No more moving boxes by train!

achan

Hi All,

Does anyone know a good 'man with a van' or good box moving company?

I'm currently based in Manchester and maybe due to move to the coast of Devon on short notice (for a work placement). I'm renting and don't own much but it's too much to take on a train. In the past I've moved by making multiple train trips - but it won't be viable (and unfortunately cannot drive nor do I know anyone willing to make the journey for me).

A one way journey using a rail pass between Manchester and Decon will cost me about £70. I'm obviously looking for the most economical option for moving my stuff. I may get as desperate as posting my stuff down if the cost is viable.

Any suggestions please? Moving and finding myself a new home is so stressful so any thoughts would be much appreciated.

dacouch

I do removal work and do some freelance work for a good Man and Van company on the side. There area few things you need to be careful of as there is a big difference between the good companies and bad companies.

For that length of move I would recommend you ask for a fixed price and make it clear that is all you will pay as some of the bad companies wil deliberately hang out a non fixed priced job so they earn more.

Another thing that you may find helpful is they normally have two passenger seats in the vans and will send two members of staff, if you ask their office some companies will allow you to travel with them which could save you the train fair.

Don't forget to also try companies from your destination for quotes as it's the same amount of travelling for them as it is for one from Manchester.

If possible try to find a company with a proper landline number rather than just a mobile number

Suzy_M

Bulky but lighter weight stuff could be posted via standard parcels to yourself via Poste Restante (see Royal Mail site).

Also consider what you want to take. In some case it may be cheaper to dump / flog / donate what your don't want and replace on arrival.

quantumdefect

Can you drive? Hire a car? Will undoubtedly be cheaper than a man and van.

custardy

quantumdefect wrote: »

Can you drive? Hire a car? Will undoubtedly be cheaper than a man and van.

the op says they cant drive

custardy

achan wrote: »

Hi All,

Does anyone know a good 'man with a van' or good box moving company?

I'm currently based in Manchester and maybe due to move to the coast of Devon on short notice (for a work placement). I'm renting and don't own much but it's too much to take on a train. In the past I've moved by making multiple train trips - but it won't be viable (and unfortunately cannot drive nor do I know anyone willing to make the journey for me).

A one way journey using a rail pass between Manchester and Decon will cost me about £70. I'm obviously looking for the most economical option for moving my stuff. I may get as desperate as posting my stuff down if the cost is viable.

Any suggestions please? Moving and finding myself a new home is so stressful so any thoughts would be much appreciated.

on the eBay section theres a thread on cheap couiers
you could get packages srnt for around £8 each
weight limits are usually up to 30KG

quantumdefect

custardy wrote: »

the op says they cant drive

Reading FAIL on my part!

Could try http://www.parcel2go.com/?

not_loaded

How about getting a rental van and get a mate to drive? Mate can then take the van back. You’ll need to suitably reimburse said mate of course.

One day van rental for low roof Vivero type van around £70 plus fuel.

If you’re considering posting or whatever, it doesn’t sound like you have much to move. The smaller vans can be very cheap. Most rentals are spot on 24hrs, so you need to get the van back inside 24hrs or pay for the extra day. Good luck!

molly_mandy_2

I'm in Devon & was looking online last week for a man & van. They are based in Devon & travel everywhere, large or small loads. You might be able to get a lift on one of their return journeys from Manchester which will be much cheaper for you. They seem to do everything man and van wise - loads of info on their website. There's a bit about moving students + their boxes to universities & you can travel in their van. Their customer comments seem v. good but I personally haven't used them yet so don't know prices. They may be worth an email.

http://www.manandvanexeter.co.uk/index.html

Owain_Moneysaver

If you can pack it into boxes on a pallet it can be quite cheap to get palleted stuff moved around the country on 3-5 days delivery.

WestonDave

Have a search around for smaller hauliers in the area you are going to, and give them a call - if they have done a run up north, they may be willing to do a cheap load on the way back as its better than coming back empty with no income.