Man with a Van
Man with a Van Kensington
At Kensington Movers, our Man with a Van service in Kensington is designed for people who want a reliable, professional move without the cost or complexity of a full-scale removal. You get an experienced driver, a clean, purpose-built van, and a trained porter team who treat your belongings as if they were their own.
What Our Man with a Van Service Includes
This is a flexible, pay-for-what-you-need service, ideal for anything from a single item to a small flat or office move. Every booking includes:
- Modern, well-maintained removal van with blankets and straps
- Trained porter(s) – one, two or more, depending on your move
- Loading, securing and unloading of your belongings
- Short or long-distance moves from or to Kensington
- Basic furniture assembly/disassembly (on request)
- Goods in transit insurance and public liability cover
Local Kensington Expertise
Working daily in Kensington means we understand the realities of moving here: tight stairwells, controlled parking zones, busy main roads and strict building rules. We regularly handle moves around High Street Kensington, Earl’s Court, Gloucester Road and the surrounding mews and mansion blocks. We can advise on:
- Parking suspensions and loading restrictions
- Best access routes and times of day to avoid congestion
- Protecting common areas in blocks and managed buildings
This local knowledge keeps your move faster, smoother and less stressful.
Who Our Man with a Van Service Is For
Homeowners
Perfect if you’re moving between smaller properties, clearing a storage unit or transporting items to a second home. We regularly help with partial house moves, attic clearances and furniture deliveries.
Renters
Ideal for flat and house moves within Kensington or across London. We’re used to top-floor flats, no lifts and tight timelines when you’re handing the keys back. We protect walls, doors and floors to help you leave the property in good condition.
Landlords
We work with landlords and letting agents to move furniture in and out between tenancies, remove unwanted items and transport appliances. Our professional approach means we respect your property and your tenants’ peace and quiet.
Businesses
From start-ups to established offices, our Man with a Van is ideal for small office moves, deliveries, events and archive moves. We can move desks, IT equipment, stock and display units with minimal downtime.
Students
We help students move into and out of halls and shared houses around Kensington and the wider London area. We know budgets are tight, so we keep things simple, clear and fairly priced.
What We Move
Included Items
We routinely move:
- Boxes, suitcases and crates
- Beds, sofas, tables, wardrobes and chests of drawers
- TVs, audio equipment and computers (properly protected)
- Kitchen appliances such as microwaves and small white goods
- Office furniture, chairs, filing cabinets and boxed documents
- Bikes, sports equipment and musical instruments
Items We Cannot Move
For safety and insurance reasons, we do not transport:
- Illegal or stolen goods
- Gas cylinders, fuel, fireworks or explosives
- Open tins of paint, chemicals or hazardous materials
- Live animals or pets
- Industrial machinery that requires specialist handling
- Cash, jewellery or high-value artwork without prior agreement
If you’re unsure about a particular item, just ask – we’ll advise or suggest a safe alternative.
How Our Man with a Van Process Works
1. Enquiry & Quote
Contact us by phone or online with a few details: addresses, access, number of rooms and key items. We’ll ask for photos or a list if needed. You’ll receive a clear, no-obligation quote detailing what is included, any minimum booking time and any expected additional charges (such as congestion or parking).
2. Survey (Virtual or Onsite)
For straightforward jobs, a virtual survey by video or photos is usually enough. For more complex moves – multiple floors, restricted access or large, fragile items – we may recommend an onsite visit in Kensington. This lets us allocate the right van size, team and time, helping prevent delays on moving day.
3. Packing & Preparation
You can pack your own boxes, or choose our packing service for added convenience. If you pack yourself, we’ll advise on box sizes, labelling and protecting fragile items. On the day, our team will bring blankets, straps and basic tools, and can dismantle simple furniture where required.
4. Loading & Transport
Our trained team will protect and load your belongings carefully, making best use of space and securing everything for transport. We work methodically, protecting stairwells, lifts and communal areas. Your driver will take the most efficient route, considering traffic, low bridges and any access restrictions around Kensington and beyond.
5. Unloading & Placement
On arrival, we unload items into the rooms you specify, not just the doorway. We can reassemble furniture agreed in advance and will place boxes where you want them, helping you get set up quickly. Before leaving, we do a final walk-through with you to check everything is where it should be.
Transparent Pricing
Our Man with a Van pricing is straightforward and fully explained before you book. Typically, we price by:
- Van size and number of porters
- Hourly rate (with a minimum booking period)
- Travel time between addresses
- Any additional services (packing, materials, extra stops)
We’ll confirm whether your move is best on an hourly or fixed-price basis. Parking, tolls and congestion charges are always discussed upfront. There are no surprise add-ons at the end of the job.
Why Choose Professional Movers Over DIY or Casual Man-and-Van
Using a casual van service or borrowing a friend’s van might seem cheaper, but it often costs more in time, damage and stress. With Kensington Movers you get:
- Fully insured vehicles and contents cover
- Trained movers who know safe lifting techniques
- Proper equipment: blankets, trolleys, ramps and straps
- Clear paperwork and agreed terms
- Reliable timings and professional communication
We regularly step in after DIY attempts go wrong – damaged stairways, scratched furniture, strained backs. A professional team significantly reduces these risks.
Insurance & Professional Standards
Your belongings are protected throughout the move. We carry:
- Goods in transit insurance for your items while they are in our care
- Public liability cover for damage or injury caused by our work
- Movers who are trained in manual handling and safe working practices
We work to clear, professional standards: punctual arrivals, ID on request, tidy appearance and respectful behaviour in homes and workplaces. If something unexpected happens, you have a proper company to speak to – not just a mobile number.
Care, Protection and Sustainability
We focus on protecting both your belongings and the environment. Vans are equipped with clean blankets, floor protection and straps so items stay secure. We use reusable containers and durable materials wherever possible, reducing single-use plastics. When supplying boxes, we encourage re-use and responsible recycling. We also plan routes to minimise unnecessary mileage and emissions while still arriving on time.
Real-World Uses for Our Man with a Van in Kensington
Moving House or Flat
From studio apartments to small houses, our service is ideal for local or cross-London moves where a full removal fleet isn’t required. We can move you in one trip or staggered journeys if needed.
Office Relocations
For small to medium offices, we move desks, chairs, files and IT equipment with minimal downtime. Evening and weekend moves are available to keep disruption low.
Urgent or Same-Day Moves
Things don’t always go to plan – a tenancy starts earlier, a seller changes dates, or a delivery falls through. Where possible, we offer same-day or next-day Man with a Van support in Kensington, subject to availability. Calling early in the day gives the best chance of fitting you in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a man with a van in Kensington cost?
Costs depend on the size of van, number of porters, distance and how long the job takes. Most local Kensington moves are charged at an hourly rate with a minimum booking period, typically two to three hours. Larger or more complex moves may be better on a fixed-price basis, especially if there are multiple stops or tricky access. We’ll ask a few questions about your move and then provide a clear, written quote so you know exactly what to budget for.
Can you provide same-day or urgent man with a van services?
Yes, we can often help with same-day or short-notice moves in Kensington, particularly on weekdays. Availability depends on how busy our schedule is and the size of the job. Smaller moves, single items or short distances are usually easier to fit in at short notice. If you need an urgent move, call us as early as possible with the key details so we can check our diary, allocate a team and confirm a realistic arrival time.
Are my belongings insured during the move?
Yes. Your items are covered by our goods in transit insurance while they are being moved in our vehicles, and our public liability cover protects against accidental damage to property or injury caused by our work. We’ll explain the key terms, including any limits or exclusions, when you book. For particularly high-value or unusual items, please tell us in advance so we can confirm cover and advise whether any extra precautions or documentation are needed.
What is included in your man with a van removals service?
Our standard service includes a van, a professional driver, at least one porter (more if required), loading and unloading, protective blankets and securing straps. We place items into the rooms you choose and can do basic furniture assembly or dismantling if agreed beforehand. Optional extras include packing services, supply of boxes and materials, additional stops and out-of-hours work. All inclusions are listed clearly on your quote so you know exactly what to expect on the day.
How is your service different from a basic man-and-van?
While some man-and-van operators work very hard, they may not offer the same level of protection, insurance or reliability as a professional removals company. With Kensington Movers you get fully insured vehicles, trained staff, proper equipment and clear booking terms. We carry out detailed planning where needed, maintain our vehicles to a high standard and have office support if plans change. In short, it’s the flexibility of a man-and-van with the standards of a professional removal firm.
How far in advance should I book?
For weekends, month-end and popular moving dates, we recommend booking one to two weeks in advance, especially for larger moves. For smaller local jobs in Kensington, a few days’ notice is often enough, and we do our best to accommodate last-minute enquiries. Booking earlier gives you more choice of time slots and allows us to plan parking and access properly. If your dates are still uncertain, we can pencil in a provisional slot and confirm once your plans are final.