Booking a lift for your sofa isn't something you'd ever think about when moving into a house. Move into a purpose-built block of flats, though, and it's one of the first calls you'll need to make. Get the lift, the parking and the building's rules sorted before moving day and the rest of your move runs itself.
Why Blocks of Flats Play by Different Rules
Flats aren't like houses on move day. Purpose-built flats already make up 37% of London's homes, and that share is set to reach 46% by 2030 as almost every new build in the capital goes up rather than out, according to Centre for London. Buildings like this answer to a managing agent or freeholder, not just you. There'll be rules on moving hours, noise and who can prop a fire door open, and ignoring them can see your crew turned away at reception. Check your lease or the building's house rules booklet the moment you get a moving date, not the week before.
Book the Lift Before You Book Anything Else
Start with the lift, not the van. Many purpose-built blocks ask for five to seven working days' notice before you can book the service lift, and some only release it for a two or three hour window on the day. Measure the lift itself, not just the front door. A service lift barely over a metre wide won't take a king-size bed frame or a three-seater sofa in one piece. Our flat removals team measures your furniture and the lift dimensions before moving day, then dismantles anything that won't fit and rebuilds it at the other end. Ask the building manager for the lift's internal measurements as soon as you have a date, ideally in writing.
Read the Lease Before You Read the Boxes
Your tenancy agreement or lease says more than you'd think. Many blocks only permit moves between set hours, often 9am to 5pm on weekdays, with weekends and bank holidays off limits entirely. Some management companies also hold a returnable damage deposit, anywhere from £150 to £500, against scuffed corridor walls or a scraped lift floor. Call the managing agent at least two weeks out to confirm the rules and book any loading bay or service entrance you'll need. A quick phone call now beats an awkward one on moving day.
Protecting Communal Areas and Your Neighbours
Shared spaces need the same care as your own home. Corridors, lift interiors and stairwells all get protective floor coverings and corner guards before a single box goes through, included as standard on every move we run. Give your immediate neighbours 48 hours' notice so nobody's surprised by boxes blocking the hallway. Keep noise down before 9am and after 6pm if your lease sets those hours, and never prop communal fire doors open for convenience. It's a small courtesy that keeps you on good terms with the people you'll be living next to for years.
Parking, Loading Bays and the Right Size Van
Getting a van close to the door is half the battle. Many blocks have no visitor parking at all, so you'll need a parking suspension from the council or a temporary loading bay booking from the building itself. A one-bedroom flat with lift access usually needs a Luton van and a two-person crew; a three-bedroom flat with stairs and a long carry to the entrance often needs a larger vehicle and a third pair of hands. Tell us your postcode and floor number when you book and we'll match the man and van option or a full crew to the job, not the other way round.
Downsizing? Sort Storage Before Move Day
Moving from a house into a smaller flat almost always means some furniture won't fit. Work out what's coming with you before the van arrives rather than deciding on the pavement. Our secure storage holds anything you're not ready to part with, and our packing and unpacking service can box up a full house in a day so you're not doing it room by room the night before. Give yourself one clear day to sort, sell or donate before the movers turn up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a lift for my move?
Book the service lift as soon as you have a moving date, ideally five to seven working days ahead. Many buildings only release it for a two or three hour slot, so an early booking protects your moving window. Confirm the lift's internal dimensions at the same time.
Do I need permission to move into a block of flats?
Yes, most purpose-built blocks require written notice to the managing agent or freeholder before moving day. This covers lift bookings, loading bay access and confirms which hours you're allowed to move. Check your lease first since some buildings also ask for a returnable damage deposit.
What happens if my furniture won't fit in the lift?
Our crew measures your furniture and the lift in advance and dismantles anything that won't clear the doors, then reassembles it once it's inside your new flat. This is standard practice on flat moves with tight lift access. It avoids delays and damage on the day.
Can I park a removals van outside a London block of flats?
Not always, since many blocks have no visitor parking of their own. You may need a parking suspension from the local council or a loading bay booking from the building. Sort this out at least ten to fourteen days before your move.
Is there a curfew on moving times in blocks of flats?
Many buildings restrict moves to weekday hours, commonly 9am to 5pm, with no moves permitted on Sundays or bank holidays. Always check your lease or house rules booklet for the exact hours. Booking early gives you the best chance of a convenient slot.
Moving into a block of flats takes more planning than a house move, but none of it needs to be stressful once the lift, the parking and the building's rules are sorted. Tell us your building, your floor and what needs moving and we'll handle the rest, from the lift booking through to the last box. Get in touch for a free, fixed-price quote and a crew who already know how London's blocks work.