Find a removal company in Oxford

Much of Oxford is covered by controlled parking zones, so unless you have a driveway your firm will probably need resident bays suspended outside. Suspensions go through Oxfordshire County Council and need several working days' notice, so ask your removal company early whether they'll arrange it.

Experienced local movers regularly deal with:

• Narrow, permit-only streets in Jericho, East Oxford and around Cowley Road, where the van can't always park close to the door
• Bollards, bus gates and college properties in the historic centre that need access arranged in advance
• The Zero Emission Zone in the city centre, which charges petrol and diesel vans between 7am and 7pm
• Busy late-June and early-October weeks at the end and start of the university year

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.