Man and Van
Man and Van Kensington by Kensington Movers
At Kensington Movers, our man and van Kensington service is a flexible, professional option for smaller moves and quick transport jobs across Kensington and the surrounding areas. You get the convenience and price of a man-and-van, with the standards of a fully insured, trained, professional removals company.
What Our Man and Van Service Includes
This service is ideal when you do not need a full-scale removals crew, but still want your belongings handled with care. A uniformed driver and, if required, additional porters will arrive with a clean, well-equipped vehicle and all the basic protection materials.
Typical jobs we handle
- Small flat and studio moves within Kensington
- Part house moves and single rooms
- Student moves to and from halls and shared houses
- Furniture collection and delivery (shops, auctions, private sellers)
- Office clearances and small business relocations
- Urgent same-day moves where timing is critical
Every job is carried out by trained movers who understand safe lifting, packing and loading techniques, not casual labourers.
Local Man and Van Experts in Kensington
Our team works in Kensington every day. We know the one-way systems, the tight mews streets, parking restrictions and building access rules that catch out less experienced drivers. That local knowledge means fewer delays, less stress and a smoother move.
We routinely work with porters and concierges in mansion blocks, new-build developments and period properties across W8 and nearby postcodes, planning access and lift use in advance so everything runs to schedule.
Who Our Kensington Man and Van Service Is For
- Homeowners – moving a few larger items between properties, or decanting belongings into storage.
- Renters – end-of-tenancy flat moves, including small and top-floor properties with limited access.
- Landlords – clearing or refurnishing a property between tenancies, removing old furniture, delivering new items.
- Businesses – moving desks, files, IT equipment or stock between offices, shops or storage units.
- Students – term-time moves, relocations between halls and shared accommodation, or moving back home.
What We Can and Cannot Move
Items typically included
- Household furniture: sofas, beds, wardrobes, tables, chairs
- White goods: fridges, freezers, washing machines, dryers
- Boxes of personal belongings and clothing
- Books, records, artwork and ornaments (properly protected)
- Office furniture and boxed files
- Small commercial stock and equipment
Items we usually exclude
- Hazardous or flammable materials (gas cylinders, fuel, chemicals)
- Illegal or stolen goods
- Live animals or pets
- Unprotected glass or high-value artwork without prior agreement
- Heavy machinery or items that exceed safe lifting limits
If you are unsure whether something can be moved, mention it during the enquiry so we can advise or make special arrangements.
Our Step-by-Step Man and Van Process
1. Enquiry & Quote
You contact us by phone, email or our online form with basic details: addresses, dates, access, and what needs moving. We ask clear, focused questions so we understand the volume, any awkward items and time constraints. Based on this, we provide a transparent, no-obligation quote, usually the same day.
2. Survey (Virtual or Onsite)
For straightforward jobs, a detailed phone or video survey is enough. For more complex moves – multiple flights of stairs, restricted access or high-value items – we can arrange an onsite survey in Kensington. This allows us to plan vehicle size, staffing and any special equipment in advance.
3. Packing & Preparation
You can pack your own boxes, or choose our packing service for an additional fee. On the day, we protect key items with blankets and wrapping, and we can dismantle and reassemble simple furniture (beds, tables) where required. We plan the order of loading so essentials come off first at the new address.
4. Loading & Transport
Our trained team loads the vehicle carefully, making full use of straps, blankets and floor protection. We work systematically to avoid damage to both your belongings and the property. Your goods are then transported directly, unless we have agreed a route with additional collections or deliveries.
5. Unloading & Placement
On arrival, we unload into the rooms you specify, rather than leaving everything in the hallway. We reassemble any furniture we dismantled, and we will not leave until you are satisfied that everything agreed has been placed where you need it.
Clear and Transparent Pricing
Our man and van Kensington service is usually priced on an hourly basis with a minimum booking period, which we confirm before you commit. The rate depends on:
- Number of movers (driver only, or driver plus porters)
- Vehicle size required
- Day and time (weekdays vs weekends/evenings)
- Distance between addresses
We explain what is and is not included in the price – such as congestion charges, parking fees, packing materials and any additional stops – so there are no surprises on the day.
Why Choose Professional Man and Van Over DIY
Hiring a casual van or doing it yourself can look cheaper on paper, but it rarely is once you factor in time, risk and potential damage. With Kensington Movers you benefit from:
- Experienced, trained movers who know how to handle awkward and heavy items safely.
- Fully insured services, including goods in transit and public liability cover.
- Proper equipment: trolleys, blankets, straps and tools for dismantling furniture.
- Reliable timing, professional communication and written confirmations.
This reduces the risk of injuries, damage to your belongings or property, and costly delays caused by inexperience.
Insurance and Professional Standards
As a professional removals company, we hold appropriate insurance for our work:
- Goods in transit insurance to protect your belongings while they are on the vehicle.
- Public liability cover for accidental damage or injury caused during the move.
Our teams are trained in manual handling, packing and safe driving practices. Vehicles are regularly maintained and equipped for removals, not general haulage. For higher value items, we can discuss additional cover and any specific requirements during the quotation stage.
Care, Protection and Sustainability
We treat every move as if we were handling our own belongings. Floors, doors and bannisters can be protected on request, and we always plan the safest route through the property to minimise scuffs and knocks.
Where possible, we reuse durable packing materials, consolidate trips to cut unnecessary mileage, and route our vehicles efficiently. We encourage customers to reuse or recycle their boxes and can recommend local options for donating unwanted furniture and household items in Kensington.
Real-World Use Cases
Moving House or Flat
For smaller properties, a full removals crew is not always necessary. Our man and van Kensington service is perfect for studio and one-bedroom flats, or for moving the last remaining items after your main move.
Office and Business Relocations
We regularly help local businesses move between offices, shops and storage units. Desks, chairs, files and IT equipment are handled systematically to keep downtime to a minimum. Evening and weekend moves can be arranged to avoid disruption.
Urgent and Same-Day Moves
Last-minute changes of plan happen. Where our schedule allows, we offer same-day man and van support in Kensington and nearby areas. Call us as early as you can, and we will advise honestly on what is realistic within the time available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a man and van Kensington service cost?
Costs depend mainly on the number of movers, the size of vehicle, distance travelled and how long the job takes. We normally work on an hourly rate with a minimum booking period, confirmed in writing before you decide. Extra factors such as congestion charge, parking fees, additional stops or late evening work are discussed up front. If you provide a clear list of items and accurate access details, we can estimate the likely duration so you have a realistic idea of the total cost.
Can you offer same-day or urgent man and van in Kensington?
Yes, subject to availability. We keep some flexibility in our schedule for urgent or short-notice moves, particularly within Kensington and nearby postcodes. The earlier in the day you contact us, the more likely we can help. When you call, have addresses, access information and an item list ready so we can assess quickly what is possible. If we cannot accommodate the exact time you want, we will offer the nearest realistic alternative and explain any limitations.
Are my belongings insured during the move?
Yes. Our man and van service is backed by goods in transit insurance for your belongings while they are on the vehicle, and public liability cover for accidental damage or injury at either property. This is designed for normal household and office contents, provided they are properly packed and declared. For particularly high-value items, we may ask for additional details and can discuss extended cover or special packing. All key insurance information is provided with your booking so you know exactly where you stand.
What is included in your man and van service?
You get a professional driver, a suitable removals vehicle and, if requested, additional porters. We provide basic protection such as blankets and straps, careful loading and unloading, and placement of items into the rooms you specify. Optional extras include packing services, supply of boxes and materials, dismantling and reassembly of simple furniture, and disposal of unwanted items by prior agreement. We clearly outline what is included in your quote so you can compare like-for-like with other options.
How is your service different from a casual man-and-van?
Unlike a casual operator, Kensington Movers is a professional removals company with trained staff, fully insured vehicles and structured processes. We carry appropriate insurance, use proper equipment, confirm bookings in writing and turn up on time in sign-written vehicles. Our teams are experienced in working in Kensington properties, handling tight staircases and communal areas carefully. You get accountability, reliability and a higher level of care for your belongings and your property, while still benefiting from the flexibility of a man and van service.
How far in advance should I book?
For the best choice of dates and times, especially at month-end and weekends, we recommend booking at least one to two weeks in advance. However, we understand that smaller moves are often arranged at short notice, so we always try to accommodate last-minute requests where our schedule allows. Even if your plans are not final, it is worth contacting us early so we can pencil you in and discuss options. Your booking is confirmed once you accept our quote and, where applicable, pay any agreed deposit.
