Parcels or half a van? How to work out which is cheaper
When several parcels are the cheaper option and when half a van up to 600 kg for GBP 1,000 wins. Worked examples with real prices.
The two price lists
Parcels: GBP 40 up to 20 kg, GBP 50 up to 30 kg per box. Removals: half a van, up to 600 kg, GBP 1,000 and a full van GBP 1,800, Scotland to Poland or back.
The break-even point
Twenty boxes of 30 kg cost GBP 1,000 as parcels — exactly the price of half a van, but half a van also carries furniture, a mattress and white goods that would never fit in a box. In practice: up to roughly 12 to 15 boxes, parcels win; beyond that, or as soon as furniture is involved, take half a van.
Worked examples
Student moving back: 6 boxes, 25 kg each — 6 x GBP 50 = GBP 300. Parcels.
One-bedroom flat: 14 boxes plus a sofa, a bed and a fridge — half a van at GBP 1,000.
Family house: furniture from three rooms, washing machine, garden tools — full van at GBP 1,800.
What changes the answer
Bulky but light items (duvets, prams, bikes) eat van space rather than weight, so volume decides more often than the scales. Send a few photos on WhatsApp and we will tell you which option is cheaper.
FAQ
How much weight fits in half a van?
Up to 600 kg, priced at GBP 1,000.
How much is a full van to Poland?
GBP 1,800, including loading and door-to-door delivery.
Can I mix parcels and furniture?
Yes — that is exactly what half a van is for.