Moving tips for London
A complete guide from two weeks before to moving day — packing, parking, ULEZ, and the small things that make a big difference on the day.
Your moving timeline
2 weeks before
Plan and declutter
- Sort every room into three piles: keep, donate, and bin. Less stuff means a smaller van and a cheaper move.
- Book your van early — weekends and month-end fill up fast, especially in summer.
- Reserve a parking bay or loading bay outside your front door. In London, apply through your council's website.
- Notify your landlord or agent of your moving date and arrange key handover.
1 week before
Pack the non-essentials
- Start with rooms you use least — spare bedroom, loft, garage, garden shed.
- Label every box with its destination room and a short contents list.
- Pack an 'essentials box' with kettle, mugs, tea, phone charger, loo roll, and a change of clothes.
- Take photos of your TV and electronics wiring so you can reconnect them at the new place.
- Arrange time off work and confirm your booking with your driver.
Day before
Final packing and prep
- Pack everything except the essentials box and your overnight bag.
- Defrost the fridge freezer (takes 8-12 hours) and mop up the water.
- Strip the beds but leave the mattresses wrapped in a protector.
- Confirm your parking bay is still reserved and check for any roadworks.
- Charge your phone and put a portable charger in your essentials box.
Moving day
Move and settle in
- Be ready 30 minutes before your driver arrives — they're often early.
- Walk the driver through what's going and what's staying before they start loading.
- Do a final sweep of every room, cupboard, and the loft before you hand over keys.
- Take meter readings at both properties and send them to your suppliers.
- Unpack the essentials box first, then the bedroom — you'll need sleep tonight.
London-specific tips
Things every London mover should know before moving day.
Reserve a parking bay
Most London councils let you reserve a parking bay or loading bay for moving day. Apply at least 5 working days ahead — a £40 bay reservation beats a £130 parking ticket.
Check the ULEZ zone
Most of inner London is now an Ultra Low Emission Zone. Our vans are ULEZ-compliant, but if you're driving your own car to follow the van, check your vehicle on the TfL website.
Avoid the school run
Moving between 8-9am and 3-4pm in a residential area means fighting school-run traffic and parked cars. Aim for a 10am or 1pm start when the roads are clearer.
Mind the congestion charge
Central London inside the congestion zone (Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, £15/day) adds to your cost. If you can move on a weekend or outside the zone, you'll save money.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I book a man with a van in London?
Book at least 3-5 days ahead for a weekday move and 1-2 weeks ahead for weekends or month-end. Same-day moves are often possible but cost more and depend on driver availability in your area.
Do I need to help the driver load and unload?
It depends on the crew you book. 'Driver only' means the driver loads and you help carry. 'Driver + helper' means two people do the heavy lifting for you. You can also select 'no help needed' if it's a small job and you're happy to do it yourself.
What size van do I need for my move?
A small van suits a few boxes or single items. A medium van fits a studio or one-bed flat. A Luton with tail lift is best for a full two-bed house move. See our van sizes guide for a detailed breakdown.
Can the driver dismantle and reassemble furniture?
Most drivers will dismantle and reassemble flat-pack furniture if you ask in advance. Mention it in the booking notes so the right driver with the right tools is assigned.
What happens if my move takes longer than expected?
You're charged by the hour after the minimum charge. Our drivers are experienced at estimating time, so the quote you accept is usually accurate. If traffic or access issues add time, you'll see it on the live tracking before the extra charge kicks in.
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