25 Essential Tips for Moving House in London
The complete insider guide from London's local moving experts. Save money, avoid common pitfalls, and make your move stress-free.
The 5 Most Important Things
- 1. Book movers 6-8 weeks ahead - especially for Fridays and month-ends
- 2. Apply for parking suspension - 7-10 days notice for central London boroughs
- 3. Check ULEZ compliance - £12.50/day charge covers all London boroughs
- 4. Move on Sunday - save up to 35% compared to weekday moves
- 5. Declutter before you pack - every item costs money to move
Your 8-Week Moving Timeline
- Research and book removal company
- Start decluttering room by room
- Create home inventory of big items
- Request time off work for moving day
- Research new area (schools, GP, transport)
- Start using up frozen food
- Apply for parking suspension (both addresses)
- Confirm movers and get written quote
- Order packing materials (boxes, tape, wrap)
- Start packing rarely used items
- Sell or donate unwanted items
- Check ULEZ compliance of moving vehicle
- Notify energy suppliers of move date
- Set up broadband at new address
- Update address with bank, DVLA, doctor
- Set up Royal Mail redirect (from £35)
- Continue packing non-essential rooms
- Cancel or transfer gym/subscriptions
- Confirm parking suspension is approved
- Confirm final details with movers
- Take meter readings at current home
- Begin packing remaining rooms
- Defrost freezer and empty fridge
- Pack an "essentials box" for day one
- Finish all packing (label every box)
- Disassemble large furniture
- Collect keys for new property
- Confirm arrival time with movers
- Give neighbors notice of removal van
- Prepare phone charger and valuables bag
- Take final meter readings
- Guide movers on fragile/priority items
- Do final walk-through of old home
- Take photos of empty property
- Hand over keys to agent/landlord
- Take meter readings at new home
London-Specific Tips
Parking Suspension (Essential)
Without a parking suspension, your movers may face delays, fines, or have to park far from your property. Most London councils require this for removal vans.
Notice Requirements
Central boroughs (Westminster, Camden, Kensington & Chelsea): 7-10 working days
Outer boroughs (Harrow, Ealing, Hillingdon): 3-5 working days
What it does:
- • Reserves parking space outside your property
- • Applies to everyone (permit holders too)
- • Enforced by penalty charge notices (PCNs)
How to apply:
- • Apply via your council's website
- • Cost: typically £30-£50 per suspension
- • Apply for BOTH current and new addresses
ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone)
Since August 2023, ULEZ covers all London boroughs - essentially anywhere inside the M25. Non-compliant vehicles pay £12.50/day.
£12.50
Daily charge
24/7
Operating hours
3 days
To pay after travel
Pro tip from Van Thats Quick:
All our vans are ULEZ compliant - you won't pay any extra charges. Always check your moving company's vehicles are compliant before booking, or you could face unexpected costs.
Congestion Charge Zone
If you're moving to/from central London, there's an additional £15/day charge during operating hours.
Charge applies:
- • Monday to Friday, 7am - 6pm
- • Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays: FREE
Exemptions:
- • Zone residents (90% discount)
- • Electric vehicles
- • Disabled vehicles
Money-saving tip
Move on a Saturday or Sunday to avoid both the congestion charge AND get cheaper removal rates. That's a potential saving of £15 plus up to 35% on your move.
Smart Packing Tips
Pack Room by Room
Don't mix rooms in boxes. Label each box with its destination room AND contents. This speeds up unpacking dramatically.
Heavy Items in Small Boxes
Books, tools, and kitchenware go in small boxes. Light items (bedding, clothes) go in large boxes. Never overload boxes.
Wrap Fragiles Individually
Use bubble wrap or packing paper for each item. Never stack plates flat - stand them vertically like records. Mark boxes "FRAGILE" clearly.
Take Photos of Electronics
Before unplugging your TV, router, or computer, photograph all the cables. You'll thank yourself when reconnecting at the new place.
Keep Hardware Together
Put furniture screws, bolts, and Allen keys in labeled ziplock bags. Tape them to the furniture piece they belong to.
Create an "Open First" Box
Pack essentials for your first night: phone charger, toiletries, change of clothes, kettle, tea, toilet roll, snacks, and basic cleaning supplies.
Money-Saving Tips
Move on Sunday
Sunday is the cheapest day - save up to 35% compared to Friday. Mid-month is also cheaper than month-end.
Declutter Ruthlessly
Every item costs money to move. Sell on Facebook Marketplace, donate to charity, or recycle what you don't need.
Get Free Boxes
Ask local supermarkets, off-licenses, or check Facebook groups for free moving boxes. Save £50+ on packing materials.
Book Off-Peak Months
January-March and October-November are quietest. Avoid summer (June-August) and September school-term rush.
Be Ready When Movers Arrive
If you pay hourly, being fully packed saves hours of time. Have everything boxed, furniture disassembled, and a clear path to the van.
Get Multiple Quotes
Compare at least 3 quotes. But don't just choose the cheapest - check insurance, reviews, and what's included.
Potential savings: Following these tips can save you £500-£1,500 on your total moving costs.
10 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting parking suspension
Without reserved parking, movers may have to park streets away, adding hours to your move and potentially hundreds to your bill.
Booking too late
Good movers book up weeks in advance, especially for Fridays and month-ends. Last-minute bookings often cost more.
Not checking insurance
If something breaks and your movers aren't insured, you're out of luck. Always ask for proof of goods-in-transit insurance.
Packing on moving day
If you're paying hourly, movers waiting for you to pack is expensive. Everything should be boxed before they arrive.
Overloading boxes
Heavy boxes are hard to carry and more likely to break. Keep each box under 15kg - use small boxes for heavy items.
Forgetting to defrost the freezer
Freezers need 24-48 hours to defrost. Moving a frost-filled freezer can damage it and create a wet mess in the van.
Not taking meter readings
Without readings, you might be charged for the next tenant's usage. Take photos of meters at both properties on moving day.
Forgetting about access issues
Narrow staircases, no lift access, low ceilings - tell your movers about any access challenges in advance so they can plan accordingly.
Ignoring ULEZ charges
If your mover uses a non-compliant vehicle, they might pass the £12.50 charge on to you. Always confirm vehicles are compliant.
Not labeling boxes
Without labels, boxes end up in wrong rooms and unpacking becomes a nightmare. Label ALL boxes with room and contents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book movers in London?
Book your removal company 6-8 weeks in advance, especially for popular times like Fridays, month-ends, and school holidays. This ensures availability and often secures better rates. For last-minute moves, call local man and van services who often have same-week availability.
Do I need a parking permit suspension for moving in London?
Yes, most London boroughs require you to arrange a parking suspension for removal vans. Apply 5-10 working days in advance through your local council website. Central boroughs like Westminster and Camden often require 7-10 days notice, while outer boroughs may need only 3-5 days. Cost is typically £30-£50 per suspension.
How much does the ULEZ charge cost when moving?
The ULEZ charge is £12.50 per day for non-compliant vehicles. Since August 2023, ULEZ covers all London boroughs (essentially anywhere within the M25). Most professional removal companies use compliant vehicles, but always confirm before booking. You can check vehicle compliance on the TfL website.
What is the Congestion Charge when moving in central London?
The Congestion Charge is £15 per day for vehicles entering central London between 7am-6pm on weekdays. Moving on a Saturday or Sunday avoids this charge entirely. Zone residents get a 90% discount, and electric vehicles are exempt.
What's the average cost of moving house in London?
Moving costs in London range from £409 for a one-bedroom flat to £2,700 for a four-bedroom house, with the average being around £1,350. Man and van services typically cost £45-£100 per hour. Costs vary based on distance, volume of items, floor access, and time of year.
When is the cheapest time to move house in London?
Sundays are typically the cheapest day to move (up to 35% cheaper), followed by mid-week days. Avoid Fridays and month-ends. The cheapest months are January-March and October-November. The most expensive period is summer (June-August) and the September school-term rush.
Ready to Move?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from London's local moving experts. ULEZ compliant vans, fully insured, and competitive rates.