Find a removal company in London

Almost every London street has controlled parking, so your firm will usually need bays suspended outside both homes. Suspensions are booked with the local borough council, fees vary by borough and most need at least a week's notice, so ask your removal company early whether they'll arrange it.

Experienced local movers regularly deal with:

• Upper-floor flats, conversions and mansion blocks with narrow stairs and no lift
• Controlled parking zones on almost every street, plus red routes where vans can't stop
• ULEZ and Congestion Charge costs for vans in central and inner London
• Heavy traffic and bus lanes that make timings on the day harder to predict

It mainly depends on the size of your home and how far you're going. A one- or two-bed flat usually takes half a day to load and unload, and a three- or four-bed house takes a full day. If you've booked a packing service, most firms pack the day before, so allow two days in total.

Full packing for a three-bed home typically adds £300 to £500 to your removal quote. You can keep costs down by packing books, clothes and other easy items yourself, and leaving fragile things to the professionals.

Reputable removal firms carry goods-in-transit insurance, but the level of cover varies, so check what's included before you book. If something is damaged, tell the firm in writing as soon as you can and include photos. Most firms set a time limit for claims, so check the terms in your quote.