Man and a Van
Man and a Van St John’s Wood
At St John's Wood Movers, our man and a van St John's Wood service is a flexible, professional option for smaller moves, single items and quick, local relocations. You get an experienced removals team, a clean, fully equipped van, and the same standards we use on full house moves – just scaled to what you actually need.
What Our Man and a Van Service Includes
This service is designed for moves that are too big for a taxi, but don't need a full crew and fleet. Every booking includes:
- Professional driver and porter (extra porters available on request)
- Modern, well-maintained van with loading ramps and securing points
- Blankets, straps and basic protection materials
- Loading, transport and unloading to your new address
- Local moves within St John's Wood and across London
You receive a fully insured, professional removals service – not just a casual lift in a borrowed van.
Local St John’s Wood Expertise
We work in St John's Wood every day, so we know the streets, parking restrictions and building layouts inside out. From mansion blocks on Abbey Road to mews houses and modern apartments, we understand:
- Controlled parking zones and loading bays
- Narrow streets and busy junctions
- Lift access, stairwells and concierge procedures
- Building management requirements for moves
This local knowledge allows us to plan arrival times, van positioning and access properly, reducing delays and keeping disruption to neighbours to a minimum.
Who Our Man and a Van Service Is For
Homeowners
Ideal for partial house moves, taking items into or out of storage, or moving a selection of furniture during renovations. We regularly help homeowners move bulky pieces safely between floors or to new properties.
Renters
Perfect for 1–2 bedroom flats, studio moves and room-to-room moves within the same building. We take particular care to protect communal areas, lifts and stairwells so you stay on good terms with landlords and managing agents.
Landlords
We help landlords clear or part-furnish properties between tenancies, remove old furniture, and deliver new items. Key collection and return can be arranged where required, saving you travel and time.
Businesses
For small offices, shops or clinics, our man and a van is suitable for moving desks, IT equipment, stock and files. We work outside normal hours on request to minimise downtime.
Students
Students often need a cost-effective, reliable move between home and term-time accommodation. We can combine addresses and coordinate timings with halls or private landlords.
What We Can and Can’t Move
Items Typically Included
- Domestic furniture – sofas, beds, wardrobes, tables and chairs
- Boxes, suitcases and bags
- White goods – fridges, freezers, washing machines (disconnected)
- Office furniture and equipment
- Music and AV equipment, TVs and monitors (properly packed)
- Sports equipment, bikes and hobby items
Items We Normally Exclude
- Hazardous materials – gas bottles, fuel, chemicals, paint thinners
- Illegal or stolen goods
- Pets and live animals
- Unboxed fragile items such as loose glassware or open electronics
- Very high value items (art, antiques, jewellery) without prior agreement
If you are unsure about a specific item, we will advise during your enquiry so there are no surprises on the day.
Our Step-by-Step Man and a Van Process
1. Enquiry & Quote
You contact us by phone, email or online form with basic details: addresses, dates, access information and a rough list of items. We provide a clear, no-obligation quote based on your information, and advise on the most efficient option for your move.
2. Survey (Virtual or Onsite)
For more complex moves, we may suggest a quick video survey or onsite visit. This helps us confirm the volume of goods, assess access, and decide whether an additional porter or larger van is required. A proper survey reduces the risk of overruns and last-minute issues.
3. Packing & Preparation
You can pack your own items, or we can add packing services to your booking. Where you pack yourself, we will give guidance on box sizes, labelling and protecting fragile items. On the day, we protect furniture with blankets and covers before moving.
4. Loading & Transport
Our trained team loads your items systematically, securing everything with straps and padding to prevent movement in transit. We plan routes to avoid low bridges and restrictions, and we drive carefully to protect your belongings and keep to time.
5. Unloading & Placement
At the destination we unload items into the rooms you specify, not just to the door. We position furniture where you want it and place boxes in the correct areas to make your unpacking easier. Before we leave, we invite you to check that everything has arrived and is in good condition.
Transparent Pricing
Our man and a van pricing is straightforward and explained in advance. We typically charge on an hourly basis, with a minimum booking period, or a fixed price for clearly defined jobs.
Your quote will set out:
- Number of movers included
- Size of van
- Start time and estimated duration
- Any additional services (packing, materials, assembly)
There are no hidden extras: parking fees, congestion or ULEZ charges are either included in the price or clearly highlighted. If circumstances change on the day, we discuss any implications before proceeding.
Why Choose Professional Movers Over DIY or Casual Man-and-Van
Using a friend with a van or an unregistered operator may seem cheaper, but it brings real risks. With St John's Wood Movers you benefit from:
- Fully insured service for your belongings and property
- Trained staff who know safe lifting and handling techniques
- Proper equipment – trolleys, blankets, straps and tools
- Reliable timings and written confirmations
- Clear terms and a point of contact if plans change
*In practice, professional help often works out better value* once you consider time off work, the risk of damage or injury, and potential issues with building management or neighbours.
Insurance and Professional Standards
We operate to recognised industry standards and carry comprehensive cover, including:
- Goods in transit insurance for your belongings while they are in our care
- Public liability cover in case of accidental damage to property or third parties
- Regularly serviced vehicles and safety-checked equipment
- Trained moving teams with supervised new staff
Details of cover levels and any limits or exclusions are available on request, and we are happy to explain how they apply to your specific move.
Care, Protection and Sustainability
We treat your belongings and property with the same care we would our own. Floors, doors and banisters are protected as needed, and furniture is wrapped before being moved. Our teams work carefully rather than rushing, which reduces damage and stress.
We also take a practical approach to sustainability:
- Using reusable blankets, crates and protective materials where possible
- Planning efficient routes to cut unnecessary mileage
- Encouraging box reuse and responsible disposal of packing waste
Real-World Use Cases
Moving House or Flat
For smaller properties in St John's Wood, man and a van is often enough. We can handle everything from dismantling beds and wardrobes to reconnecting basic appliances, keeping the move manageable and cost-effective.
Office and Business Relocations
When you are moving a compact office or a few workstations, a full removals crew can be excessive. Our man and a van team moves your desks, chairs, IT equipment and files with minimal disruption, including evening or weekend slots.
Urgent or Same-Day Moves
Occasionally circumstances change at short notice – a tenancy begins earlier than expected, or a delivery falls through. Where our schedule allows, we offer same-day or next-day man and a van in St John's Wood. Calling early in the day gives the best chance of securing a slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a man and a van in St John’s Wood cost?
Costs depend on the size of van, number of movers and the time required. For straightforward local moves we usually work on an hourly rate with a minimum booking period. For clear, well-defined jobs, we can often provide a fixed price. Your quote will explain exactly what is included, such as loading, travel time and unloading, along with any potential additional costs like parking. We always discuss options with you so you can choose the most economical approach for your particular move.
Can you provide same-day or urgent man and a van?
Where our schedule allows, we can offer same-day or next-day man and a van in St John's Wood. Availability depends on how busy we are, the size of van required and the distance involved. If you need an urgent move, call us as early as possible with full details of addresses, access and what needs moving. We will confirm realistic timings, costs and any constraints, so you know exactly what can be achieved on the day.
Are my belongings insured during the move?
Yes. Our service includes goods in transit insurance for your belongings while they are in our care, as well as public liability cover for accidental damage to property or third parties. There are standard limits, conditions and exclusions, as with any policy, and we are happy to explain how these apply to your move. For unusually high-value items, we may recommend additional cover or specific packing arrangements to ensure they are properly protected.
What exactly is included in your man and a van service?
Our service includes the van, driver, at least one porter, loading at the collection address, safe transport and unloading at the destination. We supply blankets and basic protection for furniture, along with straps to secure items. On request we can add extra porters, packing services, dismantling and reassembly of furniture, and supply of boxes and packing materials. All inclusions are set out clearly in your quote so you know precisely what to expect on the day.
How is your service different from a basic man-and-van?
Many casual operators offer little more than transport. We provide a professional removals service with trained staff, proper equipment, fully insured cover and clear communication. Our teams handle your belongings carefully, protect property, and work within building and parking rules common in St John's Wood. You also receive written confirmation of your booking and access to support if plans change, which is often not the case with informal or unregistered providers.
How far in advance should I book?
For weekends and month-end dates, we recommend booking at least 1–2 weeks in advance, as these periods fill quickly in St John's Wood. For mid-week or off-peak moves, a few days’ notice is often enough. That said, we will always try to help with short-notice requests if we have capacity. The earlier you contact us, the better we can plan your move, arrange parking if needed, and ensure we allocate the right van and team size.
