More than 30% of London households are privately rented, making flat-to-flat moves almost a rite of passage in the capital. They're common, but they're rarely simple. Parking restrictions, lift access, building manager approvals and the awkward gap between tenancies can all catch you out if you haven't planned ahead.
Sort the Parking Before Anything Else
Parking is the part that catches people most off guard. Every London borough controls its own kerbside, and most require you to apply for a parking bay suspension before a removal van can legally pull up outside. Get it wrong and the crew wastes time circling the block, or you're handed a penalty charge for stopping on a single yellow.
Notice periods vary across London boroughs. Camden currently requires up to 17 working days. Some boroughs need as little as five. Apply the moment your move date is confirmed. If you're moving to and from different boroughs, that's two separate applications, two sets of fees, and two deadlines to track.
Just Removals London's crew are well used to London streets. They work quickly to keep the van positioned for the shortest time possible. Our flat removal service includes advice on the suspension process and what your particular borough typically requires.
Check Access at Both Properties
Walk from your front door to the kerb and make a note of what the crew will face. Is there a lift? Does it need to be booked through the building manager? Is there a service entrance or loading bay that gives better access than the main door?
Many modern blocks restrict lift use to certain hours, and building managers may need advance notice before you can use communal corridors for loading. Don't assume; ask. If the building has a service lift that's larger than the main one, use it. It makes a real difference when you're moving a wardrobe or a three-seater sofa.
Older buildings with no lift are completely manageable with the right crew. Be upfront about it when you request a quote. How many flights, how wide the staircase, and whether there are any tight corners will all affect how long the job takes. A two- or three-person team can handle a fourth-floor flat with no lift, but the quote needs to reflect that from the start.
Choosing the Right Van and Crew
Getting the vehicle wrong is one of the most avoidable problems on a flat move. Too small and the crew makes multiple trips. Too large and you've paid over the odds.
For a furnished one-bedroom flat, a Luton van and two people is usually the right call. A two-bedroom flat with full living room furniture typically needs a larger Luton and a three-person crew. For bigger properties, or moves with particularly bulky items like an American fridge, a corner sofa, or a large dining table, a 7.5-tonne lorry may be a better fit. For a very light load from a studio flat, a man and van is worth considering. For a fully furnished flat, a full team almost always gets the job done faster and more safely.
When you contact Just Removals London for a quote, tell the team your inventory, floor number, whether there's a lift, and how far the van will need to park from the door. That's what lets them give you an accurate fixed price rather than an estimate that shifts on the day.
What Does a Flat Move in London Cost?
Costs depend on the size of your flat, how many floors are involved, whether there's a lift, how far you're moving, and whether you need packing or storage on top of the move itself.
A one-bedroom flat move in London typically falls between £350 and £600. A two-bedroom property usually comes in between £550 and £850. Both figures assume a local London move with a two- or three-person crew. A long-distance move, a high floor with no lift, or extra services will adjust the total.
With Just Removals London, you get a fixed price before you book. No adjustments on the day because the stairs were steeper than expected. No charge added for wrapping materials or floor coverings. The price agreed at the start is the price you pay at the end.
When the Dates Don't Line Up
Tenancy dates rarely fall neatly into place. You might have two weeks between handing back the keys to your old flat and getting the keys to your new one. Or your tenancies could overlap, leaving you paying rent on both at the same time.
If there's a gap, short-term storage is the practical answer. Just Removals London's secure storage lets you bridge the gap without needing to move twice or impose on friends with a spare room. The crew collects from your old flat, stores everything safely, and delivers to your new address when you're ready.
If the tenancies overlap, use that time well. Get packed in the first few days, then move at the start of the second week. A packing and unpacking service can take the first stage off your plate entirely, so when move day arrives everything is boxed, labelled, and ready to go.
What Happens on Move Day
The crew arrives and lays protective floor coverings at your old flat before anything is touched. Furniture is wrapped in transit blankets and taped up. Items are loaded in the right order so the van is balanced and nothing shifts in transit.
At the new flat, everything goes directly to the rooms you've agreed in advance. Beds go to the bedroom. Kitchen boxes go to the kitchen. Fragile items are handled separately and placed carefully. Just Removals London crews dismantle and reassemble furniture as part of the move, so you don't arrive at the new place and discover the bed still needs building.
Before you leave the old flat, take meter readings for gas, electricity, and water. Photograph the condition of the property once it's empty. Both steps protect your deposit and prevent billing disputes with the landlord or energy supplier later. It takes ten minutes and it's worth every second.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead should I book a flat move in London?
Aim to book at least three to four weeks in advance. End-of-month Fridays and the summer period between June and August fill up quickly. Booking early also gives you enough time to arrange parking bay suspensions, which can require up to 17 working days' notice in some boroughs.
Who arranges the parking bay suspension?
The parking suspension is your responsibility to apply for directly with the borough council, as the application requires your tenancy details and the removal vehicle's registration. Just Removals London will advise you on what your borough typically needs and how far in advance to apply so nothing is left too late.
What if my new flat has no lift?
A two- or three-person crew can manage stairs efficiently. Just let the removal company know upfront how many flights are involved and whether there are any tight corners on the staircase. That information lets the team plan the right crew size and give you an accurate quote, rather than adjusting things on the morning of the move.
Can I get a quote without a home visit?
Yes. For most flat moves, a phone call or a short online form with details of your inventory, floor, and access is enough to get a fixed-price quote. For larger properties or moves with unusual items, a free video survey is available so the team can account for anything out of the ordinary before move day.
What if my new flat isn't ready when I move out?
Just Removals London can move your belongings directly into secure storage if your new tenancy hasn't started yet. The crew collects on your move-out day, stores everything safely, and delivers to your new flat when you've got the keys, so you're not held over in the old place waiting.
Is professional packing worth it for a flat move?
If you're short on time, working right up until the day before the move, or you have fragile or high-value items, professional packing is almost always worth it. The packers work quickly, use the right materials, and pack in a way that protects things in transit. It removes one of the most time-consuming parts of the move from your list entirely.
A flat-to-flat move in London doesn't need to be stressful. Get in touch with Just Removals London for a free, no-obligation fixed-price quote and let the team sort the rest.