Furniture Collection Checklist for Shops & Buyers

Prepared by East London Man With A VanReviewed 13 October 2026

Before you buy

Confirm the exact item, quantity, condition and dimensions with the seller. Check whether it is sold assembled or dismantled.
Agree payment directly with the seller and confirm the item will be ready at the collection time.
Check collection and delivery access before committing. Photos can help explain an awkward shape or route.
Discuss fragile, heavy or oversized items and any dismantling with your mover before booking. Do not assume specialist lifting is included.

Item measurement worksheet

Record the item itself separately from the access route. Use the same units throughout and include packaging in the measurements if it will travel wrapped or boxed.

Measurement	Your notes
Item description / seller reference
Width and unit
Depth and unit
Height and unit
Approximate weight and unit
Packaging included in measurements?
Removable parts and who removes them
Dimensions after agreed preparation

Check the full route at both addresses

An item may fit through the front door but still get stuck at a tight turn, in a corridor or at a lift. Check the whole route and ask your mover about any doubts before buying.

Access check	Collection	Delivery
Door opening width and height
Corridor width and tight turns
Stairs and landing space
Lift entrance and cabin dimensions
Loading point and carrying distance
Restrictions, permissions and access contact

Measurements help your mover plan, but they do not guarantee an item will fit. Discuss difficult access before booking. Do not attempt unsafe lifting or assume an item can be brought through a window.

Confirm with the seller

Exact collection address, agreed window and the person providing access.
Item reference or description, plus confirmation that it is paid for and ready to collect.
Packaging, removable parts and who will prepare them.
Loading entrance, available lifting help and any access restrictions.

Confirm with the recipient

Delivery address, the name of the person meeting the van and a phone number to reach them.
Floor, lift arrangements, legal loading point and carrying distance to the door.
Clear the carrying route and agree where the item should be placed.
Arrange appliance disconnection and preparation separately, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check with your mover before expecting help with installation.

At collection and delivery

Match the item to the agreed description or reference and note its existing condition with the seller.
Confirm the agreed lifting, packaging or dismantling work before it begins.
Keep both contacts available. Tell everyone promptly if the collection or delivery window changes.
At delivery, check the item is correct and in the agreed place. Raise any concerns before the crew leaves.
Do not assume the driver will pay the seller or provide an expert inspection of the goods. Agree any additional service in advance.

Copy your collection request

Fill in the details in your own email or notes, then share them with your seller, recipient and mover as appropriate.

Copy this template into an email or your notes and fill in the details. Nothing is submitted or saved here.

FURNITURE COLLECTION REQUEST
Name and contact number: 
Item description / seller reference: 
Width, depth, height and units: 
Approximate weight: 
Packaging included in measurements: 
Removable parts / preparation arranged: 
Condition, fragile parts and declared cargo value: 
Collection address and postcode: 
Collection window and seller contact: 
Paid for and ready to collect: 
Delivery address and postcode: 
Delivery window and recipient contact: 
Collection access (doors, turns, stairs, lift): 
Delivery access (doors, turns, stairs, lift): 
Loading points, permissions and carrying distances: 
Agreed work and placement on delivery:

Choose the right transport

Check whether your item qualifies for single item delivery or needs our hourly furniture service. Tell us before confirming a booking if the total value of the goods is £3,000 or more. This affects pricing and is not an insurance limit.

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eastlondonmanwithavan.com/furniture-collection-checklist

Furniture collection checklist for shops and buyers