The world of removals has its own vocabulary. This glossary explains every term you're likely to encounter when planning and booking a house move.
Insurance that covers your possessions while they are being transported from one property to another. This is standard for professional removal companies and should always be confirmed before booking. The cover limit varies by company — ask for the per-item and total value limits.
A large box van (named for the town where the body style was developed) with a fixed box body significantly larger than a standard Transit. Luton vans typically carry 18–24 cubic metres and are often fitted with a tail lift for safe loading of heavy items. The most commonly used van type for full house removals.
A hydraulic platform fitted to the rear of a van that raises and lowers items between ground level and van floor level. Essential for moving heavy items like fridges, washing machines, pianos and heavy furniture safely without manual lifting.
A formal application to a local council to temporarily reserve parking bays on a public road, typically for loading and unloading during a house move. The council places No Parking signs on the bays for the agreed period. Required in most Inner London postcodes to ensure the removal van can park legally outside the property.
An area where parking is restricted to residents with permits during specified hours. Most of Inner London is covered by CPZs. During CPZ hours, vans can only park legally in a suspended bay, loading bay or where loading is explicitly permitted.
A detailed list and photographic record of the condition of a property's contents and features, prepared at the start and end of a tenancy. A thorough inventory at move-in is your primary protection against unfair deposit deductions at move-out.