Man and Van
Man and Van Paddington by Paddington Movers
At Paddington Movers, our Man and Van Paddington service is designed for people who want a reliable, professional move without the cost and complexity of a full-scale removal. You get an experienced local driver, a suitable van, and a trained porter team who handle your belongings with care from start to finish.
What Our Man and Van Service Includes
This is a flexible, pay-for-what-you-need removals service. It covers:
- Collection and delivery anywhere in Paddington, across London, or nationwide
- Loading and unloading by our trained team
- Protective blankets, straps and basic floor protection
- Short-distance and long-distance moves
- Single items, part loads or small property moves
We operate modern, well-maintained vans equipped for safe household and office removals, not just parcels or light courier work.
Local Man and Van Experts in Paddington
Working daily in W2 and the surrounding areas, we know Paddington’s streets, estates and mansion blocks extremely well. From period conversions around Gloucester Terrace to newer developments near Paddington Basin, our drivers understand:
- Local parking restrictions and loading bays
- Best routes to avoid traffic hotspots
- Access issues such as tight stairwells and lifts
This local knowledge means quicker loading, fewer delays and smoother communication with building management and concierges.
Who Our Man and Van Paddington Service Is For
Our service is tailored to people who need a reliable move without hiring a full removals crew:
- Homeowners – moving a smaller property, downsizing, or moving items into storage.
- Renters – flat and house moves, end-of-tenancy clear-outs, or moving between house shares.
- Landlords – furniture changes, partial clearances, and moving appliances between properties.
- Businesses – small office relocations, archive moves, IT equipment transport, or trade stock moves.
- Students – term-time moves to and from halls or shared accommodation, with budget-friendly options.
If you are unsure whether you need a full removal or a man-and-van, we can advise honestly based on the volume and access at both ends.
What We Can Move
Our man and van team can safely move most household and office items, including:
- Boxes, luggage and personal belongings
- Beds, sofas, tables, chairs and wardrobes
- White goods: washing machines, fridges, freezers (subject to safe access)
- Office furniture and filing cabinets
- IT equipment, printers and small servers (properly packed)
- Sports equipment, bicycles and hobby items
Items We Cannot Move
For safety and insurance reasons, some items are excluded:
- Hazardous materials (gas bottles, fuel, chemicals, paint thinners)
- Illegal items or anything that breaches UK law
- Large commercial machinery not agreed in advance
- Unboxed loose fragile collections of very high value (e.g. rare art, unless specially arranged)
- Animals and live plants in bulk (we can advise alternative options)
If you have anything unusual or high value, mention it during your enquiry so we can confirm what is possible and ensure it is properly protected.
Our Step-by-Step Man and Van Process
1. Enquiry & Quote
You contact us with your addresses, dates and a list of items. We ask a few practical questions about access, stairs, lifts and parking. Based on this, we provide a clear, no-obligation quote with our recommendation on van size and number of movers.
2. Survey (Virtual or Onsite)
For straightforward small moves, photos or a short video call are usually enough. For larger or more complex moves, we may arrange an onsite survey in Paddington. This allows us to check access, volume and any special requirements so there are no surprises on moving day.
3. Packing & Preparation
You can choose to pack yourself, or add our packing service for an extra charge. If you pack, we provide guidance on box sizes, labelling and protecting fragile items. On the day, we bring blankets, straps and basic protection; if we are packing, we arrive with professional packing materials and take care of everything.
4. Loading & Transport
On moving day, our professional team arrives on time, introduces themselves, and walks through the job with you. We load systematically, using blankets and straps to secure furniture and boxes. Once loaded, we transport your belongings using sensible routes chosen by experienced local drivers.
5. Unloading & Placement
At your new address, we unload items into the rooms you specify, not just into a pile by the door. We can assemble basic furniture that we disassembled during the move, if agreed in advance. Before leaving, we check you are happy with the placement and that nothing is missing.
Transparent Man and Van Pricing
We keep our pricing straightforward and clear. Typically, our man and van service is charged by:
- Van size (small, medium or large)
- Number of movers required
- Time on site and driving time
- Any additional services such as packing or furniture assembly
We provide a written quote before you commit, explaining what is included. There are no hidden extras for stairs or standard padding/protection; any potential additional charges (such as congestion zone fees or extended waiting time) are explained in advance.
Why Choose Professional Man and Van Over DIY
Hiring a cheap, casual van can seem tempting, but there are real risks: damaged furniture, personal injury, delays, and disputes over responsibility. With Paddington Movers you benefit from:
- Fully insured service with clear terms
- Trained movers who know how to lift and protect items properly
- Reliable vehicles maintained for removals work
- Planned routes and realistic timings
- Written confirmation of your booking and agreed scope of work
For most people, the small saving of a DIY approach does not justify the risk of injury, breakage and stress.
Insurance and Professional Standards
We operate to professional removals standards, not casual courier levels. Our cover includes:
- Goods in transit insurance – to protect your belongings while they are in our vehicle, subject to terms and conditions.
- Public liability cover – for accidental damage to property while we are working at your premises.
- Trained moving teams – staff are trained in safe lifting, handling fragile items and working in communal areas.
We are happy to explain our insurance limits and exclusions in plain language so you know exactly where you stand.
Care, Protection and Sustainability
We treat your belongings and your building with respect. On every man and van job we:
- Use padded blankets, mattress covers and straps as needed
- Protect doorways and floors where risk of scuffing is higher
- Lift safely, avoiding dragging furniture across floors
We also work to reduce our environmental impact by using reusable protective materials, consolidating journeys where practical, and maintaining our vans for fuel efficiency. Where possible, we can collect used boxes from local customers for reuse.
Real-World Use Cases for Man and Van in Paddington
Moving House or Flat
Ideal for one- and two-bedroom flats, partial moves, or moving contents from storage. Our team can handle tight staircases common in older Paddington buildings and coordinate with building managers where required.
Office and Business Relocations
For small offices, shops or clinics, our man and van service is often sufficient. We can relocate desks, chairs, filing units and IT equipment outside normal office hours to minimise disruption, and we are used to working in shared office buildings.
Urgent or Same-Day Moves
Sometimes moves cannot wait – a last-minute tenancy change, a buyer pushing for quick completion, or urgent storage clearance. Where our schedule allows, we offer same-day or next-day man and van availability in Paddington. The more notice you can give, the more likely we can accommodate your preferred slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a man and van in Paddington cost?
Pricing depends on the van size, number of movers, duration of the job and distance travelled. For smaller local moves, we usually charge an hourly rate with a minimum booking period, plus any applicable congestion or parking costs. For longer-distance jobs, we may agree a fixed price once we understand the volume and access. We always provide a written quote before you confirm, so you know the likely total cost and what is included. There are no surprise charges added after the move without discussion.
Can you do same-day or urgent man and van bookings?
Yes, we often can, especially within Paddington and central London. Availability depends on our existing schedule, van location and crew capacity on the day. If you need a same-day move, call us as early as possible with clear information about what needs moving and both addresses. We will quickly confirm whether we can help and provide an estimated arrival window. Where same-day is not possible, we will offer the earliest alternative and practical advice on short-term storage or interim solutions.
Are my belongings insured during the move?
Yes. Our man and van service includes goods in transit insurance covering your items while they are in our care, subject to policy limits and exclusions, which we are happy to explain in advance. We also carry public liability cover for accidental damage to third-party property during the move. There are some exclusions for high-value items, cash, jewellery and certain fragile goods unless declared and specially packed. We recommend you tell us about anything particularly valuable so we can advise on the best and safest way to move it.
What exactly is included in your man and van service?
Our standard service includes the van, fuel, a professional driver, at least one trained mover, loading and unloading of your goods, basic protective equipment such as blankets and straps, and transport between the agreed addresses. We place items into the rooms you specify at the destination. Optional extras include packing and unpacking, supply of boxes and materials, furniture dismantling and reassembly, and disposal of unwanted items where legally permitted. All inclusions and any optional services are clearly listed on your quote so you can choose what you need.
What is the difference between your service and a basic man-with-a-van?
Many basic man-with-a-van operators are informal and may lack proper insurance, training or suitable equipment. In contrast, Paddington Movers runs a professional removals operation. We use purpose-equipped vehicles, provide fully insured services, employ trained staff, and give written confirmations and invoices. We follow a structured process for surveys, planning and communication, similar to a full removals company, but scaled to smaller jobs. This reduces the risk of damage, no-shows and disputes, giving you a more reliable and accountable service for only a modest difference in cost.
How far in advance should I book a man and van in Paddington?
For the best choice of times, especially at weekends and month-end, we recommend booking at least one to two weeks in advance. However, we understand that moves are not always predictable. We often accommodate bookings with only a few days’ notice, and sometimes same-day, depending on workload. As soon as you know your likely date, contact us with basic details and we can pencil in a provisional slot. Your booking is confirmed once you accept our quote and, where applicable, pay the agreed deposit.