Man and a Van
Man and a Van Shoreditch – Professional Local Moving Support
At Shoreditch Movers, our man and a van service is a practical, professional option when you do not need a full-scale removals crew, but still want a reliable, fully insured and carefully managed move. Based in the heart of Shoreditch, we combine local knowledge with trained moving teams to make smaller and mid-size moves straightforward and stress-free.
What Our Man and a Van Service Includes
This service is ideal when you need a flexible vehicle and a skilled mover (or small team) rather than a big lorry and full-day crew. We tailor each job so you only pay for what you actually need.
Typical service variations
- Single-item moves – sofas, wardrobes, American-style fridge freezers, pianos (by arrangement)
- Small flat moves – studio and one-bed apartments within Shoreditch and across London
- Student moves – term-time relocations, halls, shared houses
- Office and start-up moves – desks, IT equipment, stock and archive boxes
- Store collections & deliveries – furniture store collections, marketplace purchases
Every van is equipped with blankets, straps and basic tools, and all work is carried out by trained, professional movers who handle your belongings as if they were their own.
Local Expertise in Shoreditch
Operating as Shoreditch Movers, we know the area extremely well: one-way systems, bus lanes, tight loading bays and controlled parking zones are everyday considerations for us. We plan routes and loading carefully to minimise delays and protect your belongings.
We regularly move clients around Old Street, Hoxton, Brick Lane, Liverpool Street and the wider East London area. That local insight means we can advise on the best times to move, likely traffic pinch points and sensible access arrangements for both collection and delivery addresses.
Who Our Man and a Van Service Is For
Homeowners
Perfect for moving a smaller property, clearing a storage unit, or transporting a few large items during renovations. If you’re between properties and need flexible, short-notice help, this service is usually more efficient than hiring a van and doing it all yourself.
Renters
Ideal for studio, one-bed and compact two-bed flats. We regularly help tenants move between rented homes, often with limited lift access, awkward stairwells and tight time windows. We protect walls, communal areas and your deposit by working cleanly and carefully.
Landlords
Landlords use us to clear or part-clear properties, swap furniture between flats, or deliver new items to tenants. We can work directly with you or your managing agent and can provide documentation on request for your records.
Businesses
For small offices, co-working spaces and studios, our man and a van service is an efficient way to move equipment, inventory or archives. We can work outside normal hours to minimise disruption and can coordinate with your IT team to move delicate equipment safely.
Students
Students appreciate a simple, budget-conscious option. We move suitcases, boxes, bikes, small furniture and tech between home, halls and house shares, and we’re used to dealing with tight loading slots at university accommodation.
What We Can and Can’t Move
Items commonly included
- Domestic furniture – beds, sofas, tables, wardrobes, bookshelves
- Boxes, suitcases and bags
- Kitchen appliances – fridges, freezers, washing machines (disconnected), microwaves
- Electronics – TVs, computers, audio equipment and gaming setups
- Office equipment – desks, chairs, filing cabinets, printers and boxed archives
- Bikes, sports equipment and hobby items
Items we usually exclude
- Hazardous materials – fuel, gas bottles, chemicals, paint thinners and explosives
- Illegal or prohibited items
- Animals and live plants in bulk (small numbers by prior agreement)
- Unboxed loose items of extreme fragility or high value without prior notice
- Heavy machinery or industrial equipment not suited to a Luton or panel van
If you’re unsure whether something is suitable, speak to us in advance. With proper preparation, we can often accommodate specialist or awkward items safely.
Our Step-by-Step Man and a Van Process
1. Enquiry & quote
You contact us with basic details: addresses, access information, list or photos of items and preferred dates. We provide a clear, no-obligation quote and explain whether a simple man and a van or a slightly larger team would be more appropriate.
2. Survey (virtual or onsite)
For anything beyond a straightforward single-item move, we recommend a quick video call survey or, for more complex jobs, an onsite visit. This lets us confirm parking, stair access, lift sizes and any dismantling required, and helps avoid surprises on move day.
3. Packing & preparation
You can pack your own items, or we can provide packing services and materials at an agreed cost. We recommend sturdy boxes, clear labelling and disconnection of appliances in advance. Our team can dismantle basic furniture on the day if requested.
4. Loading & transport
On the day, our professional movers arrive on time, protect key items with blankets, and secure everything with straps inside the van. We load systematically, ensuring fragile items are cushioned and weight is evenly distributed. Your goods are then transported directly via the most sensible route, taking local Shoreditch traffic patterns into account.
5. Unloading & placement
At your destination, we unload and place items into the rooms you specify. Where agreed, we can reassemble straightforward furniture and position larger pieces so you can start using your space straight away. Before leaving, we invite you to walk through and confirm you’re happy with everything.
Transparent Pricing – How We Charge
Our pricing is straightforward and explained clearly before you book. For most man and a van work we use an hourly rate with a minimum hire period, plus any agreed mileage beyond a set radius. For certain moves, we can also provide a fixed price.
- Rates are based on van size and the number of movers required
- Parking, congestion and toll charges are passed on at cost, with no mark-up
- Any optional extras (packing, materials, dismantling) are itemised in advance
You always know what you’re paying for and why. We do not add hidden fees on the day – if circumstances change, we discuss options with you before proceeding.
Why Choose Professional Movers Over DIY or Casual Man-and-Van
Hiring a cheap, unverified van might seem tempting, but it often brings risks: no insurance, poor timekeeping, lack of equipment and little respect for your belongings. By choosing Shoreditch Movers, you work with a fully insured, professional company that moves people and businesses every day.
Our crews are trained in safe lifting techniques, use proper protective materials and understand how to navigate Shoreditch’s narrow streets and busy loading zones. This reduces the risk of damage, personal injury, fines and delays – and ultimately saves you time, money and stress.
Insurance and Professional Standards
As a specialist removals company, we operate to clear standards designed to protect you and your belongings.
- Goods in transit insurance – covers your belongings while they are in our vehicles, subject to terms and declared values.
- Public liability cover – protects against damage to third-party property or injury caused by our operations.
- Trained moving teams – our staff are employed or long-term contractors, trained in handling, packing and customer care.
We can provide evidence of insurance on request. We also work to agreed arrival windows, maintain our vehicles properly and keep you updated if traffic or external factors affect timings.
Care, Protection and Sustainability
We believe in moving responsibly. That means taking care of both your belongings and the environment.
- Use of reusable furniture blankets and protective materials
- Efficient loading to minimise the number of journeys
- Encouraging reuse of boxes and supplying durable crates on request
- Route planning to reduce unnecessary mileage and idling
We handle items carefully to avoid breakages and waste, and where possible we help clients dispose of unwanted items through reuse or recycling channels rather than landfill.
Real-World Use Cases for Our Man and a Van Service
Moving house or flat
Ideal when you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom flat in or out of Shoreditch. We can complete many such moves in a single trip, especially when access and parking are planned in advance.
Office and studio relocations
Creative agencies, tech start-ups and freelancers often use our vans to move between co-working spaces or into their first offices. We can handle everything from desks and chairs to monitors and boxed files, with careful loading for sensitive equipment.
Urgent or same-day moves
Occasionally, things change unexpectedly – a tenancy ends early, a sale completes faster than planned, or a large purchase needs collecting today. Where our schedule allows, we offer same-day or short-notice man and a van support in Shoreditch and across London.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a man and a van in Shoreditch cost?
Pricing depends on the size of van, number of movers, distance and time involved. Most local moves are charged by the hour with a minimum hire period, plus any parking or congestion charges at cost. For simple, local jobs we can often give a clear estimate based on your inventory and access details. For more complex moves, a quick video survey helps us provide a more accurate quote. All costs are itemised up front so you know exactly what you’ll pay before you commit.
Can you provide same-day or urgent man and a van services?
Yes, where our schedule allows we can offer same-day or short-notice moves in and around Shoreditch. Availability depends on how busy we are, the size of van required and the distance you’re travelling. Calling us as early as possible gives us the best chance of fitting you in. For urgent moves, it helps if you can send photos or a clear list of items so we can confirm the right vehicle and team. We’ll always be honest about what is realistically achievable on the day.
Are my belongings insured during the move?
We provide goods in transit insurance for your belongings while they are in our care and inside our vehicles, subject to policy terms and declared values. We also hold public liability insurance for added peace of mind. Insurance is not a substitute for good packing, so we still encourage strong boxes, proper padding and advance notice of particularly fragile or high-value items. We’re happy to explain the cover in plain language and can share policy details if you’d like to review them before booking.
What’s included in a man and a van removals service?
Our service includes the van, a trained mover (or small team), protective blankets, straps and careful loading and unloading at each address. We place items where you want them within the property, not just at the front door. Optional extras include packing materials, packing services and dismantling/reassembly of simple furniture. We do not usually handle disconnection of gas or hard-wired appliances, or transport prohibited items. Everything that is and isn’t included is explained clearly in your quotation and booking confirmation.
How is a professional removals man and a van different from a casual driver?
A professional removals company provides fully insured vehicles, trained staff, proper equipment and clear terms of service. Casual drivers may not have adequate insurance, may turn up late or not at all, and often lack the skills or materials to protect your belongings. With Shoreditch Movers, you get planned routes, documented cover, and a team used to dealing with tight stairwells, parking restrictions and fragile items. This reduces the risk of damage, extra costs and stress, and gives you a clear point of contact throughout your move.
How far in advance should I book?
For weekend or month-end dates, we recommend booking one to two weeks in advance where possible, as these periods fill quickly. For midweek moves and smaller jobs, a few days’ notice is often enough, although more time gives better flexibility on start times. If your moving date is uncertain, we can discuss provisional options and confirm closer to the time. We will always try to accommodate last-minute requests, but early booking gives you the best choice of slots and helps us plan your move smoothly.