Plan the move
- List boxes and larger items. Measure bulky furniture and tell your mover about fragile, heavy or valuable goods.
- Choose a suitable van and crew. Confirm the date, price and included services before booking.
- Check lifts, tight turns, vehicle height limits and the distance from the loading space to each door.
- Arrange parking and building access. Use the council links below to check whether you need parking permission.
- Agree arrival times when someone can provide access. Tell your mover about extra collections or storage stops.
Pack a few days before
- Use boxes you can lift safely. Put books in smaller boxes and label each box with its destination room.
- Wrap fragile items individually. Bag and label screws and fittings; secure drawers and removable parts.
- Arrange safe appliance disconnection and preparation before collection. Discuss dismantling or unusual items in advance.
- Keep valuables, ID, important documents and medication with you. Update your mover if the inventory or access changes.
The day before
- Pack an essentials bag with keys, charger, toiletries, a change of clothes and the things you need on the first night.
- Confirm who will meet the van at each address, their phone numbers and the agreed loading arrangements.
- Keep cleaning supplies and any handover paperwork accessible. Confirm when the old property must be empty and the new one can be entered.
On moving day
- Clear entrances, hallways and carrying routes. Keep children and pets away from loading.
- Point out fragile items, access difficulties, the loading space and the lift the crew should use.
- Check cupboards and storage spaces before leaving. Keep keys with you, not in a box in the van.
- Show the crew where to put everything. Check your belongings and raise any concerns before they leave.
Tenant and key handover
- Agree key return and access times with the relevant agent, landlord or accommodation team.
- Record meter readings and the condition of the property. Keep your move in and move out paperwork together.
- Arrange cleaning, check all rooms and return keys by the agreed method. Keep a record of the handover.
Your move brief
Share these details with your mover before confirming the date. Describe the access so they can plan the lifting help needed. We do not charge separately for stairs.
Copy this template into an email or your notes and fill in the details. Nothing is submitted or saved here.
MOVE BRIEF Name and contact number: Moving date and arrival window: Collection address and postcode: Delivery address and postcode: Inventory and approximate box count: Large item dimensions and approximate weights: Fragile, heavy or valuable items and total cargo value: Collection access (floor, lift, doors and turns): Delivery access (floor, lift, doors and turns): Loading point and carrying distance at each address: Parking permissions or building bookings: Contact providing access at each address: Additional stops, their order and time windows: Keys available from / handover deadline: Work requested (including any dismantling):
Check parking for the exact street
Check which authority controls the loading location at each address, then read its current application requirements. A nearby space is not necessarily available for a removal van. Private estates and buildings may also require a loading slot or permission.
- Compare council moving parking costs and notice periods
- Hackney: parking suspensions and dispensations
- Tower Hamlets: parking suspensions and dispensations
- Newham: parking bay suspensions
- Waltham Forest: parking suspensions and dispensations
Use the council’s current information for fees, eligibility and notice periods. Confirm approval before treating a bay or restricted space as available.
Moving into or out of storage
Book the storage unit directly with the provider. Confirm who can collect or accept your belongings and who needs to be there when the van arrives.
- Confirm the storage address, unit number and times when collections or deliveries are allowed.
- Arrange permission for the driver to enter and name a contact who can release or accept your belongings.
- Check the loading entrance, vehicle restrictions, lift restrictions and carrying route to the unit.
- Include the storage stop in the agreed route and make sure someone at the facility can be reached on the day.
Storage request template
Copy this template into an email or your notes and fill in the details. Nothing is submitted or saved here.
STORAGE MOVE Your name and contact number: Date and arrival window: Collection address: Delivery address: Storage facility address and unit number: Opening times / agreed arrival time: Access authorisation arranged with: Loading entrance and vehicle restrictions: Lift restrictions and carrying route: Goods and approximate dimensions: Contact accepting delivery or releasing goods: Other stops in order:
Moving into or out of halls
Check your accommodation team’s current moving instructions. An arrival appointment may not include a loading slot. Confirm access for the van as well as the time you can enter or leave your room.
- Confirm your building, room, check out deadline and arrival slot.
- Ask about loading spaces, lifts and the route from the entrance to your room.
- Label shared belongings by person and room. Keep ID, keys, contact details and paperwork with you.
- Pack everything ready to carry and include any storage stop in the plan.
Students get 10% off hourly labour, including the two hour minimum. Mileage, surcharges and single item deliveries are excluded. Have proof of student status ready when requested. Discounts do not stack. We confirm availability with you before booking.
Student move service and discount details
Halls move template
Copy this template into an email or your notes and fill in the details. Nothing is submitted or saved here.
HALLS MOVE Name and contact number: Moving date: Collection address, building and room: Move out deadline and key return: Delivery address, building and room: Arrival slot and access contact: Lift and loading arrangements at each address: Boxes, furniture and shared belongings: Keys / entry instructions: Storage stop, if needed:
Ready to arrange transport?
Use the brief with your chosen mover. For an ELMWAV booking, check prices and terms before requesting a date.
- Local furniture, storage and packing resources
- Van and crew prices
- Furniture collection checklist
- Get a moving estimate
- Explore London moving statistics
- Look up a moving term
- Compare London bulky waste costs and disposal sites
About the business · Booking terms · Questions about a move? Contact us
eastlondonmanwithavan.com/moving-guide