Moving an office in London can feel like trying to rebuild your business overnight. There are desks, cables, screens, chairs, paperwork, and – most importantly – people who still need to work. The good news? With the right man and van London team and a clear plan, an office move does not have to be chaos. It can be a controlled, organised project that keeps your business running while you change address.
Why Office Moves in London Are So Challenging
An office move London is very different from a simple home relocation. You are not just moving boxes – you are moving a working system.
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Traffic and restrictions. London brings congestion charges, Low Emission Zones and strict loading times. If your team or movers do not understand the rules, you lose time and money.
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Sensitive equipment. Computers, monitors, servers, printers and specialist tools need careful handling and secure transport. One careless move can damage thousands of pounds’ worth of equipment.
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Data and documents. Client files, contracts and confidential paperwork cannot simply be thrown into a random box.
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Downtime costs. Every hour your team cannot work affects revenue, customer service and deadlines. For many businesses, this is the biggest risk of an office relocation London project.
Because of all this, choosing the right office removals London service is not just a logistics decision – it is a business decision.
Why Choose a Man and Van Service for Office Relocation?
Flexibility for Small and Medium Businesses
Large removal companies are often built for huge corporate moves. Many small and medium businesses in London do not need a full fleet of trucks and a week of preparations.
A man and van office move in London is ideal for:
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Small offices and studios
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Startups and agencies
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Co-working spaces and shared offices
You can split the move into several trips, relocate teams in stages and choose time slots that match your working schedule.
Cost-Effective Alternative to Large Removal Companies
A professional man and van for business service usually offers more flexible pricing than big removal firms. You pay for the vehicle size and hours you actually need, not for an oversized lorry and a huge crew.
This makes a man and van solution especially attractive for:
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First-time moves for growing companies
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Businesses that need to keep relocation costs under control
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Short-distance commercial move jobs within London
You still get experienced, professional office movers, but without the corporate-level pricing.
Local Knowledge of London Routes and Restrictions
For an office move London, local knowledge is a hidden superpower. A good man and van team understands:
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Where you can load and unload
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Which streets are tight, one-way or constantly blocked
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When traffic is lighter
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How to avoid unnecessary congestion and ULEZ charges
This saves time, reduces stress and helps you move in and out of your building without annoying the whole street.
How to Plan an Office Move with a Man and Van: Step-by-Step
A smooth office relocation is 50% about the van and 50% about preparation. Use this simple office moving checklist as a base.
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Assess your office move needs
Count workstations, chairs, cabinets, meeting rooms and equipment. Decide whether you are moving everything at once or in stages. -
Create an inventory and priorities
List what must move first: core IT equipment, reception area, key desks. Mark what can be moved earlier (archives, rarely used items). -
Choose your man and van partner
Look for office relocation services with proven experience, insurance and good reviews. Ask if they have handled similar office removals London projects. -
Schedule the move at the right time
Whenever possible, plan your commercial move for evenings or weekends. This helps you minimise downtime and gives movers better access to lifts, corridors and parking. -
Prepare your team and workspace
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Ask staff to clear their desks before moving day.
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Label boxes by department and room: “Marketing – Desks”, “Finance – Archive” etc.
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Protect fragile items and clearly mark them.
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Coordinate access on the day
Decide who will meet the van, who holds keys/cards and who manages lift booking. One responsible person on each side (old and new office) makes the day much easier. -
After-move checks
Once everything is delivered, walk through the new office with the driver or team leader. Check for missing items or visible damage, and confirm that the main work areas are ready for the next working day.
How to Minimise Downtime During an Office Move
For most businesses, the main fear is simple: “How long will we be offline?” Here are practical ways to reduce downtime during an office move London:
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Move outside core hours. Choose evenings, nights or weekends when your clients expect slower response times anyway.
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Relocate in phases. Move one department or team at a time so that part of the business stays fully operational.
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Prioritise IT and communications. Ensure internet, phones and core systems are set up first in the new office.
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Communicate with clients. Let customers know about the move in advance and set clear expectations. Auto-replies and temporary messages on the website can help.
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Use a clear plan with your man and van team. Share your priority list and timeframes so everyone understands what must be loaded and unloaded first.
Good planning plus an organised man and van London crew can turn what could be a full day of downtime into just a few slow hours.
What to Look For in a Man and Van Company for Office Moves
Not every van with a logo is ready for office removals London businesses can trust. When choosing a partner, pay attention to:
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Experience with office relocations – ask for examples or references.
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Goods-in-transit insurance – your equipment and furniture must be protected during the move.
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Clear and transparent pricing – no hidden fees for stairs, waiting time or extra stops without prior notice.
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Good communication – fast responses, clear confirmations and a precise arrival window.
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Help with loading and unloading – the team should be ready to handle heavy furniture and delicate equipment.
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Positive reviews – check what other business clients say about punctuality, care and professionalism.
If a company can confidently answer questions about office move London logistics, access issues and timing, it is a strong candidate.
How Lucky Van Helps with Office Moves in London
Lucky Van specialises in practical, real-world solutions for business transport – and office moves are a big part of that work. When you choose Lucky Van for your man and van office move in London, you get:
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Vans of different sizes to match your office layout and volume
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Drivers who understand London traffic, restrictions and building access rules
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Careful loading and unloading to protect your furniture and equipment
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Flexible time slots, including evenings and weekends
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A friendly team that communicates clearly before, during and after the move
Whether you are relocating a small studio, a growing startup or a multi-room office, Lucky Van can build a plan that fits your schedule and budget, and keeps your team working with minimal interruption.
If you are planning an office relocation London businesses would call “smooth and stress-free”, now is the right moment to act. Reach out to Lucky Van, request a quote and turn your next office move into a well-organised project instead of a chaotic surprise.
Booking with us for the first time? You’ll get 20% off your first delivery—no strings attached. It’s our way of showing that expert service doesn’t have to come at a premium.
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✅ Final Thought
Don’t leave your furniture delivery to chance. With Lucky Van, you get professional support, the right vehicle, and a team that knows how to protect what matters.
👉 Book your expert furniture delivery now and avoid costly mistakes—before they happen.
Small vans are London’s quiet workhorses: nimble in traffic, easy to park, and surprisingly capable. But how much can a small van actually carry—in weight and in volume—without risking fines, damage, or a failed delivery? This guide breaks it down in plain English with real-world ranges, quick calculators, fit-guides, and packing tips you can use today.
What counts as a “small van” in London? 🚐
In everyday courier terms, small vans are compact city vans designed for narrow streets and short hops. Think of them as the step below a “medium van” (like a short-wheelbase Transit-type) and above a car boot.
Typical small-van attributes
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Payload (weight you can load): ~ 550–800 kg
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Load volume: ~ 2.5–3.6 m³
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Load bay (approx.): L 1.5–1.8 m × W 1.2–1.5 m × H 1.1–1.3 m
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Doors: twin rear doors + 1 side sliding door (often)
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Seats: 2–3 in cab
These are practical working ranges. Actual figures differ by model, trim, engine, and options (roof height, lining, bulkhead, etc.). If capacity is critical, tell your courier what you’re shipping so they match the right vehicle.
Weight vs Volume: why both matter ⚖️📦
Two things limit what you can carry:
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Payload (kg): the legal maximum extra weight the van can carry.
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Load volume (m³): the 3D space inside the cargo area.
You can hit the limit on either one first:
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Heavy but compact items (e.g., gym plates) hit the payload limit first.
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Light but bulky items (e.g., duvets, signage) hit the volume limit first.
Key definitions (simple)
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Kerb weight: van’s own weight, fluids included, no load.
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GVW (gross vehicle weight): max legal weight of van + load + people + fuel.
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Payload: GVW – kerb weight (the bit you’re allowed to add).
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Axle limits: each axle also has a max; bad weight distribution can overload an axle even if total payload seems fine.
Real-world payload ranges for small vans (guide) 🧮
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Conservative working payload: 550–650 kg
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Upper working payload (select trims): 700–800 kg
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Two people in cab + tools? Subtract ~ 120–180 kg from the headline payload.
Rule of thumb: If your total cargo (plus people, plus add-ons like racking) will push beyond 600–700 kg, you’re safer with a medium van.
How much space is inside? (volume & dimensions) 📏
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Typical load volume: 2.5–3.6 m³
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Common internal lengths: 1.5–1.8 m (some models up to ~2.0 m with load-through hatch)
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Width: ~ 1.2–1.5 m (between wheel arches often ~1.1–1.2 m)
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Height: ~ 1.1–1.3 m
Quick volume check
Volume (m³) = L × W × H (in metres).
Example: 1.7 m × 1.25 m × 1.2 m ≈ 2.55 m³.
Packing translation: 1 m³ usually fits about 8–12 medium moving boxes (depending on box size and how tightly you pack). So 3 m³ ≈ 24–36 medium boxes—if they’re well stacked.
What actually fits in a small van? (fit guide) 📦✅
Great fits
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Moving boxes: ~ 24–36 medium boxes (well stacked)
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Flat-packed furniture: bedside tables, compact desks, chairs, small bookcases
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Home appliances (select): most microwaves, compact fridges, under-counter washers (check height/width)
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Retail/e-com: cartons, returns, POS materials, folded stands
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Event kit: banners, light frames, folded rails, promo packs
Borderline / check dimensions
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Standard UK pallets (120×100 cm): Often too wide between arches; sometimes one pallet fits if loaded carefully and van spec allows—confirm first
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Sofas & wardrobes: Small 2-seaters might squeeze in diagonally; tall wardrobes usually don’t
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Mattresses: Single often OK; double/king usually no
Awkward items tip: If length >1.8 m or any side >1.2–1.3 m, a medium van is likely the better call.
The 60-Second Capacity Calculator ⏱️
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Weigh your items (or estimate):
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Small appliance: 20–40 kg
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Medium box (books): 15–22 kg
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Medium box (clothes/linens): 6–12 kg
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Add people + extras (driver + you + tools): 120–180 kg
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Payload check: Aim to keep total load ≤ 600–700 kg.
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Space check: Count boxes × 0.08–0.12 m³ each → match against ~3 m³.
If you’re close to the limits, go one size up. It’s safer, faster, and often cheaper than doing two runs.
Weight distribution & securing loads (safety must-dos) 🧷
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Heaviest near the bulkhead: keeps weight forward, protecting axles and braking.
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Low and centered: reduces roll and protects fragile items.
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Even left/right: avoid overloading one side.
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Strap everything: use ratchet straps to stop forward shift under braking.
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Protect edges: corner guards/blankets prevent crush damage.
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No loose items: brake tests throw unstrapped gear forward—dangerous and costly.
Courier insight: A well-strapped, balanced 600 kg load feels safer than a loose 350 kg one. Strapping saves claims and time.
Packaging that maximises capacity 🎁
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Uniform boxes stack tighter than mixed shapes.
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Double-wall cartons for anything heavy or fragile.
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Fill voids (paper/air pillows) so stacks don’t slump.
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Disassemble legs/handles to shorten longest side.
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Wrap soft with soft (linens/pillows) to pad gaps around rigid items.
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Label sides (not tops only) so boxes stay readable when stacked.
When a small van is perfect (and when it isn’t) 🎯
Choose a small van if:
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Inner-London drop with tight streets/parking
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Up to ~600 kg total load
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Boxes, POS kits, small appliances, compact flat-packs
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Single address or short multi-drop within the city
Upgrade to medium van if:
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Any dimension is >1.8–2.0 m or >1.2–1.3 m wide/tall
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Load >700 kg including people and extras
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You need to carry bulky sofas/wardrobes, large mattresses, or multiple appliances
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You want one trip instead of risking two
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them) ⚠️
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Guessing weight: Books are heavier than they look. Overestimate if unsure.
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Forgetting people/tools: They count toward payload.
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Axle overload: All heavy boxes at the back is a no-go. Keep weight forward.
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Unsealed liquids: Always upright and bag-protected; leaks ruin loads.
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No protection for fragile edges: Use blankets/foam—cheap insurance.
Quick answers (FAQ) ❓
Q: Can a small van carry a washing machine?
A: Usually yes (under-counter models), if height/width fit and total weight is within payload. Strap it upright.
Q: Will a small van take a double mattress?
A: Often no (too big). A medium van is safer.
Q: Do you take pallets?
A: Some jobs yes, but small vans are tight on width. Tell us pallet size/weight first.
Q: Is one heavy item OK if the total is under payload?
A: It depends on axle distribution and securing. We’ll advise on the right van.
Sample load scenarios (real-world feel) 🧪
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E-com restock: 28 medium cartons of apparel (~8 kg each) → ~224 kg, ~2.8 m³ → Small van: ideal.
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Micro-move: 1 compact desk (disassembled), 1 office chair, 15 book boxes (~18 kg each) → ~270 kg, ~2.2 m³ → Small van: OK.
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Appliance swap: Under-counter fridge (~35 kg) + 12 mixed boxes (~10–15 kg each) → ~155–215 kg, ~1.8 m³ → Small van: easy.
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Bulky wardrobe (assembled): 2.05 m tall → Likely too tall/long → Medium van needed.
Booking checklist (copy-paste) ✅
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📦 What: item list + rough dimensions (L×W×H)
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⚖️ How heavy: best guess or item weights
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🕘 When: pickup window + any building restrictions
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🚪 Access: lifts, stairs, loading bay, parking notes
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🧰 Extras: blankets, straps, trolley required?
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📍 Route: multi-drop? fragile/keep-upright items?
The Lucky Van advantage in London
At Lucky Van, we match your job to the right van size—small for speed and savings, medium/large when dimensions or payload demand it. You’ll get:
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Capacity guidance upfront (no surprises at the kerb)
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Professional strapping & protection for safe transit
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Clear pricing with the vehicle that fits (not the one that struggles)
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Same-day/next-day options across London
Not sure if your load fits a small van? Tell us the items and we’ll confirm in minutes—or recommend a medium van if it saves you time, cost, and stress.
TL;DR (one-glance summary) 🧭
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Small-van payload: ~550–800 kg (plan for ≤600–700 kg incl. people/tools)
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Volume: ~2.5–3.6 m³ (≈ 24–36 medium boxes when well packed)
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Great for: boxes, small appliances, compact flat-packs, POS/event kits
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Watch out for: double mattresses, tall wardrobes, pallet width
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If in doubt: step up to a medium van—one smooth trip beats two risky ones
Ready to book the right van size? Contact Lucky Van and get a precise fit check for your load—no guesswork, just a smooth, safe delivery.
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When booking a courier or van delivery service in London, most people rush straight to the price and time estimate. Few take the time to read the Terms & Conditions (T&Cs). Yet those fine-print rules matter more than many realise. They define what happens if your delivery is delayed, what charges apply if you cancel, and how much compensation you can expect if something goes wrong.
At Lucky Van, we’ve seen how misunderstandings can be avoided simply by making the rules transparent. That’s why we’ve prepared this guide: a plain-English explanation of the most important parts of our Terms & Conditions of Carriage. If you’re a business shipping pallets daily, or a Londoner sending furniture across town, here’s what you should know before you book.
Why Understanding T&Cs Matters
Delivery seems simple: you book a van, the driver arrives, the goods are collected, and then they’re delivered. But logistics is rarely that straightforward. Roads get congested, addresses turn out to be incomplete, customers run late, goods aren’t packed properly, or traffic restrictions like ULEZ add costs.
The role of T&Cs is to provide clarity and fairness:
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They protect the customer from unexpected surprises.
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They protect the company from risks outside its control.
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They set expectations so both sides know their responsibilities.
Ignoring them can lead to frustration, extra costs, or even disputes. Reading them (or at least this guide) gives you peace of mind.
The Key Rules, Explained in Plain English
1. Waiting Time (Detention and Demurrage)
Every booking includes 30 minutes of free waiting at both collection and delivery. After that, time is charged per minute. For small vans this may be 40p/minute, while for larger vehicles it may be 80p/minute.
Why? Because vehicles stuck waiting can’t earn. If you’re late or the site isn’t ready, the van is effectively on hire but idle. The solution: be ready when your courier arrives, and you’ll never pay extra.
2. Cancellation and Aborted Attendance
Sometimes plans change — that’s normal. But last-minute cancellations affect drivers’ schedules and costs.
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Cancel with more than 24 hours’ notice: no problem.
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Cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice: up to 50% of the booking fee may apply.
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Cancel after the driver has already arrived: 50–80% of the agreed fee is chargeable.
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Driver cannot access the site due to wrong address, no one available, or blocked entrance: the full fee plus any re-delivery/storage costs may apply.
Tip: Always double-check the details in your booking confirmation email — address, access instructions, and contact phone number.
3. Packaging and Labelling
This one is crucial. The courier is responsible for safe driving and handling, but the customer is responsible for proper packaging. If goods are fragile, they need bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, or pallets. Labels must be clear and accurate.
If items are poorly packed or unlabelled, they travel at your risk. That’s standard across the industry, and Lucky Van is no exception. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t send glassware without wrapping it first.
4. Prohibited and Restricted Items
We’re flexible with most deliveries, but there are limits:
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Cash, jewellery, and high-value items — not accepted without prior agreement.
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Dangerous goods (chemicals, explosives, etc.) — only with full ADR compliance.
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Fragile or irreplaceable items — accepted, but excluded from compensation unless declared.
If you book such items without declaring them, they may be refused or travel at your risk.
5. Liability and Insurance
One of the most important sections. By default, carrier liability is limited:
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UK domestic movements: up to £1,300 per tonne (£1.30/kg) of gross weight, subject to a minimum of £10.
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International (CMR): 8.33 SDR/kg (roughly £8–£9/kg).
That means if your 100 kg sofa worth £5,000 is damaged, the standard liability is £130, not the full replacement value.
Solution: buy enhanced insurance. Lucky Van can arrange extra cover if you notify us in writing at least 7 days before transit. It’s a small surcharge compared to the potential loss.
6. Surcharges and Pricing
London logistics comes with extra costs that sometimes apply on top of the base fee:
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Fuel surcharges (especially when prices spike).
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Congestion Charge and ULEZ fees.
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Remote area or toll surcharges.
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Peak or emergency demand charges.
We update surcharge levels periodically to reflect real costs. When you book, we base quotes on the information you provide — weight, size, addresses, access. If the actual load is very different, the price may be recalculated.
7. Dangerous Goods (ADR Rules)
If you’re shipping paint, aerosols, chemicals, or batteries, you must disclose them. The law requires proper classification, packing, and paperwork under ADR. Without it, drivers may refuse collection.
Lucky Van is ADR-aware, but compliance is the sender’s responsibility.
8. Proof of Delivery (POD)
We use electronic PODs: timestamp, geolocation, and either a digital signature or delivery photo. This protects you and us — it’s clear when and where delivery happened.
If delivery is impossible (wrong address, no access, recipient absent), we may store, return, or dispose of goods, and reasonable costs apply.
9. Claims and Time Limits
If something does go wrong, claims must be made quickly:
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Visible damage or loss: notify us in writing within 7 days.
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Non-delivery: notify within 21 days after expected delivery.
Proof of value is required, and we may need to inspect goods.
10. Customer Responsibilities
The customer agrees to:
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Provide safe access, legal parking, and loading conditions.
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Ensure staff or equipment are ready for loading/unloading.
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Give correct and complete information (dimensions, addresses, phone numbers).
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Cover costs if incorrect info leads to failed delivery.
Think of this as teamwork: when the customer and courier both do their part, deliveries run smoothly.
What This Means for You
Here’s how to make the most of courier services under these rules:
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Be prepared: Have goods packed, labelled, and ready to load when the van arrives.
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Check details: Make sure addresses, access instructions, and contacts are correct.
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Book realistically: Allow time for traffic, waiting, and possible delays.
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Protect valuable goods: Request enhanced insurance if items are high-value.
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Communicate: If anything changes, let the courier know as early as possible.
Doing these five things avoids nearly every extra cost or dispute.
Lucky Van’s Promise
We don’t hide behind fine print. Our Terms & Conditions are public, and our drivers are trained to explain key points if needed. Our goal is simple: transparent, reliable, professional courier services across London and the UK.
By knowing the rules upfront, you can book with confidence, whether you need a same-day furniture delivery, urgent business shipment, or regular e-commerce courier service.
Conclusion
Courier services aren’t just about moving items from A to B — they’re about trust, clarity, and professionalism. By understanding Lucky Van’s Terms & Conditions of Carriage, you know exactly what to expect: from waiting time and cancellation rules to liability and insurance options.
So next time you’re planning a delivery in London, don’t just check the price. Check the terms, prepare your goods properly, and choose a courier that values transparency.
With Lucky Van, you’ll always know where you stand — and where your goods are headed.
📞 Ready for stress-free London deliveries?
Contact Lucky Van today for fast, reliable courier services tailored to your needs.
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Follow us for real delivery stories, customer shoutouts, and special offers:
👉 Book with Lucky Van today and give your customers the delivery experience they deserve.
Goods-in-Transit insurance protects your items while they’re being moved from A to B. Whether it’s a single fragile sculpture, a multi-drop e-commerce run, or a same-day office relocation, GIT is the safety net that covers physical loss or damage during loading, transit, temporary storage, and unloading. For businesses, it’s not just “nice to have”—it’s a practical risk-control tool that keeps operations steady and customers confident.
Note: the points below are general guidance. Always check the policy schedule, endorsements and exclusions of your chosen provider.
What GIT Usually Covers (and Where It Stops)
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Physical loss or damage: theft, accidental damage, collision impact, overturning, fire, and similar transit perils.
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While in transit: often from the moment items are picked up and loaded until they’re delivered and signed for.
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Extensions/endorsements (if added): temporary overnight storage in the van, loading/unloading, cross-decking between vehicles, or short-term warehousing en-route.
GIT does not typically cover:
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Consequential loss or delays (missed deadlines, loss of profits).
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Inherent vice/poor packaging (items that fail due to their own condition or inadequate packing).
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Excluded goods (e.g., cash, precious metals, fine art, or hazardous items) unless expressly agreed.
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Improper security (e.g., vehicle left unattended with doors unlocked, parking in non-secure areas against policy rules).
How Limits and Valuation Actually Work
Before you book a courier, verify how compensation is calculated:
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Per vehicle vs. per consignment vs. per item: Policies may set different caps (e.g., a total per vehicle limit with a lower sub-limit per item). If you’re shipping a single high-value item, a low per-item cap can be a nasty surprise.
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Basis of settlement: Indemnity (market value) vs. new-for-old (replacement) where available. Some policies reduce payouts for wear and tear.
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Pairs & sets clause: If one chair from a set of six is damaged, the payout may be limited to the value of that single chair—not the entire set—unless specifically covered.
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Excess: The deductible you agree to pay on each claim. A higher excess may reduce premium but increases your out-of-pocket risk.
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Declared value accuracy: Under-declaring can limit payout and breach terms; over-declaring won’t help if the policy’s maximum is lower than your item value.
Red Flags and Exclusions You Should Actively Check
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“Theft-attractive” goods: Tech, designer fashion, alcohol, tobacco, jewellery often face sub-limits or exclusions. Confirm treatment in writing.
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Unattended vehicle rules: Many policies require deadlocks, immobilisers, alarms, and secure overnight parking. A theft during a quick coffee stop can be excluded if doors/windows weren’t secured.
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Packaging & loading: If the sender is responsible for packing, inadequate packaging may void cover. Agree who packs and how (and document it).
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Temperature-controlled items: If you’re moving chilled/frozen goods, confirm cover for temperature deviation and equipment failure.
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Fragile/unique goods: Artwork, antiques, glass, stone, musical instruments often need specific wording or a “white-glove” endorsement.
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International shipments: Cross-border moves may shift the legal framework and liability. Confirm that the courier’s GIT and your own insurance still apply door-to-door.
Courier Terms vs. Insurance: Don’t Confuse the Two
Courier terms and conditions often include limited liability (e.g., a cap per kilo or per consignment) unless you buy enhanced cover or declare a higher value ahead of time. Insurance is what can extend protection beyond those base limits—but only if arranged properly. If your item’s value exceeds either the courier’s standard liability or the insurer’s default limit, ask for:
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A higher single-item/consignment limit, or
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A one-off “special declaration” for that specific job, confirmed on the booking.
Proof of Delivery (POD), ePOD and Claims
Solid documentation speeds up claims and reduces disputes:
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Pre-pickup condition: Photos/video, serial numbers, a packing list, and any pre-existing marks noted in writing.
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During transit: Real-time tracking, route logs, and time-stamped status updates help establish a clean chain of custody.
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At delivery: ePOD with name, signature, timestamp, geo-tag, and photos of items in situ. If damage is suspected, mark the POD as “received with damage” and photograph immediately.
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Claims window: Policies set strict notification deadlines (e.g., notify within 24–72 hours). Miss the window—risk losing the claim.
Who Packs, Who Lifts, Who’s Liable
Agree responsibilities up front:
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Packing: Courier-packed vs. client-packed. If client-packed, follow a written packing guide (double-walled boxes, edge protectors, corner guards, furniture blankets, straps).
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Handling: For heavy/bulky items, book two-man delivery. Single-driver handling of oversized goods increases breakage risk and may breach safe-lifting rules.
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Access & restrictions: Stairs, lifts, loading bays and time windows. If the team must maneuver via tight stairwells, tell them in advance—policies don’t cover “attempting the impossible”.
Special Cases: Furniture, Art, Tech and Cold Chain
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Furniture/white-glove: Ask about protective materials (mattress bags, sofa protectors, crating), on-site assembly, and post-delivery photos. Confirm that cosmetic damage is within scope.
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Art & antiques: Custom crating, shock/tilt indicators, climate notes. Many insurers require professional packing or a specialist courier team.
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Electronics/IT: Anti-static packaging, original boxes if possible, and serial-number logs. Exclusions may apply to data loss—insurance covers the device, not the files.
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Chilled/frozen: Temperature logs, pre-cooled vehicles, door-open time discipline. Confirm coverage for spoilage due to equipment failure vs. driver error.
Subcontractors and Handoffs
If your courier sometimes uses trusted partners for capacity peaks or remote areas:
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Ensure subcontractors are held to the same GIT standards.
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Request a single point of liability: the courier you book remains responsible to you, even if a partner physically completes the job.
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Keep a paper trail: job ID, who had custody when, and corresponding ePOD.
The “Pre-Book” Checklist (Use This Before You Click “Confirm”)
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Item details and value: What exactly is moving? Single item or multiple? Exact declared value?
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Coverage limit: Per item / per consignment / per vehicle. Is the limit above your item’s value?
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Exclusions: Any special categories (fragile, art, high-theft, temperature-controlled)? Are they included?
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Packaging plan: Who packs? What materials? Any crating needed?
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Handling plan: One-man vs. two-man team; stairs/lifts; awkward access; time windows.
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Security: Vehicle security requirements, overnight parking rules, unattended stops.
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POD/ePOD: Will you get time-stamped signatures and photos? What does the report include?
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Claims window & excess: How fast must you notify? What’s the deductible?
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Higher-value declaration: If needed, arrange in advance and get written confirmation.
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Subcontractors: If handoffs are possible, confirm same insurance standards and single point of liability.
How Lucky Van Handles GIT in Practice
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Clear limits, upfront: We confirm per-item and per-job limits in writing and offer enhanced cover where appropriate.
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ePOD by default: Time-stamped signatures and photos at pickup and delivery; photo-proof for fragile and high-value items.
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Two-man option: For furniture, art and heavy appliances, minimizing risk from the first lift to final placement.
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Pro-grade packing: Blankets, straps, corner guards, shrink, and (when requested) custom crating or retail-collection re-boxing.
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Temperature-aware runs: For chilled goods, we brief drivers on door-open discipline and can provide temperature logs when required.
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Claims support: If the unexpected happens, we help gather evidence fast so the insurer can make a decision without delays.
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