Moving in London: Parking, Permits & Access
Key takeaways Bay suspensions often need several working days notice. Check height restrictions before booking a large van. A long carry costs more time than the drive itself. In London, parking and access decide how long a move takes far more often than mileage does. Twenty metres of extra carrying distance, repeated across a full house, adds up to hours. Start with the kerb outside both doors Is it a permit bay, a red route, a single yellow or a controlled zone? What are the controlled hours on the sign nearest the property? Can a 3.5-tonne Luton physically get down the street? Is there a height barrier, gated entry or width restriction? Bay suspensions and dispensations Most boroughs let you apply to suspend a bay or buy a dispensation for a removals vehicle. Notice periods vary and can be up to ten working days, so treat this as an early task rather than a moving-week one. Keep the confirmation on your phone for the day. Flats, estates and managed buildings Book the goods lift where one exists and confirm permitted moving hours in writing. Many estates restrict access to weekdays or require certificates of insurance before entry. Ask about protective coverings for lifts and communal floors. Charges to factor into the day Congestion Charge and ULEZ where applicable to the route. Bay suspension or dispensation fees, which vary by borough. Waiting time if the van cannot get near the property. Sorting parking a week early is the cheapest way to shorten a London move. We handle these checks routinely across West London, Middlesex, Surrey, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. If you tell us both postcodes, we can flag the likely access issues before you book.
