Man and a Van
Man and a Van Hackney – Professional Local Service by Hackney Movers
At Hackney Movers, our man and a van service in Hackney is designed for people who want professional moving help without the cost or complexity of a full-scale removals crew. You get an experienced local driver–porter, a clean, well-equipped van, and the option to add extra porters when needed.
What Our Man and a Van Service Includes
Our service is a flexible, time-based option ideal for small to medium moves and quick transport jobs. You benefit from the same professional standards we apply to our larger removals, just scaled to what you actually need.
Typical man and a van jobs
- Studio and one-bedroom flat moves
- Student moves to and from halls or shared houses
- Part-load moves between Hackney and other London areas
- Single large items (sofas, wardrobes, mattresses)
- eBay, Facebook Marketplace and store collections
- Small office and shop moves
Every booking includes a uniformed driver–porter, a modern van with straps and blankets, and basic protection for your items during loading and transport.
Local Hackney Expertise
Hackney Movers is a local company based in the borough, so we know the one-way systems, tight streets, parking rules and busy times around Hackney Central, Dalston, Clapton, Homerton, Stoke Newington and the surrounding areas.
This local knowledge means we can plan sensible arrival times, advise on permits, and choose routes that minimise delays. If you’re moving within or out of Hackney, having movers who understand the area keeps your move smoother and less stressful.
Who Our Man and a Van Service Is For
Homeowners
Ideal for smaller property moves, downsizing, moving items into storage, or transporting bulky purchases. We can also support part of a larger house move when you just need an extra van for overflow.
Renters
Perfect for tenants in Hackney flats and houses who need an affordable, efficient move between rentals. We’re used to top-floor flats with no lift, narrow staircases and tight access.
Landlords
Landlords use us to clear or deliver furniture, move white goods, and refresh properties between tenancies. We work considerately in shared buildings and can coordinate key collection if needed.
Businesses
Small businesses and start-ups rely on our man and a van option for light office relocations, stock moves, event equipment and trade show stands. We can work early mornings, evenings or weekends by arrangement.
Students
Students moving to or from Hackney benefit from a straightforward, budget-friendly service. We can collect from multiple addresses and deliver to halls or shared houses, keeping the process simple and clear.
What We Can and Cannot Move
Items we typically move
- Furniture – beds, sofas, tables, wardrobes, drawers, shelving
- Appliances – washing machines, fridges, freezers (subject to safe access)
- Boxes and bags of personal belongings
- IT equipment – monitors, PCs, printers (properly packed)
- Musical instruments (non-specialist, e.g. guitars, small keyboards)
- Artwork and mirrors (suitably protected or boxed)
Items we cannot move
- Hazardous materials (fuel, gas cylinders, chemicals, paint thinners)
- Illegal or stolen goods
- Unsecured cash, bullion or high-value jewellery
- Live animals (including pets – please use specialist pet transport)
- Industrial machinery beyond van capacity or weight limits
- Items that cannot reasonably be moved safely with our equipment
If you are unsure whether an item can be carried, mention it during your enquiry and we will advise honestly.
Our Step-by-Step Man and a Van Process
1. Enquiry & quote
Contact us by phone, email or our online form with details of what you’re moving, addresses, access notes and preferred date. We’ll give you a clear, no-obligation estimate based on time, distance and requirements.
2. Survey (virtual or onsite)
For straightforward jobs, a quick phone or video call is often enough. For more complex moves, we may suggest a short virtual or onsite survey so we can assess parking, stairs, lift access and any large or awkward items.
3. Packing & preparation
Most man and a van customers pack themselves. We’ll advise on how to box and label items and how to prepare appliances. If you need help, we can offer packing or partial packing as an optional extra.
4. Loading & transport
On the day, our trained team arrives on time, protects key items with blankets and straps everything securely in the van. We handle your belongings carefully, load in a logical order and transport directly to your destination unless otherwise agreed.
5. Unloading & placement
At your new address we unload to the rooms you specify, placing furniture where you want it. We work efficiently but never rush handling. Before we leave, we do a quick check with you to confirm everything has been unloaded and placed as requested.
Transparent Pricing – How We Charge
With Hackney Movers, pricing is straightforward. Our man and a van service is usually charged by the hour, with a minimum booking period. The rate depends on:
- Number of porters required (driver only, or driver plus extra porters)
- Size of van
- Day and time (standard weekdays vs evenings/weekends)
- Travel distance and any congestion or parking charges
Before you book, we confirm the hourly rate, minimum charge and any likely additional costs such as parking or tolls. There are no hidden extras; if something might change the price, we tell you in advance.
Why Choose Professional Movers Over DIY or Casual Man-and-Van
Using a casual, unregistered man with a van or doing it all yourself can look cheaper, but often costs you more in time, stress and risk. With Hackney Movers you benefit from:
- Fully insured cover for your goods while in our care
- Trained staff who know correct lifting and loading techniques
- Clean, well-maintained vehicles equipped for removals
- Reliable timekeeping and clear communication
- Proper invoicing and documentation for personal or business records
Professional movers are less likely to damage property, injure themselves or fail to turn up. You also have recourse if something does go wrong, which you rarely get with informal arrangements.
Insurance and Professional Standards
Hackney Movers operates to recognised UK removals standards. We take our responsibility for your belongings seriously.
Goods in transit insurance
Your items are protected by our goods in transit insurance while they are in our vehicles, subject to standard terms and conditions. We are happy to explain the cover and any limits before you book.
Public liability cover
We hold public liability insurance so you are protected if there is accidental damage to your property or an incident involving third parties while we are working on site.
Trained moving teams
Our staff receive ongoing training in safe lifting, loading, use of equipment and customer care. We do not use casual labour without supervision. You get a professional team that respects your property and works safely.
Care, Protection and Sustainability
We treat your belongings as if they were our own. Furniture is wrapped with transit blankets, items are strapped to prevent movement, and we load in a way that minimises pressure on fragile pieces.
Sustainability matters to us. We aim to:
- Use reusable blankets and protective materials where possible
- Plan efficient routes to reduce unnecessary mileage
- Reuse or recycle cardboard boxes when condition allows
- Maintain our vehicles regularly for cleaner, more efficient operation
If you’d like to minimise waste on your move, ask us about reusable crates and responsible disposal options.
Common Real-World Use Cases
Moving house within Hackney
For studio or one-bed properties, our man and a van option is often all you need. We’ve helped countless tenants and homeowners move between flats across Hackney, handling stairwells, tight landings and limited parking calmly and efficiently.
Office and workspace relocations
Small offices, salons, studios and shops use us to relocate desks, stock and equipment. We can move you outside your trading hours to reduce disruption and keep your business running.
Urgent or same-day moves
When a tenancy change, sale completion or delivery falls through, you may need help quickly. Where we have availability, we offer same-day or next-day man and a van in Hackney. Call us as early as possible and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a man and a van in Hackney cost?
Costs depend mainly on the size of van, number of porters and how long the job takes. We usually work on an hourly rate with a minimum booking period to cover travel and setup time. Additional charges may apply for congestion, tolls or parking fees, but we always explain these in advance. For a typical studio or one-bedroom move within Hackney, many jobs are completed within a few hours. Contact us with details of your move and we’ll provide a clear, tailored estimate.
Can you provide same-day or urgent man and a van bookings?
Yes, we can often accommodate same-day or next-day moves, especially for smaller jobs, depending on our schedule. The more notice you give us, the easier it is to secure your preferred time slot, but we understand that emergencies happen. If you need urgent help, call us directly rather than emailing so we can check van and crew availability immediately, discuss your requirements and provide a realistic time window for arrival.
Are my belongings insured during the move?
Yes. Your belongings are covered by our goods in transit insurance while they are in our vehicles, subject to policy terms and item value limits. We also carry public liability insurance for work at your property. It’s important that you tell us about any particularly high-value or fragile items before the move, so we can confirm cover and plan extra protection if needed. We’re happy to explain what is and isn’t included so you have full clarity before booking.
What is included in your man and a van service?
Our standard service includes a professional driver–porter, a suitable van equipped with blankets and straps, loading at your collection address, transport, and unloading at your destination. We place items in the rooms you specify and work carefully to protect your belongings and property. Optional extras include additional porters, packing services, materials such as boxes and tape, and dismantling or reassembly of basic furniture. We’ll confirm exactly what is included in your quote so there are no surprises on the day.
How is your service different from a basic man-and-van?
Many informal man-and-van operators work without proper insurance, training or reliable vehicles. Hackney Movers offers a professional service with fully insured cover, trained staff, documented bookings and clear pricing. We use purpose-equipped vans and follow safe moving practices. You gain the flexibility of a traditional man and van, but with the peace of mind and accountability of an established removals company. That balance of reliability and value is what sets our service apart.
How far in advance should I book?
For the best choice of dates and times, especially at month-end and weekends, we recommend booking one to two weeks in advance. However, we know that moves are not always planned that far ahead. If your timing is tight, contact us as soon as possible and we’ll check our diary for gaps or cancellations. Even at short notice, we’ll always be honest about what we can realistically do and suggest practical options to keep your move on track.
