Man with a Van
Man with a Van Dulwich – Professional Local Moving Support
At Dulwich Movers, our man with a van service is designed for when you need a reliable, tidy and professional team rather than a casual one-man operation. Whether you are clearing a flat, moving a few large items, or managing a small office relocation in or around Dulwich, we provide a structured, fully insured service with the same care we apply to full-scale removals.
What Our Man with a Van Service Includes
This service bridges the gap between a basic van hire and a full removals crew. You get an experienced driver–porter and, where required, additional trained movers, along with the right equipment to move your belongings safely.
Typical Uses
- Small flat and studio moves within Dulwich and across London
- Single-item or part-load moves (sofas, wardrobes, appliances)
- Student moves to and from halls or shared houses
- Small office or consultation room relocations
- Furniture deliveries and collections from shops or storage
- Landlord check-in / check-out furniture swaps
Local Expertise in Dulwich
Based in the area, we know Dulwich’s streets, parking rules and building layouts extremely well. From narrow residential roads in East Dulwich to larger period houses in West Dulwich and blocks around North Dulwich station, we plan access, loading and parking so your move runs smoothly.
We routinely liaise with local estate agents, building managers and concierges, and we are used to working around school runs, Controlled Parking Zones and restricted loading hours. That local knowledge means fewer delays and less stress for you on moving day.
Who Our Man with a Van Service Is For
Homeowners
Ideal if you are moving a smaller property, doing a staggered move, or simply shifting a few key pieces while the rest stays in storage. We can work around decorators, installers and other trades to keep your project on schedule.
Renters
Perfect for one- and two-bedroom flats and house shares. We’re used to tight stairwells, limited lift access and strict check-out times. We protect walls, doors and floors so you leave the property in good condition for your deposit inspection.
Landlords
Our team helps with part- or fully-furnished lets: removing unwanted items, bringing in new furniture and white goods, and moving pieces between properties. We can coordinate key collection and work to short notice when required.
Businesses
For smaller offices, shops or consulting rooms, our man with a van option is often enough. We can move desks, chairs, stock, files and IT equipment with careful wrapping and labelling to minimise downtime.
Students
Students moving to or from Dulwich benefit from a cost-effective service with clear pricing. We move suitcases, boxes, small furniture and bikes, and can coordinate with halls of residence access times and loading rules.
What We Can and Cannot Move
Items Typically Included
- Household furniture: beds, sofas, wardrobes, tables, chairs
- Domestic appliances: washing machines, fridges, freezers (properly defrosted)
- Boxes and crates of personal belongings
- Office furniture and boxed files or equipment
- Artwork, mirrors and fragile items (appropriately packed)
- Bicycles, sports equipment and musical instruments
Items We Generally Exclude
- Hazardous goods (fuel, paint, chemicals, gas cylinders)
- Live animals or plants requiring special conditions
- Unboxed loose items that cannot be handled safely
- High-value items such as jewellery, cash, important documents (these are best carried personally)
- Extremely heavy items needing specialist lifting gear (e.g. some pianos, safes) – but we can arrange specialist services if advised in advance
If you are unsure whether an item can be moved, we will clarify during the quotation stage to avoid surprises on the day.
Our Step-by-Step Man with a Van Process
1. Enquiry & Quote
Contact us by phone or online with a brief description of what you need to move, the addresses, access details and preferred dates. We will ask a few targeted questions to understand volume, floors, parking and timings. Based on this, we provide a clear, no-obligation quote explaining what is included and any options available.
2. Survey – Virtual or Onsite
For smaller man-with-a-van moves, a virtual survey (photos or video call) is usually enough. For more complex jobs, tight access or specialist items, we may suggest an onsite visit in Dulwich at a time convenient to you. This helps us allocate the right vehicle, team size and equipment, and reduces the risk of unexpected issues on moving day.
3. Packing & Preparation
You can pack your own boxes, or we can provide a professional packing service if needed. Either way, we supply appropriate materials on request: boxes, tape, paper and bubble wrap. On the day, we protect large items with padded covers and use floor runners where necessary to guard against scuffs and dirt. Appliances are disconnected in advance unless agreed otherwise.
4. Loading & Transport
Our trained team loads the van methodically, securing items with straps and blankets to minimise movement in transit. We plan routes to avoid low bridges and weight restrictions, and we keep you informed of our estimated arrival time. Your belongings are covered by our goods in transit insurance throughout the journey.
5. Unloading & Placement
At your new address, we unload and place furniture and boxes into the rooms you specify. We can assemble and reassemble basic bed frames and similar items by prior agreement. Before we leave, we check that you are happy with the placement and that nothing has been overlooked in the vehicle.
Transparent Pricing – How We Charge
We know people often turn to a man with a van to keep costs sensible, so our pricing is straightforward. Most local Dulwich moves are charged either by the hour (with a minimum booking period) or as a fixed price based on the survey. Your quote will clearly state:
- Number of movers included
- Vehicle size
- Estimated duration or fixed price
- Any additional services (packing, materials, dismantling)
- Any congestion, parking or toll charges, if applicable
We do not add hidden extras on the day. If the scope changes significantly – for example, extra items not mentioned or additional stops – we will discuss any cost implications with you before proceeding.
Why Choose a Professional Service Over DIY or Casual Man-and-Van
Hiring a van and doing it yourself can look cheaper initially, but it often brings hidden costs: vehicle hire, fuel, parking, lost time off work and the risk of damage or injury. A casual, unvetted man-and-van can leave you exposed with no proper paperwork or insurance.
With Dulwich Movers, you get a structured, fully insured service, experienced staff, proper handling equipment and a clear process. That reduces the risk of breakages, protects your property and helps keep your move on schedule. We also provide proper invoicing, documentation and support if plans change.
Insurance and Professional Standards
Your belongings are important, so our service is built around protection and accountability.
- Goods in transit insurance – Cover for your items while they are in our care, loaded on the vehicle and during the journey.
- Public liability cover – Protection in the unlikely event of accidental damage to third-party property during the move.
- Trained moving teams – Our staff receive ongoing practical training in lifting techniques, packing, loading and customer service.
We follow industry best practice for handling, securing and transporting your goods. Every job is booked with written confirmation so you know exactly what to expect.
Care, Protection and Sustainability
We handle your belongings as if they were our own. We use protective covers, moving blankets, straps and, where needed, floor and door protection. Fragile items are clearly labelled and positioned carefully within the load.
We are also mindful of our environmental impact. We reuse sturdy packing materials where appropriate, encourage customers to return or recycle cartons, and plan efficient routes to cut unnecessary mileage. When we remove unwanted furniture as part of a move, we prioritise reuse and responsible disposal over landfill wherever possible.
Real-World Use Cases
Moving House Within Dulwich
For many one- or two-bedroom properties, a full removals crew is not necessary. Our man with a van team can move you between Dulwich flats in a single trip, handling stairs, parking and tight timings so you can focus on cleaning, keys and utilities.
Small Office Relocation
Consultants, therapists and small business owners often use this service to relocate between shared offices or studios. We move desks, chairs, filing units and boxed equipment with minimal disruption, usually outside of core working hours to keep you operating smoothly.
Urgent and Same-Day Moves
Life does not always give much notice. When possible, we offer same-day or next-day man-with-a-van bookings in Dulwich for urgent moves, lock changes, emergency clear-outs or last-minute furniture collections. Availability varies, but we will always be honest about what we can do and when.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a man with a van in Dulwich cost?
Costs depend on the size of the vehicle, number of movers, distance travelled and how long the job takes. For many local Dulwich moves, we use an hourly rate with a sensible minimum booking period, so you only pay for the time you need. For clearer budgeting, we can also offer a fixed price once we understand access, volume and any special requirements. Your quotation will show all charges upfront, including any parking or congestion costs, so there are no surprises on the day.
Can you provide same-day or urgent man with a van bookings?
We do offer same-day or short-notice bookings where our schedule allows. Demand is highest at weekends and month-end, so it is always best to call as early as possible if your move is urgent. If we cannot help at your exact time, we will usually be able to suggest the closest available slot or an alternative approach, such as a two-stage move. All urgent jobs still follow our standard process, including confirmation and insurance cover, so you remain properly protected.
Are my belongings insured during the move?
Yes. All man-with-a-van moves carried out by Dulwich Movers are covered by our goods in transit insurance, which protects your belongings while they are in our care and on our vehicles. We also hold public liability cover for peace of mind at both properties. We will explain the key terms and limits when you book, and we can advise if any item requires special handling or additional cover. We always recommend that irreplaceable personal documents and valuables travel with you rather than in the van.
What exactly is included in your man with a van service?
Our service includes a vehicle sized for your job, a professional driver–porter, and, if required, additional movers. We load, secure and transport your furniture and boxes, then unload and place them in the rooms you specify. Basic protection, such as blankets and straps, is standard, and we can supply packing materials or a packing service by prior arrangement. Your quote will list the number of movers, estimated time or fixed price, and any additional services so you know exactly what is included.
How is your service different from a casual man-and-van?
Many casual operators offer little more than a vehicle and a driver. With Dulwich Movers, you get trained staff, documented bookings, clear pricing and proper insurance. We use suitable equipment, plan access and routes, and follow a consistent process to protect your belongings and your property. If something unexpected happens, you have a company you can talk to and a record of the job. That extra structure and accountability is the main difference between a purely informal service and a professional man-with-a-van provider.
How far in advance should I book?
For the best choice of dates and times, especially Fridays, weekends and month-end, we recommend booking 1–2 weeks in advance. However, we understand that smaller moves often arise at short notice, so we always keep some flexibility in our schedule. Even if your preferred day is close, it is worth contacting us – we may have cancellations or partial availability. Once you confirm, we send written details of your booking so you know your slot, team and pricing are all secured.