Man and a Van
Man and a Van Catford – Catford Movers
Catford Movers provides a reliable, local man and a van service in Catford and the surrounding areas. Run by experienced removals professionals, we offer a practical, cost-effective solution for smaller moves, single items, and flexible transport jobs where a full-size removals truck would be excessive.
What Our Man and a Van Service Includes
Our man and a van service is a scaled-down version of a full removals crew, but with the same professional standards. You get a dedicated vehicle, one or two trained movers, and careful handling of your belongings from door to door.
Who Our Service Is For
- Homeowners moving between houses or into storage with a smaller load
- Renters in flats or shared houses needing an efficient move
- Landlords clearing or refurnishing properties between tenancies
- Businesses relocating small offices, equipment or archives
- Students moving to or from halls, shared houses, or storage
Whether you are moving across Catford or to another part of London, our local team can plan the most efficient route and schedule.
Local Expertise in Catford
As a Catford-based company, we understand the area’s roads, traffic patterns and housing types. From Victorian terraces and purpose-built blocks to new-build developments, we are used to tight stairwells, restricted parking and controlled access.
We regularly work on streets such as Bromley Road, Catford Road, Sangley Road and the surrounding residential areas. We know when loading restrictions apply, where permits may be needed, and how to minimise disruption to your neighbours.
Types of Man and a Van Jobs We Handle
Our man and a van service covers a wide range of everyday tasks:
- Small home moves – studio flats, one-bedroom properties, or part-loads
- Single-item moves – sofas, wardrobes, beds, white goods and bulky items
- Student moves – term-time relocations, summer storage transfers
- Office and business moves – desks, IT equipment, files and stock
- Store collections – furniture shop collections where delivery is not included
- Storage runs – taking items to or from local storage facilities
What We Can and Cannot Move
Included Items
We routinely move:
- Domestic furniture – beds, wardrobes, tables, chairs, sofas, bookcases
- Appliances – washing machines, fridges, freezers, cookers (disconnected)
- Boxes and bags – books, clothes, kitchenware, personal belongings
- Office items – desks, chairs, filing cabinets, boxed equipment
- Electronics – TVs, audio equipment, computers and peripherals
Excluded or Restricted Items
For safety, legal and insurance reasons, we do not transport:
- Hazardous materials (fuel, gas bottles, paint thinners, chemicals)
- Illegal items or anything prohibited by law
- Live animals or pets
- Unboxed loose liquids or open food
- Industrial machinery that requires specialist lifting or certification
High-value items such as fine art, antiques or specialist equipment can be moved, but must be declared in advance so that appropriate packing, handling and insurance arrangements can be made.
Our Step-by-Step Removals Process
1. Enquiry & Quote
You contact us with details of your move – addresses, dates, access information and a rough list of items. Based on this, we provide a clear, no-obligation quote. For most man and a van jobs we can estimate accurately from your description and photographs.
2. Survey (Virtual or Onsite)
For larger or more complex moves, we may carry out a short virtual survey (video call) or an onsite visit. This allows us to assess access, volume, parking, and any special requirements, ensuring we allocate the right vehicle, manpower and time.
3. Packing & Preparation
You can choose to pack your own items, or we can provide a professional packing service for an additional fee. Where you self-pack, we can supply boxes, tape and packing materials in advance. On the day, our team protect furniture with blankets and covers, and secure items safely in the vehicle.
4. Loading & Transport
Our trained team carefully carry items from your property to the van, using trolleys and lifting straps where needed. We load systematically to protect your belongings and maximise space. Once everything is secure, we transport your goods directly to the destination, following the agreed route and timings.
5. Unloading & Placement
On arrival, we unload items to the rooms you specify and place furniture where you want it. We work efficiently but calmly, keeping walkways clear and minimising disturbance to neighbours or other building users.
Transparent Pricing for Man and a Van in Catford
We believe in straightforward, transparent pricing. Our man and a van service is typically charged by the hour, with a minimum booking period. The rate depends on:
- Number of movers required (one man, or two-person team)
- Size of vehicle needed
- Day of the week and time (peak vs off-peak)
- Travel distance between addresses
Your quote will clearly state what is included: vehicle, labour, standard loading and unloading, and basic travel within the agreed area. Additional services such as packing, dismantling/reassembly, or long carries will be itemised so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Why Use a Professional Man and a Van Instead of DIY?
Using a professional service like Catford Movers offers several advantages over hiring a van and doing it yourself or using a casual operator:
- Trained staff who know how to lift, carry and load safely
- Proper protective equipment – blankets, straps, covers and dollies
- Fully insured vehicles and goods in transit insurance
- Reduced risk of damage to your belongings and the property
- No need to drive or park a large vehicle in busy London streets
In many cases, once you include fuel, insurance add-ons and your time, a professional man and a van works out as better value and far less stressful than a DIY approach.
Insurance and Professional Standards
Catford Movers operates to the standards you would expect from a dedicated removals company, not a casual side job.
- Goods in transit insurance – protecting your belongings while they are in our vehicle
- Public liability cover – covering accidental damage to third-party property
- Trained moving teams – experienced staff briefed on safe handling and customer care
We will explain the key terms of our cover when you book, including any limits, exclusions and how to declare high-value items. Our aim is to give you clear, realistic expectations so there are no surprises.
Care, Protection and Sustainability
We treat your belongings and property with respect. Furniture is wrapped in protective blankets; mattresses and sofas can be covered to avoid marks or dust; and we take care to avoid scuffs to walls, floors and doors. When dismantling or reassembling, we keep fixings together and ensure items are stable when reinstalled.
We also aim to work in a more sustainable way. Where possible we reuse durable packing materials, optimise route planning to cut unnecessary mileage, and encourage careful decluttering so that you only move what you truly need. Cardboard and materials are recycled wherever practical.
Real-World Use Cases
Moving House
For smaller homes or partial moves, our man and a van service offers a flexible alternative to a full removals crew. Ideal if you are moving from a one-bedroom flat, downsizing, or shifting select items to a new property or storage.
Office Relocation
Businesses in and around Catford use us to move small offices, satellite workspaces and equipment between sites. We can schedule moves outside normal working hours to reduce disruption and handle delicate IT items with extra care.
Urgent and Same-Day Moves
Sometimes plans change unexpectedly – a tenancy end date moves forward, a sale completes faster than expected, or a delivery falls through. Subject to availability, we can offer same-day or short-notice man and a van help in Catford, providing a practical solution when time is tight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a man and a van service in Catford cost?
Costs depend mainly on how long the job takes, how many movers you need, and the travel distance involved. We usually charge an hourly rate with a minimum booking period, plus any agreed surcharges for congestion or parking where applicable. To give you an accurate figure, we will ask about access, the volume of items and whether any dismantling is required. Once we have these details, we provide a clear, itemised quote so you know exactly what is included before you book.
Can you do same-day or urgent man and a van jobs?
Yes, we can often help with same-day or urgent bookings in Catford, depending on existing commitments and vehicle availability. If you need a rapid move, call us as early as possible with your details, and we will check our schedule and advise what we can offer. In some cases we may be able to send a smaller vehicle or a one-person crew at short notice, then scale up if required. Urgent work is subject to availability and may carry a short-notice surcharge.
Are my belongings insured during the move?
Yes. Our man and a van service includes goods in transit insurance for your belongings while they are being transported in our vehicle, and public liability cover for accidental damage to third-party property. Insurance has certain limits and exclusions, particularly for high-value or fragile items, so we always recommend you tell us about anything especially valuable. We will explain the cover in plain language when you book and can confirm details in writing if needed.
What is included in your man and a van service?
As standard, you get a dedicated van, a trained mover (or a two-person team if booked), loading and unloading at both ends, and transport between the agreed addresses. Furniture is protected with blankets and secured with straps. We place items in the rooms you specify and can undertake basic dismantling and reassembly if agreed in advance. Packing services, packing materials, long carries, or additional stops can be added for an extra charge and will be clearly shown on your quote.
How is your service different from a basic man-and-van advert?
We operate as a professional removals company rather than a casual side service. That means trained staff, fully insured vehicles, proper protective equipment and a structured booking process. We carry out checks before the move, advise on access and packing, and provide written confirmation of your booking and price. Our focus is on safe handling, punctuality and clear communication, which reduces the risk of last-minute cancellations, damage or misunderstandings that sometimes occur with unregulated operators.
How far in advance should I book?
For best availability and pricing, we recommend booking at least one to two weeks in advance, especially if you are moving on a Friday, weekend or at the end of the month when demand is highest. That said, we understand that not all moves can be planned so far ahead. If you need us sooner, contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you, offering the closest available slot and honest advice on what is realistic within your timeframe.