Man and a Van
Man and a Van Kensington – Kensington Movers
At Kensington Movers, our Man and a Van Kensington service is designed for people who want a reliable, professional move without the fuss. Whether you are moving a few items across town or relocating a small flat or office, we combine the flexibility of a man-and-van with the standards of a fully accredited removals company.
What Our Man and a Van Service Includes
Our service is a scaled-down version of a full removals team, ideal when you do not need a big lorry but still want a professional, fully insured move. You get a modern, well-maintained van and at least one trained mover, with extra movers added if needed.
Typical uses for our Man and a Van Kensington service
- Studio, one-bedroom and small flat moves
- Student moves to and from halls or shared houses
- Small office relocations and internal office moves
- Single high-value items (pianos, antiques, art – subject to survey)
- Furniture collections from shops, storage or auction houses
- Part-loads, decluttering and runs to storage facilities
Local Expertise in Kensington
Working daily in Kensington means we understand local streets, parking restrictions and building access inside out. From mansion blocks and period conversions to modern developments, we know how to handle:
- Resident parking bays and loading times
- Basement and top-floor flats with tight staircases
- Concierge-managed buildings and lift bookings
- Access rules for private estates and mews
This local knowledge allows us to plan routes, time slots and parking so your move runs smoothly and efficiently, with minimum disruption to neighbours and building management.
Who Our Man and a Van Service Is For
Homeowners
If you are downsizing, moving items into storage, or completing a smaller house move, our service offers a cost-effective option with the same care and protection as a full removal.
Renters
Ideal for tenants moving between rented flats or houses in Kensington and nearby areas. We work around check-in and check-out times, protecting both properties to avoid disputes with landlords or agents.
Landlords
We assist landlords clearing or setting up furnished and part-furnished properties, removing old furniture and delivering replacements efficiently and carefully.
Businesses
Our vans are perfect for small office moves, internal reshuffles, IT equipment transfers and archive moves. We can work out of hours to minimise downtime and disruption to your team.
Students
Students benefit from a flexible, budget-friendly service for term start and end. We move boxes, suitcases, desks, beds and bikes between halls, shared houses and storage units.
What We Can and Cannot Move
Items Typically Included
- Household furniture – beds, sofas, wardrobes, tables, chairs
- White goods – fridges, freezers, washing machines (disconnected)
- Boxes, suitcases and loose bags
- IT and office equipment – computers, screens, printers
- Books, records, personal items and clothing
- Flat-pack furniture – dismantled or assembled (assembly on request)
Items Usually Excluded
For safety, legal or insurance reasons, our Kensington Man and a Van service does not normally include:
- Hazardous materials – fuel, gas bottles, chemicals, paint tins
- Live animals and pets
- Illegal or stolen goods
- Valuables such as cash, jewellery and important documents (we advise you carry these personally)
- Heavy industrial machinery or items exceeding safe lifting limits
Special items such as pianos, safes or artwork can often be moved but must be discussed in advance so we can plan the right equipment and insurance.
Our Step-by-Step Man and a Van Process
1. Enquiry & Quote
Contact Kensington Movers by phone or online with your collection and delivery addresses, dates, access details and a rough list of items. We will recommend the right van size and number of movers and provide a clear, no-obligation quote.
2. Survey (Virtual or Onsite)
For straightforward jobs, photos or a quick video call are often enough. For more complex access or valuable items, we offer an onsite or virtual survey. This helps us confirm timings, parking, lifting requirements and any protective materials needed.
3. Packing & Preparation
You can pack your own boxes, or we can supply materials and provide a packing service at an agreed rate. On moving day, our team protects key items with covers and blankets, and can dismantle simple furniture if required.
4. Loading & Transport
Our trained movers load the van methodically, using straps, blankets and floor protection where required. We handle your belongings carefully, ensuring weight is well distributed and items are secured for safe transport.
5. Unloading & Placement
On arrival, we unload into the rooms you specify, placing furniture where you want it. We will reassemble any agreed items and do a final check with you before leaving.
Transparent Pricing for Man and a Van Kensington
We keep our pricing simple and transparent. Most Man and a Van jobs are charged by the hour, with a minimum booking period. The rate depends on:
- Number of movers required
- Van size
- Day of the week and time of day
- Distance between addresses
Your quote will clearly show what is included: labour, vehicle, fuel within the agreed mileage, and basic protective materials. Any extras – such as packing services, materials, or congestion and parking charges – are itemised upfront so there are no surprises.
Why Choose Professional Removers Over DIY or Casual Man-and-Van
Hiring a casual man-with-a-van or trying to move yourself may appear cheaper but often carries hidden costs and risks. With Kensington Movers you benefit from:
- Trained staff who know how to lift, carry and protect furniture safely
- Fully insured vehicles with dedicated goods in transit insurance
- Proper equipment – trolleys, straps, blankets and covers
- Reliable timings, confirmed bookings and clear communication
- Compliance with building rules and health & safety standards
This level of care reduces the risk of damage to your belongings and property, and helps you avoid injury, delays and stress.
Insurance & Professional Standards
Kensington Movers operates to recognised industry standards. For your peace of mind, we provide:
- Goods in transit insurance for your belongings while they are in our care
- Public liability cover in case of accidental damage to property
- Professional uniformed staff, DBS-checked where appropriate
- Documented procedures for handling, loading and securing items
Full details of cover limits and any exclusions are available with your quotation so you know exactly how you are protected.
Care, Protection and Sustainability
We treat your belongings and property as if they were our own. Our teams use floor runners, door protectors and furniture covers as needed, and we take particular care in shared spaces such as stairwells and lifts.
We are also working to reduce our environmental impact by:
- Using reusable transit blankets and protective materials
- Offering reclaimed boxes where suitable
- Planning efficient routes to cut unnecessary mileage
- Recycling packaging and responsibly disposing of waste where requested
Real-World Use Cases in Kensington
Moving House and Flats
From studios off High Street Kensington to one-beds in mansion blocks, we regularly handle smaller household moves where a full lorry would be excessive. Our flexible man-and-van setup keeps costs sensible while maintaining a high level of care.
Office and Business Moves
We help businesses relocate within Kensington and to nearby commercial districts. Our team can move desks, chairs, filing, IT equipment and stock, working outside office hours where required to minimise disruption.
Urgent and Short-Notice Moves
Occasionally, plans change at the last minute. Where our schedule allows, we offer same-day or next-day Man and a Van Kensington services for urgent moves, landlord requests and last-minute tenancy changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Man and a Van in Kensington cost?
Pricing is usually based on an hourly rate, with a minimum booking period. The cost depends on how many movers you need, the size of van, the day of the week and the distance travelled. For example, a small flat move may only require a few hours with one or two movers, whereas a larger or more complex job will take longer. We will ask a few questions about your move, then give you a clear, itemised quote so you know exactly what you are paying for before you book.
Can you provide same-day or urgent Man and a Van services?
Where our schedule allows, we can often accommodate same-day or next-day moves in Kensington. Availability depends on how busy we are, the size of van required and how far our teams are from you at the time of enquiry. If you need an urgent move, call us as early as possible with details of your addresses, access and items, and we will let you know what options we can offer. We are honest about timings so you can make realistic plans.
Are my belongings insured during the move?
Yes. Your items are covered by our goods in transit insurance while they are being moved by us, and we also carry public liability cover for accidental damage to property. Insurance is there to protect you in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. Cover limits and any exclusions will be explained with your quote, and we will advise you on how best to pack and prepare items to minimise risk. Very high-value or unusual items may require additional arrangements.
What is included in your Man and a Van service?
Our standard service includes a suitable van, one or more trained movers, loading, transport and unloading to the rooms of your choice. We provide basic protective materials such as blankets and straps, and can dismantle simple furniture by prior agreement. Packing services, packing materials, disposal of unwanted items, congestion and parking charges are not automatically included but can be added and clearly itemised. Before confirming your booking, we will go through what is and is not covered so there is no confusion on the day.
What is the difference between your service and a casual man-with-a-van?
While both involve a van and people to help, our service operates to professional removals standards. You get fully insured vehicles, trained staff, proper equipment and documented procedures for handling your belongings. A casual operator may not have sufficient insurance, may use unsuitable vehicles and may lack experience with awkward items or building rules. Using Kensington Movers reduces the risk of damage, delay and unexpected costs, and gives you a named point of contact from booking through to completion.
How far in advance should I book?
For maximum choice of dates and times, we recommend booking one to two weeks ahead, especially for Fridays, month-end and peak moving periods. However, we understand that moves do not always come with lots of notice. If your plans are last minute, contact us as soon as you know your dates and we will do our best to fit you in. Once booked, you will receive confirmation of your slot, along with any parking or access information we may need from you in advance.
