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Two man and van quotes can look very different even when both companies have been given the same postcodes. One may allow for two people carrying furniture from an upstairs flat; another may assume that everything is ready at the entrance. Before comparing the total, compare the job each provider has understood.
This guide helps you compare man and van quotes in London using one clear description of your move. It does not give a standard price: your inventory, access, timing and requested help need to be assessed together.
Send every mover the same moving brief
Create a short written brief and keep one current version. Include the collection and delivery addresses, proposed date, floors, lift access, carrying distances and a room-by-room inventory. Add photographs of bulky furniture and any awkward entrance or stair turn.
Be clear about what is still uncertain. If packing is unfinished, describe your box count as an estimate and ask when the mover needs the final number. If you have not received keys or confirmed building access, say so rather than presenting a provisional arrangement as definite.
For the vehicle discussion, use our moving van size guide. A vehicle name alone does not confirm that every item will fit or that only one journey is needed.
Identify how each price is calculated
Ask whether the figure is a fixed price for the described job, an hourly rate or an estimate based on expected time. Then ask what could change it. A low hourly figure and a fixed total are not directly comparable without knowing the assumptions behind each.
For an hourly booking, confirm the minimum booking period, when charging starts and ends, how additional time is counted and whether travelling time is included. For a fixed quote, confirm the inventory, addresses, access and tasks it covers, and what happens if those details change.
Ask for the total payable, including any applicable VAT and disclosed charges. Keep deposits, balances and payment dates separate in your notes so that an upfront payment is not mistaken for the full cost.
Compare the help included, not just the van
Write down the number of people supplied and exactly what they are expected to do. Does the booking include carrying from the rooms, loading, unloading and placing furniture in the destination rooms? Is any help expected from you?
A phrase such as “driver helping” needs clarification before the day. It does not explain whether the driver will carry every item alone or whether another person is required for larger pieces. Describe those pieces and ask the provider to confirm suitable staffing.
List packing, dismantling and reassembly as separate tasks. For example, moving an assembled bed and taking it apart before transport are different requests. Our furniture dismantling guide explains what information to prepare.
Use a simple quote comparison sheet
Copy the following questions into a note and record each provider’s written answer. Mark missing information as “not confirmed” rather than assuming it is included.
| Compare | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Load and journeys | Which inventory and how many planned trips does this cover? |
| People and carrying | How many movers attend, and what carrying help is included? |
| Time | What is the arrival window, and how is extra time handled? |
| Preparation | Who packs, protects and dismantles the agreed items? |
| Access and travel | Which stairs, carrying distances, stops and travel costs are allowed for? |
| Changes | What happens if the inventory, date or access changes? |
| Payment | What is the total, when is it payable and what remains outstanding? |
Resolve London access details before accepting
A short drive can still involve a lengthy collection if the van cannot reach the entrance or a shared lift has limited availability. Tell each mover about basement steps, long corridors, estate gates and vehicle-height restrictions.
Check the current loading arrangements for both addresses with the relevant authority or building manager. Ask the mover which parking, road or other journey charges are included in their figure and which, if any, remain separate. Do not substitute a general London cost estimate for the arrangements at your own addresses.
For a managed building, confirm the moving slot and reception contact. If the lift or entrance arrangements change, update the mover before the booking rather than relying on an earlier quote.
Check the written terms and your unanswered questions
Before paying, read the provider’s cancellation, rescheduling, waiting-time and damage-reporting information. Ask what protection or cover applies to the service and whether any exclusions affect your belongings. Do not treat the word “insured” as a complete explanation of what is covered.
Keep the final quote, inventory and agreed services together. If an answer changes by phone, request a written update. This gives both sides the same record of the booking and makes it easier to spot an omission while there is still time to resolve it.
Request a quote for your London move
Contact JP Man & Van or call 07925405549 with your moving brief, photographs and preferred date. Explain the carrying and preparation help you need so the proposed service can be discussed clearly before you book.