London moves, explained.

Silvertown Tunnel

A road tunnel under the Thames linking Silvertown with the Greenwich Peninsula. TfL charges each crossing during charging hours, and a return trip can mean a second charge.

Before the move: Ask which crossing the route uses and how agreed crossing costs appear in your estimate. Check the current vehicle category and tariff on TfL’s page.

Blackwall Tunnel

Reference: TfL: Silvertown Tunnel

Reference: TfL: Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charges

Blackwall Tunnel

An east London road crossing of the Thames that is covered by TfL’s Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels charging scheme. Charges apply per crossing in either direction during charging hours.

Before the move: Allow for both legs of a return journey. A compliant ULEZ vehicle can still incur a tunnel charge; check the actual vehicle and travel times.

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

Reference: TfL: Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charges

Rotherhithe Tunnel

A Thames tunnel with strict vehicle restrictions. Vehicles more than 2 metres high or wide, and goods vehicles above 2 tonnes gross vehicle weight, are not permitted. The weight test uses the maximum permitted loaded weight.

Before the move: Check the vehicle plate, not its empty weight. An empty removals van can still be prohibited, so the driver must plan a suitable alternative crossing.

Maximum authorised mass (MAM)

Reference: TfL: Rotherhithe Tunnel vehicle restrictions

Woolwich Ferry

TfL’s free vehicle ferry between Woolwich and North Woolwich. It can carry vans, subject to vehicle and load restrictions, but operates to a timetable and can be suspended.

Before the move: Check operating times, closures and vehicle restrictions before planning around it. A free crossing can still involve waiting, which affects an hourly move.

Collection window

Reference: TfL: Woolwich Ferry

Dartford Crossing and Dart Charge

The Thames road crossing used on routes between Essex and Kent. Dart Charge is its separate charging scheme, with payment arrangements distinct from TfL’s London road charging account.

Before the move: Confirm whether the route uses Dartford and who pays any agreed charge. Follow GOV.UK’s current payment instructions rather than assuming TfL Auto Pay covers it.

Auto Pay

Reference: GOV.UK: Dart Charge

Congestion Charge

A daily road charge for driving within the central London Congestion Charge zone during its charging hours, unless a discount or exemption applies. It is separate from ULEZ and tunnel charges.

Before the move: Check the full route and travel day, including intermediate stops. An address outside the zone does not prove that the journey stays outside it.

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

Reference: TfL: Congestion Charge

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

London’s emissions charging zone for vehicles covered by the scheme that do not meet its standards and are not exempt. It spans all London boroughs but excludes the M25.

Before the move: Use TfL’s vehicle checker for the actual registration. A van’s age, fuel description or Luton body style alone does not establish whether a charge is due.

Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

Reference: TfL: Ultra Low Emission Zone

Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

A London emissions scheme separate from ULEZ, aimed at specified diesel vehicle categories. The standards and charges depend on the vehicle, so LEZ and ULEZ should not be treated as interchangeable names.

Before the move: Ask the operator to check the actual vehicle with TfL. Do not infer the applicable scheme from the load size or the advertised name of a van.

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

Reference: TfL: Low Emission Zone

Auto Pay

TfL’s automatic billing service for registered vehicles using its road charging schemes. It can cover chargeable journeys in charging zones and through Blackwall or Silvertown tunnels.

Before the move: Confirm the correct registration is on the account and that it is active. TfL Auto Pay does not replace checking vehicle restrictions, and Dart Charge has separate arrangements.

Dartford Crossing and Dart Charge

Reference: TfL: Auto Pay

Bay suspension

A temporary restriction that takes a marked parking or loading bay out of normal use for an authorised purpose. Arrangements depend on the road authority and the exact location.

Before the move: Ask the council or TfL what permission your move requires and check the street signs. A booking with a mover does not reserve a bay.

Find official parking guidance

Reference: TfL: loading for the public

Bus lane

A traffic lane reserved for the vehicles shown on its sign during the stated operating period. An ordinary removals van is not allowed simply because it is delivering nearby.

Before the move: Follow the signs on the route and confirm lawful access to the loading point. Do not assume that a short delivery stop provides a bus lane exemption.

Red route

Reference: TfL: bus lane rules

Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ)

An area with parking controls indicated at zone entrances and by local signs. Entry signs can set the hours for single yellow lines, while individual bays and other restrictions can have different conditions.

Before the move: Check the exact street and bay, including event day controls. Being inside one zone does not mean every space has identical rules.

Visitor parking permit

Reference: Hackney Council: parking restrictions and zones

Double yellow lines

Road markings that normally prohibit waiting at all times. They are different from a loading ban: loading can be permitted where no loading restriction or other prohibition applies.

Before the move: Check kerb markings, signs and the exact location before unloading. Do not treat a yellow line as a reserved place to leave a removal van.

Loading restriction and kerb markings

Reference: GOV.UK: Highway Code road markings

Loading

Moving goods into or out of a vehicle. On a TfL red route, loading bays have specific conditions and time restrictions; they are not general waiting or parking spaces.

Before the move: Check the sign at the exact bay and have the goods ready. Move the vehicle once loading is complete.

Plan the loading point

Reference: TfL: loading for the public

Loading bay

A signed space for loading or unloading goods under stated conditions. Some bays are limited to goods vehicles or particular times, and the permitted stopping duration can vary.

Before the move: Have the goods ready and check the bay sign. Waiting for a seller to return or browsing in a shop is not the same as loading.

Loading

Reference: Hackney Council: parking restrictions and zones

Loading restriction and kerb markings

A restriction on loading or unloading, often indicated by yellow marks across the kerb and associated signs. These controls can apply even where an ordinary waiting restriction would allow loading.

Before the move: Read the loading signs as well as the parking signs. A visitor permit or active unloading does not override a loading restriction.

Double yellow lines

Reference: GOV.UK: Highway Code road markings

Parking dispensation

Permission from the relevant road authority for specified parking or loading activity under stated conditions. It is different from physically reserving a parking bay.

Before the move: Check the permission’s exact location, vehicle, dates and restrictions. The council or TfL decides what is needed for the street.

Check the responsible authority

Reference: TfL: loading for the public

Red route

A London road with red line stopping controls. TfL manages the main red route network. Loading is permitted only where and when the relevant signs and marked bays allow it.

Before the move: Identify the authority responsible for the exact road. Permission arranged with a borough does not automatically authorise stopping on a TfL red route.

Parking dispensation

Reference: TfL: red route rules

Visitor parking permit

A council permit or voucher allowing an eligible visiting vehicle to use specified parking spaces under local rules. It gives permission to use an available eligible space, rather than reserving one.

Before the move: Check the vehicle category, registration, zone, bay type and activation period with the council. Arrange any separate loading permission or bay suspension that the move needs.

Bay suspension

Reference: Hackney Council: permits and visitor vouchers

Access check

A review of the complete carrying route between a vehicle and the place an item will be collected from or delivered to. It covers entrances, corridors, turns, stairs, lifts and the loading point.

Before the move: Measure narrow openings and turning spaces at both ends. A sofa fitting through one doorway does not prove it can negotiate the full route.

Furniture measurement worksheet

Carrying distance

The distance movers must carry goods between the vehicle’s lawful loading point and the collection or delivery room. Long corridors, courtyards and remote parking can increase loading time.

Before the move: Describe the actual walking route and any gates or steps before requesting an estimate.

Prepare a move brief

Concierge access

The arrangements for entering a managed block through its reception or security team. A flat address alone may not identify the service entrance, approved carrying route or person allowed to admit a crew.

Before the move: Confirm the entrance, contact, access hours and any identification requirements. Arrange access with the building before the van arrives.

Estate loading bay

Estate loading bay

A loading area within a privately managed development, estate or building. Its access and booking arrangements can be set by the property manager separately from public street parking controls.

Before the move: Ask about reservations, vehicle height, gate codes, the carrying route and permitted hours. A council parking permission does not grant access to a private loading area.

Lift booking

Lift booking

An agreed period for using a building’s lift during a move. Some managed blocks require a reservation, protection or a particular service lift; arrangements depend on the building.

Before the move: Measure the lift entrance and cabin, check the permitted load and confirm the booked slot. A lift reservation does not prove that a sofa fits along the full route.

Access check

Low bridge clearance

The headroom available beneath a bridge or overhead obstruction, shown by the relevant warning or restriction signs. The actual vehicle’s travelling height matters, including any equipment or load above its roof.

Before the move: Confirm the van’s height before setting a route. A route suitable for a car may include bridges, tunnels or car park entrances unsuitable for a Luton van.

Luton van

Reference: GOV.UK: low bridge signs

Luton van

A van with a box shaped load body, often including space above the cab. The name describes a body style, not one fixed loading capacity, payload or set of dimensions.

Before the move: Confirm the actual vehicle and load limits. A Luton does not automatically include a tail lift.

Compare available vans and rates

Maximum authorised mass (MAM)

The maximum permitted weight of a vehicle and its load when used on the road. It is also called gross vehicle weight and is normally shown on a vehicle plate or sticker.

Before the move: The permitted weight includes more than the goods. The operator must account for the vehicle, people, equipment and load.

Understand payload

Reference: GOV.UK: vehicle weights explained

Payload

The load a vehicle can legally carry within its permitted weight limits. Available capacity depends on the actual vehicle, occupants, equipment and operating weight; empty space is not proof of spare weight capacity.

Before the move: Provide the approximate weights of dense or heavy items. Ask the operator to confirm the actual vehicle’s limits.

Compare payload with MAM

Reference: GOV.UK: vehicle weights explained

Tail lift

A powered platform fitted to some vehicles to raise or lower a load between ground and vehicle floor level. Its capacity and permitted use depend on the equipment and vehicle.

Before the move: Confirm availability, safe working capacity and site access in advance. A tail lift does not solve stairs or tight internal turns.

Discuss the actual item and vehicle

Volume

The amount of three dimensional space an item or load occupies, often expressed in cubic metres. It helps with load planning but does not establish weight capacity or whether an item fits through an entrance.

Before the move: Measure packaged dimensions and consider shape, stacking, protection and access. Give the mover dimensions as well as an estimated volume.

Measure the item and the route

Collection window

The agreed period during which a seller, shop, storage facility or other collection contact will release goods. It is separate from an estimated journey duration.

Before the move: Confirm the contact, opening hours and any appointment or release reference. Keep someone available if the schedule changes.

Furniture collection checklist

Declared cargo value

The value you tell the transport provider for the goods being carried. It helps the provider decide whether the job needs different arrangements or conditions.

Before the move: East London Man With A Van asks you to discuss cargo worth £3,000 or more before booking. That pricing threshold is not an insurance limit or a promise of cover.

Read the booking conditions

Dismantling

Taking an item apart to make it safer or more practical to move. Examples include removing a table’s legs or separating a bed frame, when the item’s construction allows it.

Before the move: Agree who will dismantle and reassemble it. Keep labelled fixings and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Plan furniture preparation

Goods in transit cover

Insurance that may cover goods while they are being transported, subject to the specific policy, insured party, limits and exclusions. A general insurance statement does not establish that a particular item or job is covered.

Before the move: Ask the provider to confirm the applicable arrangements in writing, especially for hired equipment, fragile items or high value loads.

Read the insurance and service FAQs

Reference: ABI: insurance when moving home

Inventory

A list of the items to be moved. A useful moving inventory includes the main furniture, approximate box count, bulky or fragile items, and any measurements or weights needed to plan the vehicle and crew.

Before the move: Add photographs and flag anything unusually heavy. Update the mover if the load changes after the estimate.

Copy an inventory and move brief

Minimum booking

The minimum amount of time or charge that applies to a service, even if the work takes less time. An hourly rate on its own does not show the minimum total.

Before the move: Check the minimum, crew, vehicle and additional charges. Eligible single item delivery has separate fixed price conditions.

See rates and booking minimums

Net internal migration

The estimated number of people moving into an area from elsewhere in the UK minus those moving out to another UK area. It excludes international migration.

Before the move: A borough losing people through internal migration can still grow overall. Use the stated geography, period and unit when quoting a figure.

Read the London data methodology

Reference: ONS: internal migration data and definitions

Single item delivery

Transport arranged for one eligible item under a provider’s specific size, access, route and handling conditions. It is a service category rather than a guarantee that every large object can be moved at one price.

Before the move: Check the eligibility conditions before relying on a headline rate, and confirm the required lifting help and access.

Check single item eligibility

Storage move

A collection from or delivery into a storage facility. The unit booking, release permissions and facility access arrangements are separate from the transport booking.

Before the move: Confirm the unit identifier, receiving contact, loading entrance, lift, access hours and release authorisation.

Copy the storage move brief

Transport brief

A written plan for a collection and delivery, including stops, timing, contacts, inventory, access and handover instructions. A production brief also identifies hire references and return arrangements.

Before the move: List stops in order and confirm who can authorise release and accept the delivery.

Copy a production transport brief