Man with a Van
Man with a Van Islington
At Islington Movers, our Man with a Van Islington service is designed for people who want the flexibility of a van and driver, with the care and organisation of a professional removals company. Whether you are moving a single item across town or a small flat across London, we provide a reliable, tidy and fully insured service tailored to your needs.
What Our Man with a Van Service Includes
This service is a streamlined version of our full removals offering, ideal for smaller moves and quick jobs where you still want experienced movers looking after your belongings.
Who This Service Is For
- Homeowners moving a few large items, clearing a garage, or taking furniture to storage
- Renters moving studio, one-bed or part-house loads within Islington or across London
- Landlords needing fast, careful furniture moves between properties
- Businesses relocating small offices, stock, or equipment on flexible schedules
- Students moving between halls, house shares and storage on tight budgets
Typical Items We Move
Our trained team regularly handles:
- Sofas, beds, wardrobes, tables and other household furniture
- White goods – fridges, freezers, washing machines and cookers (disconnected)
- Boxes, suitcases and personal belongings
- Home office desks, chairs, computers and screens (properly protected)
- Shop stock, files, archive boxes and light commercial equipment
Items We Cannot Move
To protect you, your property and our team, there are some exclusions:
- Hazardous materials (fuel, gas bottles, chemicals, paint thinners)
- Illegal items or anything prohibited by law
- Live animals or pets
- Industrial machinery requiring specialist lifting gear
- Unboxed loose small items that cannot be safely loaded
If you are unsure whether something can be moved, we will advise during your enquiry so there are no surprises on the day.
Local Expertise in Islington
Operating as Islington Movers, we work in this area every day. We understand permit zones, loading restrictions, bus lanes and resident-only streets across Islington. That local knowledge means we plan the route, parking and access before we arrive, reducing delays and avoiding fines or unnecessary walking distances with your items.
Whether you are moving from a top-floor flat near Upper Street or a terraced house off Holloway Road, our team is used to tight staircases, controlled parking zones and busy London roads. We plan around school runs, traffic bottlenecks and building access requirements so your man-with-a-van move runs smoothly.
How Our Man with a Van Process Works
We follow a simple, structured process that mirrors our full removals service, scaled to suit smaller moves.
1. Enquiry & Quote
Contact us by phone or online with a brief description of what you need moved, the addresses, dates and any access details. We will ask a few straightforward questions about volumes, floors, lifts and parking. Based on this, we provide a clear, no-obligation quote, usually on a fixed-price or hourly basis depending on what makes most sense for your job.
2. Survey (Virtual or Onsite)
For most man-with-a-van jobs we carry out a quick virtual survey using photos or a video call. For slightly larger or more complex moves, we may suggest an onsite visit. This helps us ensure the right van size, number of movers and time allocation, and reduces the risk of last-minute issues on the day.
3. Packing & Preparation
You can pack your own boxes, or choose our packing service if you want us to handle it. If you are packing yourself, we will advise on box sizes, labelling and how to protect fragile items. On the day, our team brings blankets, straps and trolleys and can carry out basic disassembly of furniture such as bed frames and tables if agreed in advance.
4. Loading & Transport
Our professional movers load the van carefully, securing items with straps and using protective blankets where needed. We work methodically, starting with heavier items and building a stable load. Your goods are then transported directly to the delivery address, with route planning that reflects real London traffic patterns, not just satnav suggestions.
5. Unloading & Placement
On arrival, we unload to the rooms you specify, not just to the door. We can reassemble any items we dismantled by prior agreement, and we will not leave until you are happy everything is where it needs to be. Rubbish and packaging are kept tidy and removed from walkways to keep your property safe and presentable.
Transparent Pricing – No Hidden Extras
We believe man-with-a-van pricing should be straightforward. For Islington jobs we typically offer:
- Hourly rates for small, flexible moves and short distances
- Fixed prices for clearly defined jobs with known volumes and access
- Optional add-ons for packing, materials and dismantling/assembly
Your quote will clearly show what is included: number of movers, van size, estimated time, and any additional services. Parking charges and congestion/ULEZ costs are explained in advance where applicable, so you are not faced with unexpected extras on the day.
Why Choose a Professional Service Over DIY or Casual Man-and-Van
Hiring a friend with a van or a casual online listing might look cheaper at first glance, but it often comes with risk and hassle. With Islington Movers you get:
- Trained movers who know how to lift safely and protect furniture and property
- Fully insured cover for your goods while they are in our care
- Reliable timekeeping and clear communication
- Proper equipment – trolleys, blankets, straps and tools
- Documented terms and a confirmed booking rather than vague promises
The result is fewer breakages, less stress and a move that runs to plan, rather than relying on guesswork and goodwill.
Insurance & Professional Standards
As a professional removals company, not just an individual driver, we maintain robust insurance and standards for every man-with-a-van job:
- Goods in transit insurance to protect your belongings while they are being moved
- Public liability cover in case of accidental damage to property or third parties
- Trained moving teams following agreed lifting, loading and safety procedures
We use clean, well-maintained vehicles and carry out regular checks on equipment and working practices. This is the level of protection you should expect when you let people handle your possessions and access your home or business.
Care, Protection and Sustainability
Your belongings are treated with the same level of care on a man-with-a-van job as they would be on a full house removal. We use padded blankets, floor protection where needed and careful lifting methods to avoid damage. For fragile items we can provide additional wrapping or specialist packing on request.
We are also working to reduce our environmental impact. We route-plan to cut unnecessary mileage, use reusable protective materials instead of single-use plastics wherever possible, and offer re-usable crate hire for suitable jobs. When customers no longer need certain items, we can often suggest local donation or recycling options rather than sending everything to landfill.
Real-World Uses of Our Man with a Van Service
Moving House or Flat
Ideal for studio and one-bedroom properties, partial moves, or when you are moving out of Islington into another part of London. We can often complete these moves in a single run with one or two movers, keeping costs sensible without compromising on care.
Office and Business Moves
Smaller office relocations, moving a few workstations, or transferring stock between locations are perfect for this service. We can work outside normal hours to minimise disruption and ensure computers and files are handled securely and efficiently.
Urgent and Same-Day Moves
When timescales are tight – last-minute tenancy changes, urgent landlord requests, or unexpected storage needs – our man-with-a-van teams can often respond at short notice, subject to availability. We will always be honest about what can realistically be achieved within your timeframe and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a man with a van in Islington cost?
Pricing depends on the size of van, number of movers and the duration of the job. For smaller moves within Islington, we typically charge an hourly rate with a minimum booking period, while longer or more defined jobs are often priced as a fixed quote. Factors such as stairs, distance from the door to the van, and disassembly needs also make a difference. We will always give you a clear price before you book, with any potential extra costs explained upfront.
Can you provide same-day or urgent man-with-a-van moves?
Yes, we can often arrange same-day or short-notice moves in Islington, especially for smaller loads. Availability depends on our existing schedule, traffic patterns and how late in the day you contact us. When you call, we will quickly assess what you need moved, where from and to, and by when. If we can fit it in safely and realistically, we will. If not, we will offer the earliest alternative slot rather than over-promising and letting you down.
Are my items insured during the move?
Yes. All our man-with-a-van jobs are covered by our goods in transit insurance, subject to our standard terms and packing requirements. We also carry public liability cover for accidental damage to property or third parties. We will explain what is and is not covered when you book, including any limits or exclusions that apply (for example, to high-value items or self-packed fragile goods). If you have particularly valuable items, we can discuss additional precautions or documentation.
What is included in your man with a van service?
Our service includes a professional driver, the specified number of movers, a suitable van, and standard moving equipment such as blankets, straps and a trolley. We load, transport and unload your items to the rooms you choose. If agreed in advance, we can also provide packing materials, a packing service, and basic dismantling and reassembly of furniture. Parking, congestion and ULEZ charges are either included in a fixed quote or clearly itemised so you know exactly what you are paying for.
How is this different from a basic man-and-van from an advert?
With Islington Movers you are hiring a professional removals company, not just a driver with a van. That means trained staff, proper insurance, reliable vehicles, confirmed bookings and clear terms. We use correct lifting techniques, protect your belongings, and plan routes and access in advance. A casual man-and-van may be cheaper on paper, but often lacks insurance, paperwork and backup if something goes wrong. Our aim is to provide a safer, more organised and ultimately better value service.
How far in advance should I book?
For weekends and month-end dates, it is wise to book one to two weeks ahead, as those slots fill quickly. For mid-week and off-peak times, a few days’ notice is often enough. However, if you know your dates, it is always best to reserve early so we can plan properly and guarantee availability. If you are working with uncertain dates, we can pencil you in and confirm closer to the time, subject to schedule and demand.