A London flat move can be straightforward once the practical details are known. The number of rooms matters, but so do the loading space, the route through the building and the time the team can use a lift. Check both the flat you are leaving and the one you are moving into before you request a quote.
This checklist helps you collect the information a removals team needs and avoid finding a restriction on moving day.
1. Check the route from each flat to the vehicle
Walk the route your furniture will take. Note the floor, number of flights of stairs, lift size, narrow doorways, tight corners and the distance from the entrance to a place where a removal vehicle could legally stop. Do this at both addresses; the second building can be more awkward than the first.
Measure furniture that may be difficult to move, such as a large sofa, wardrobe or dining table. Measure the relevant doorways and lift opening too. If a piece may need dismantling, tell the removal company when you enquire rather than assuming it can be done on the day. Photos of an awkward item or entrance can help the team assess it. GAV also offers a video survey where a closer look would be useful.
2. Ask the building about moving rules
If either flat has a managing agent, concierge or landlord, check whether you must book a move-in slot or service lift. Ask about permitted hours, lift protection, loading-door access and whether the team needs to sign in. Some buildings restrict moves at weekends or require advance notice. Give the removals team the agreed slot and a contact number for the building.
Do not rely on a passenger lift being available just because it normally works. Confirm whether furniture can use it, the size and weight restrictions, and what happens if the lift is unavailable. Tell GAV about any stairs that would then be needed.
3. Arrange legal loading at both addresses
A resident’s parking permit does not necessarily reserve a space for a removal vehicle. Check the signs outside each property and identify the authority responsible for the road. Depending on the location, you may need an ordinary lawful loading space, a parking-bay suspension or a dispensation. A red route can have different rules from a borough-managed street.
For example, Wandsworth Council lists domestic removals as a reason to request a bay suspension, while Westminster Council has its own suspension process for removal vans. TfL explains the loading rules for its red routes. These examples are not a permit for your street: check the current rules, availability and application process for each exact address, and apply in good time.
GAV’s removals FAQs ask customers to arrange legal, safe parking at both addresses and say the team can advise. Share your proposed loading location with the office before booking so the vehicle and carrying distance can be assessed. A suspension may make a bay available for the move, but it cannot guarantee another vehicle will not obstruct it.
4. Be clear about what is actually moving
Prepare a short inventory of furniture, appliances, larger items and an approximate number of boxes. Include anything stored in a loft, cellar, shed or external cupboard. Say whether you need packing, unpacking or help with dismantling and reassembly. This gives the team a better basis for planning than a simple “two-bedroom flat” description.
Keep keys, documents, medication, chargers and a few essentials with you. Mark fragile boxes and identify items that need to be placed in a particular room. If you are downsizing or there is a gap before the new flat is ready, discuss storage between moving dates before the move is booked.
5. Share a simple move-day plan
Before the day, send the removal company the two addresses, contact numbers, building access instructions, lift bookings, legal loading arrangements and any time window for collecting or receiving keys. Tell the team what is still uncertain. If a managing agent has supplied conditions, pass on the relevant details.
On moving day, have a person available to answer questions at each property or arrange a reachable representative. Check that the agreed loading space and lift are available, then walk the team through items needing special care. If access changes, let the office know promptly so it can advise on the practical effect.
The details to include in your quote request
- Collection and delivery postcodes, preferred date and any fixed building time slot.
- Floor level, stairs, lift dimensions or restrictions, and entry instructions at both flats.
- Parking or loading location, any suspension or dispensation, and the carrying distance.
- Furniture, approximate box count and bulky or fragile items.
- Packing, dismantling, storage or other help you would like included.
With those details, GAV can assess the move and explain an appropriate service. For a smaller job, compare its man-and-van service with home removals; the right choice depends on the inventory and access, not bedroom count alone. Request a removals quote and include any photos or access information that will help the team plan.