ll receive up to four quotes from local drivers. When comparing them, look at three things beyond just the price: the driver’s reviews and ratings, whether they’ve confirmed insurance, and how clear and professional their communication is.
A slightly higher quote from a driver with excellent reviews and clear communication is often better value than the cheapest option from someone who’s vague about the details. You can check driver reviews in our drivers directory.
19. Should I tip the driver?
Tipping isn’t expected, but it’s always appreciated — especially if the driver has gone above and beyond, handled heavy items, or dealt with tricky access like narrow staircases or no-lift apartment buildings. A tip of €10 to €20 is a nice gesture for a standard move. For a full-day house move, €20 to €40 is generous.
If the driver brought a helper, consider tipping them separately.
20. What if no one comes back with a quote?
This is rare, but it can happen — usually for very remote locations, very short-notice requests, or moves on days when drivers are fully booked. If you don’t receive any quotes within 24 hours, try adjusting your dates slightly or giving us a call at 015545665 and we’ll help find an operator for you.
Ready to Get Your Quotes?
Getting a price for your move takes less than two minutes. Fill in the form on VanQuotes.ie with the details of your move, and up to four local, insured van operators will get back to you with quotes — completely free.
No obligation. No hidden fees. Just honest prices from real drivers.
VanQuotes.ie has been connecting customers with trusted van operators across Ireland since 2006. With 700+ registered drivers nationwide, we make finding a man with a van simple, fast, and free.
