Not all house moves require the same level of labour. A single-bedroom flat move in Stockwell? That’s one kind of challenge. A full-on family home with garden furniture, bikes, and five years of clutter? That’s another story entirely.
At Drift Couriers, we handle both ends of the spectrum and everything in between. Whether you need a quick, efficient local man and van service for a city flat or a larger removals van for a full household, the key is matching the right transport to the right type of move.
Here’s how we break it down.
House Moving Is On The Rise
A report by Lloyds bank indicated that house moves increased by 10% in the first half of 2024 vs 2023. In numbers that was 126,884 in 2024 and 115,530 2023 individuals and families moving into new homes across the country with a sizeable number of them moving into London
Small Flat Moves: Travel Light, Move Smart
Moving from a small flat especially in busy areas like Vauxhall or Shoreditch — is often about speed and efficiency. There’s rarely a driveway, there’s probably a few stairs involved, and parking might be a headache. But you’re not shifting wardrobes and bunk beds — so there’s no need to overcomplicate it.
Best Van for Small Flat Moves: Ford Transit Custom
For most small flat moves, we use a Ford Transit Custom. It’s agile, compact, and perfect for navigating tight roads. You’ll fit a bed frame, a few pieces of furniture, and your boxed-up belongings with space to spare.
Tips for Flat Removals:
- Pack light and early. Use stackable boxes and vacuum bags.
- Dismantle what you can. Sofas, tables, and even shelving units are easier to load in pieces.
- Watch for access issues. If there’s no lift or the entryway is narrow, let us know so we can plan accordingly.
- Use a courier service for excess. Got a few items that don’t need to come with you on the day? We offer same-day courier services for overflow or staggered moves.
Moving a Family Home: Size, Volume, and Planning
Shifting from a multi-bedroom house comes with different demands. We’re talking furniture in bulk, garden tools, bikes, appliances — and probably some boxes from the attic you forgot you had. The priority here is efficiency at scale.
Best Van for Large Home Moves: Mercedes Sprinter LWB
For most family home removals, we roll out the Mercedes Sprinter Long Wheelbase. It’s built for load volume, so it handles beds, white goods, boxed-up kitchen gear, and even bulky garden furniture. Fewer trips, more done in one go.
Tips for Family House Moves:
- Pack one room at a time. This keeps unloading and unpacking cleaner on the other end.
- Label everything clearly. Colour codes or room names help our team place things exactly where you want them.
- Let us help with the heavy lifting. We offer labour assistance for large jobs, no need to strain yourself.
- Consider multiple runs or staggered delivery. If you’re moving in phases or still decorating the new place, we can split your load and work to your timeline.
Flat or House, Here’s What You Shouldn’t Forget
Whichever end of the scale your move is on, some things are universal:
- Update your address. Council tax, energy providers, GP, bank — don’t leave it last minute.
- Meter readings. Take photos at both ends — old place and new.
- Pack a first-night box. Bedding, chargers, snacks, tea bags, and the remote control (if you value your sanity).
- Book ahead. End of month and weekends fill up fast, especially for longer distance or same-day moving services.
Need a Reliable Courier Van for Your Move?
At Drift Couriers, we match our service to the size and shape of your move. Whether you need a compact solution for a one-bed flat or full-scale support for a large family home, we’ve got the vans — and the experience — to get it done properly.
Ready to book your move?
Drop us a message or give us a call. We’ll help you figure out what van you need, when you need it, and make the rest of the day a lot less stressful