6 Hidden Costs of Cheap Croydon Man & Van Services That You Should Avoid!
If you live in Croydon and you’re planning a house move, flat clearance, or just some furniture transport, it’s easy to be lured by cheap Man with Van Croydon ads. They often flash rates like “from £25/hour” or “budget-friendly removals.” But here’s the truth nobody tells you:
That bargain van might cost you way more than you think.
According to a 2024 survey by CompareMyMove, 3 out of 5 Croydon residents who hired low-cost moving services faced unexpected issues like damage, hidden fees, or no-shows. Cheap is tempting—but often unreliable.
Let’s uncover the 6 hidden costs of hiring budget Man and Van Services in Croydon, so you can make smarter, safer choices.
1. Damaged Furniture – And No Insurance to Save You
One of the most common hidden costs? Damage to your stuff. Many cheap van services in Croydon don’t carry proper goods-in-transit insurance.
- No insurance = no compensation.
- Fragile items like mirrors, TVs, and antique tables are often tossed in carelessly.
- According to the Association of Independent Movers, uninsured damage claims make up 47% of all moving complaints in South London.
Imagine paying £50 to move a sofa and then spending £300 to repair it. That’s no bargain.
2. No-Show or Late Arrival Fees
Cheap providers often overbook or underestimate time slots. They say, “We’ll be there at 9 a.m.” but show up at 1 p.m.—or not at all.
This means:
- You might have to take more time off work.
- If you’re renting, you could be charged a late checkout fee by your landlord or agent.
- You may need to rebook elevators or parking slots—costing £50 to £100 extra in some buildings.
A study in 2023 found 19% of man and van users experienced no-shows or significant delays when booking budget services.
Time is money. Choose wisely.
3. Surprise Fuel and Congestion Charges
“Cheap” often means “not transparent.” Many local man and van Croydon providers don’t include:
- Congestion zone charges
- Parking fees
- ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) charges
These hidden costs can add up to £30–£70 per trip, depending on your route.
Make sure your quote is all-inclusive. Ask directly: “Does this price include all tolls and charges?” Reputable companies like Quick Man and Van and Move It All Removals provide clear pricing with no surprises.
4. Unlicensed Drivers and Unsafe Vans
Think you’re saving money? Think again. Some cheap movers operate without a valid license or use vans that haven’t passed proper safety checks.
- One out of every 4 budget man and van services on Gumtree in Croydon uses unlicensed vehicles (Source: South London Trading Standards, 2023).
- This puts you and your belongings at risk if there’s an accident.
- In a legal dispute, you’re unlikely to win compensation without a licensed provider.
And if the vehicle breaks down mid-move? You’re left stranded.
5. Extra Charges for Stairs, Wait Time, or Heavy Lifting
Many cheap man and van services in Croydon quote only the base fare—then sneak in fees like:
- £10 per extra floor above the ground
- £5 for every 15 minutes of waiting time
- £20 or more for “extra heavy items” like washing machines
These nickel-and-dime charges can double your final bill.
A survey in 2022 found that 61% of budget removal firms in London included unexpected charges not disclosed in their original quote.
Always ask for a detailed quote and check the small print.
6. No Help with Loading or Unloading
Some low-cost man and van ads don’t include help with loading or unloading unless you pay extra.
This means:
- You’re expected to carry your own furniture down flights of stairs.
- No help with awkward or fragile items.
- You could hurt yourself—and medical bills are no joke.
In contrast, companies like Move It All Removals always offer a full loading and unloading team, trained in proper lifting techniques to keep your belongings safe—and your back unhurt.
What Makes a Good Local Man and Van in Croydon?
It’s not just about cost—it’s about value, reliability, and safety. Here’s what to look for in a professional local man and van Croydon service:
- Written quote with no hidden fees
- Public liability and goods-in-transit insurance
- Verified reviews (check Google and Trustpilot)
- Clear communication and punctual arrival
- Help with dismantling and reassembly if needed
How to Avoid These Hidden Costs
- Ask questions upfront: What’s included in the price? What’s not?
- Check for insurance: Don’t assume—ask for a copy.
- Read reviews: Avoid providers with repeated complaints.
- Avoid cash-only deals: Reputable businesses offer digital payment options.
- Book early: The good companies get snapped up fast—especially on weekends.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let “Cheap” Cost You More
Everyone loves a good deal. We all want to save money, especially during a move. But when it comes to hiring man and van services in Croydon, the lowest price often leads to the biggest problems. That “cheap” offer might seem like a win—but it can turn into a costly mistake.
Let’s be honest. Cheap often means cheaply done. And that can bring a long list of issues:
- Hidden fees that were never mentioned
- Broken furniture and scratched walls
- Drivers who show up late—or not at all
- Vans without insurance, licenses, or even working brakes
Suddenly, what you thought was a budget move ends up costing twice as much in repairs, stress, and wasted time. You might even need to rebook with another company at the last minute, which could leave you stuck without a solution.
That’s why it’s so important to look beyond just price. When it comes to your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind, choosing the right team makes all the difference.
If you want a move that’s smooth, safe, and on time, go with a local man and van Croydon provider that puts quality first—one that values your time, treats your items with care, and communicates clearly every step of the way.
Because, at the end of the day, your move shouldn’t be a gamble.
Choose smart. Choose safe. Choose service you can rely on.
Make your next move with a team that’s ready to go the extra mile—because your belongings deserve more than just a van. They deserve a plan.
