Man with Van
Man with Van Kensington – Kensington Movers
At Kensington Movers, our man with van service in Kensington is designed for people who want a reliable, well-organised move without paying for a full-size removals crew. You get an experienced, professional driver-mover, a modern, well-equipped van and the backing of a fully established removals company – all tailored to smaller moves and flexible jobs.
What Our Man with Van Service Includes
This service is ideal when you have too much for a taxi, but not enough for a large removals lorry. We combine removals expertise with the flexibility of a traditional man-and-van, including:
- Professional driver-mover and additional porters if required
- Clean, well-maintained vans with blankets, straps and trolleys
- Loading, transport and unloading to your instructions
- Short-distance and long-distance moves
- Optional packing and dismantling services
- Goods in transit insurance and public liability cover
Every move is planned properly – we don’t simply turn up and hope for the best. We check access, parking and item details in advance so moving day runs smoothly.
Local Expertise in Kensington
Working in Kensington every week means we understand the local challenges: mansion blocks with no lifts, tight staircases, residents’ parking zones and strict loading restrictions. Our teams plan routes and timings around local traffic and parking rules to keep your move efficient and compliant.
We regularly support moves in and around Kensington High Street, South Kensington, Earl’s Court, Holland Park and the surrounding areas, coordinating with concierges and building management where needed.
Who Our Man with Van Service Is For
Homeowners
Perfect for smaller house or flat moves, moving items into storage, or transporting bulky purchases such as furniture and appliances. If you’re renovating or downsizing, we can move selected rooms or specific items only.
Renters
Ideal for one or two-bedroom flats, especially where there’s limited access or time slots for lifts and loading bays. We work efficiently to minimise disruption to neighbours and meet check-in or check-out deadlines.
Landlords
Landlords and agents use our man with van service to clear or part-clear properties between tenancies, deliver or remove furniture and handle quick turnarounds for furnished and part-furnished lets.
Businesses
From moving a few workstations to relocating stock, documents or light equipment, our business clients rely on a fully insured, VAT-registered company rather than a casual one-man band. We can work out of hours to reduce downtime.
Students
Students moving to or from Kensington halls and flats benefit from a simple, cost-effective service for boxes, suitcases, bikes and small furniture. We can group items from multiple addresses if booked in advance.
What We Can and Can’t Move
Items Typically Included
- Boxes, bags and plastic crates
- Wardrobes, chests of drawers, beds and sofas
- Dining tables, desks and office furniture
- Washing machines, fridges and other white goods
- TVs, computers and home electronics (properly packed)
- Music equipment, artwork and mirrors
- Luggage, bikes and gym equipment
Items Excluded or Requiring Special Arrangements
- Hazardous materials (fuel, paint, chemicals, gas bottles)
- Illegal or stolen goods
- Unsealed perishable food
- Live animals or pets
- Very high-value items such as fine art or jewellery (unless pre-agreed and appropriately packed)
- Heavy machinery or items needing specialist lifting equipment
If you’re unsure about a specific item, tell us during your enquiry. We’ll confirm whether we can take it and how it should be prepared.
Our Step-by-Step Man with Van Process
1. Enquiry & Quote
You contact us by phone or online with basic details: addresses, dates, access information and what needs moving. We ask clear, practical questions so we understand the size and complexity of the job. Based on this, we provide a tailored, transparent quote with no hidden extras.
2. Survey – Virtual or Onsite
For most man-with-van jobs, a video or phone survey is sufficient. For larger or more complex moves, we can attend in person. We check quantities, parking, staircases, lifts and any dismantling required, ensuring the right size of van and number of movers are allocated.
3. Packing & Preparation
You can pack your own items, or we can provide a packing service and supply quality boxes and materials. We advise on how to pack fragile items and label boxes. Large furniture may be dismantled where necessary to move safely and efficiently, with fixings kept together for reassembly.
4. Loading & Transport
On moving day we arrive on time, introduce the team and walk through the property with you. Items are protected with blankets and secured with straps inside the van. Our trained movers handle awkward staircases and tight corners carefully, loading in a logical order to protect your belongings during transit.
5. Unloading & Placement
At the destination, we unload and place items in the rooms you specify. Dismantled furniture can be reassembled if agreed in advance. Before we leave, we’ll check that nothing has been missed from the van and that you’re satisfied with the placement of your belongings.
Transparent Pricing
Our man with van pricing is clear and straightforward. Most jobs are charged by the hour with a minimum booking period, with fixed-price quotes available for defined moves. Your quote will state:
- Number of movers and size of van
- Hourly rate or fixed price
- Any travel time or congestion/parking costs if applicable
- Additional services (packing, dismantling, materials)
We do not add surprise charges on the day. If the scope changes – for example, extra items or an additional stop – we discuss options and costs with you first so you stay in control.
Why Choose Professional Movers Over DIY or Casual Man-and-Van
Moving yourself or using an unregulated man-and-van might seem cheaper, but it often leads to hidden costs: damage, delays, parking fines and personal injury. With Kensington Movers you get:
- Trained and experienced moving teams
- Proper protective equipment and handling techniques
- Goods in transit insurance for your belongings
- Public liability cover for peace of mind in buildings and communal areas
- Professional planning, timekeeping and communication
A professional service reduces stress, protects your possessions and helps you avoid problems with building management, neighbours and landlords.
Insurance and Professional Standards
As an established removals company, we operate to clear standards and carry appropriate insurance. Our cover includes:
- Goods in transit insurance for your items while they are in our care
- Public liability insurance for work in and around your property
Our teams are trained in manual handling, safe lifting and property protection. Vans are regularly maintained, and we follow sensible working practices so your move is carried out safely and efficiently.
Care, Protection and Sustainability
We treat your belongings and property with respect. Floors, banisters and doors can be protected where needed, and furniture is covered with moving blankets and secured in the van. We use reusable protective materials wherever possible and encourage the use of sturdy, reusable crates and boxes to reduce waste.
Route planning aims to minimise unnecessary mileage, and we look to consolidate journeys when practical. Our goal is to provide a careful, efficient service that also considers environmental impact.
Common Real-World Use Cases
Moving House or Flat
Ideal for studio and one- or two-bedroom properties where you want professional help without the scale of a full removal. We can move everything in one go or over several smaller trips.
Office Relocation and Business Moves
Businesses use our man with van service for moving small offices, delivering equipment to events, or shifting stock between locations. We can work early mornings, evenings or weekends to suit your trading hours.
Urgent and Same-Day Moves
When you need to move at short notice due to a change in tenancy, late completion or an urgent clearance, we’ll do our best to provide a same-day or next-day van, subject to availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a man with van in Kensington cost?
Costs depend mainly on how long the move takes, how many movers you need and the distance between addresses. Smaller local jobs may be just a couple of hours with one mover, while larger flat moves can require a team and most of a day. We usually agree either an hourly rate with a minimum booking or a fixed price for clearly defined moves. Tell us what you’re moving and we’ll give a clear, no-obligation quote before you book.
Can you do same-day or urgent man with van bookings?
Yes, we often can, especially on weekdays outside peak times. Availability depends on how many teams we already have out and the size of van you need. If you have an urgent move, call us as early as possible with details of addresses, access and what needs moving. We’ll let you know straight away what we can offer, any time windows available and the likely cost, so you can decide if it suits your situation.
Are my belongings insured during the move?
Yes. Your items are covered by our goods in transit insurance while they are in our vehicle and under our care, subject to standard terms and conditions. We also hold public liability insurance for work on your premises and in communal areas. We’ll explain the key points when you book, including any limits or exclusions, and can provide documentation on request. Proper packing and preparation remain important, and we’re happy to advise on that before moving day.
What’s included in your man with van service?
Our service includes a professional driver-mover, a suitable van, loading, safe transport and unloading at your new address. We supply blankets, straps and basic moving equipment as standard. Optional extras include additional movers, packing services, dismantling and reassembly of furniture, and the supply of boxes and packing materials. Parking, congestion or toll charges may be added where applicable, but these will be explained in your quote. We’ll tailor the service to what you actually need, so you only pay for the help you use.
How is a professional service different from a casual man-and-van?
A professional company like Kensington Movers offers structured planning, trained staff and proper insurance, which most casual operators don’t. We survey your job in advance, send the right number of movers, protect your belongings, and work to agreed times. Our vehicles are well maintained and equipped, and our team members are uniformed and accountable. This reduces the risk of damage, delays and disputes and gives you a clear point of contact from enquiry through to completion of your move.
How far in advance should I book?
For weekends and month-end dates in Kensington, we recommend booking at least one to two weeks ahead, especially in busy periods such as summer and around university term times. For mid-week and off-peak moves, a few days’ notice is often enough. That said, we will always try to accommodate last-minute requests where we have availability. The earlier you contact us, the more choice of dates and times you’ll have and the easier it is to secure the exact slot you want.
