Flat and apartment moves with local van drivers
Tell us about your studio, one-bed or two-bed move and we will introduce you to up to three local providers who send free, no-obligation quotes.
- Free quotes, no obligation
- Drivers used to stairs and lifts
- Suited to smaller vans
Who a flat or apartment move with a van suits
A man-with-a-van service is usually the sensible choice for a studio, a one-bed flat or a modest two-bed. Contents are often a bed, a sofa, a wardrobe or two, a table, boxes and a few appliances. That fits comfortably into a small or medium van, and a driver with a helper can usually load it without the cost and fuss of a full removals lorry and crew. It keeps the booking simple.
It also suits first-time renters, students, couples combining two homes, people downsizing and anyone moving between rented flats on a tight turnaround. Many of these moves are one-way trips across town, which is exactly the kind of job a local driver does every week. If you are only moving a few large items rather than a whole home, say so on the form and providers can quote accordingly. That helps drivers quote fairly.
A van is less suitable if you have a large amount of furniture, a piano, a full set of heavy appliances or several rooms of stored belongings. In those cases a two-person team with a bigger vehicle may be safer. When you fill in the form, describe the move honestly and mention anything unusual, because local providers can then tell you whether a van will really do the job. Honest detail now avoids surprises later.
Stairs, lifts and long corridors
Access is the biggest practical difference between moving a flat and moving a house. A third-floor walk-up with narrow turns takes far more effort than a ground-floor flat, and drivers will want to know about it before they quote. Tell them which floor you are on, whether there is a lift, how many flights of stairs there are and how far the van will need to park from the front door.
If there is a lift, check its size. Many lifts in older blocks are too small for a mattress, a double wardrobe or a sofa, and some have a weight limit or a rule that furniture must be carried by the service lift only. Measure the door opening and the inside of the lift, then compare with your biggest items. Long corridors and tight stairwell corners can also cause problems, so mention them.
Walk the route yourself before the day. Look for tight bends, low ceilings, heavy fire doors, loose carpet edges and anything that could be damaged. Clear the route of shoes, bikes and bins. Measure large items and the doorways they must pass through, at both ends of the move. Some furniture simply will not turn a corner without being taken apart, and finding that out early saves a stressful hour on the day.
Smaller moves come in several forms. Our guides to student moves and single item removals cover smaller jobs, and long-distance removals covers relocating between regions.
Booking the lift and working with the building manager
Many blocks of flats have rules for moving in and out, and they are set by the landlord, freeholder or managing agent rather than by you or the driver. Typical rules include set days and hours for moves, a booking system for the lift or loading bay, and sometimes a deposit or a signed form. Contact the building manager or concierge as soon as you have a date, because slots can fill up quickly.
Share the confirmed slot with your chosen driver and check it suits them. A driver who arrives outside the permitted window may be turned away, and you could be left with a loaded van and nowhere to unload. If you are renting, read your tenancy agreement and ask your letting agent or landlord what is required at both the old and new address, since the two buildings may have different rules.
Protecting communal areas matters too. Managing agents may ask for floor and lift protection, and drivers may bring blankets, floor runners or corner guards if you ask. Keep doors propped only as allowed, avoid blocking fire exits and take care not to scuff walls on tight corners. Any damage to shared parts can be reported to you afterwards, so it is worth agreeing in advance who will look after protection.
Parking, suspensions and permits
Where the van can stop often decides how smooth a flat move is. If the van has to park far from your door, loading takes longer and effort rises. Look at the street outside both addresses: is there a resident bay, a yellow line, a loading restriction, a controlled zone or a private forecourt? Tell drivers what you see, and share photos or a map pin if the access is awkward.
In many areas you can ask the local council about a temporary parking suspension or a similar permit, which reserves a space outside your door for a set period. Arrangements, notice periods and who applies differ from one council to another, so check your own council's website early. Some drivers will help arrange this, but it is usually the person moving who needs to apply, so agree it clearly. Ask early.
If a space cannot be reserved, ask the driver how they plan to load. Some will double-park briefly with hazard lights on, others will use a nearby legal bay and carry items further. Avoid asking a driver to stop somewhere unsafe or against local restrictions. Parking tickets and delays can be avoided with a plan, and a friend standing in a space on the morning can sometimes help, though only where that is allowed.
Choosing a van size and listing what you own
Van sizes range from small panel vans to the large long-wheelbase type, and the right one depends on your belongings rather than the number of rooms. A studio with a few boxes and a bed may fit a small van, while a furnished two-bed with a sofa and a washing machine may need a large one or two trips. Providers usually advise once they see your list. Providers can then quote more accurately.
Writing an inventory is the quickest way to get accurate quotes. Walk through each room and list furniture, appliances, boxes and anything oversized, such as a bike, a mirror or a mattress. Add rough sizes for the big items. Photos help drivers judge volume and handling. Remember storage areas like lofts, cupboards, balconies and any items kept in a basement or locker. Ask each driver how they would handle the larger pieces, and whether a second trip would be needed.
Keep the list handy on the day. It helps you check that everything has been loaded and unloaded, and it gives you a record if something goes missing or is damaged. If you later add items, tell the driver before the move rather than on the doorstep, because an extra wardrobe or a pile of boxes can change both the van size and the time needed. Drivers appreciate honest numbers and it keeps quotes reliable.
Packing, dismantling, loading help and checking a quote
Most van moves expect you to pack your own boxes, and it helps to have them ready, closed and labelled before the driver arrives. Use sturdy boxes, keep them to a weight one person can lift and put heavier items in smaller boxes. Some drivers offer packing materials or a packing service for an extra fee, so ask when you request quotes instead of assuming. It also speeds up loading on the day.
Furniture often needs taking apart to get through doors, stairwells and lifts. Bed frames, wardrobes and flat-pack desks are the usual examples. Some drivers will dismantle and rebuild furniture, while others will not, so confirm it in advance. Keep screws and fittings in a labelled bag taped to the item. Defrost and drain a fridge freezer and disconnect the washing machine beforehand, as drivers do not usually handle plumbing. Confirm the arrangements beforehand.
When quotes arrive, compare what each one covers, not only the figure. Check the van size, the number of people, whether loading help and stairs are included, what happens if the job overruns and how long a minimum booking lasts. Ask for proof of insurance covering goods in transit, and what is excluded. A written confirmation of the date, time and scope avoids arguments later. Prices vary, so a clear quote matters more than a low one.
Providers cover different postcode areas, so browse the areas we cover to see local information, or enter your full postcode in the quote form at the top of this page.
What affects the cost of flat & apartment moves
Prices are set by each local provider, so we do not publish fixed figures. These are the things that move a quote up or down. Compare up to 3 free quotes to see a fair price for your job.
- Van size and how many trips your belongings need.
- Number of drivers or helpers needed for heavy items.
- Floor level, lift availability and carrying distance from the van.
- Distance between the old and new address.
- Parking restrictions, permits and any waiting time at either end.
- Extras such as packing, dismantling, rebuilding or protecting communal areas.
Our transparency promise: quotes are free and come direct from the providers. We don't add fees to your price, and you're never obliged to accept.
FAQs: flat & apartment moves
What size van do I need for a one-bed flat?
It depends on what you own rather than the number of rooms. A one-bed with a bed, sofa, a few units and boxes often suits a medium van, but a lot of belongings may need a larger one or a second trip. Send a short inventory with your request and local providers will advise.
Do drivers help carry items up and down stairs?
Most do, but it varies between providers. Some work alone and expect you to help with heavy items, while others bring a second person. Tell them your floor, whether there is a lift and how many flights there are, and ask each driver to confirm exactly who will carry what before you accept.
Who books the lift or loading bay?
Usually you do, through the building manager, concierge or managing agent, because the rules belong to the building. Ask what slots are available and share the confirmed time with your driver. If you are renting, your landlord or letting agent can often point you to the right contact at both addresses.
Do I need a parking permit or suspension for a flat move?
Not always, but it can help where the van cannot stop close to the door. Many councils offer temporary suspensions or permits, with their own notice periods and rules. Check your local council's website early and agree with the driver who will apply, since this is often down to the person moving.
Will the driver take furniture apart and rebuild it?
Some will and some will not, so ask before you book. Beds, wardrobes and flat-pack furniture are the usual examples. If the driver does it, check whether it is included in the quote or charged separately, and keep screws and fittings together in a labelled bag so nothing gets lost.
How do I get quotes for my flat move?
Fill in the short form with your addresses, floor levels, lift details, move date and a rough list of items. Move & Clear introduces you to up to three local providers who send free quotes. There is no obligation to accept any of them, and you choose who, if anyone, to book.
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Find flat & apartment moves in your area
Providers cover different postcode areas. Pick your nearest area to see local information, or use the form at the top of this page and enter your full postcode.