Question 1

How do I book PHI Movers?

Accepted Answer

Booking PHI Movers is designed to take under 60 seconds. You can book directly through our website by entering your pickup and drop-off postcodes, selecting a date and time, and choosing the number of movers you need — we operate across all 33 London boroughs. You'll receive instant confirmation to your email address. Alternatively, you can call us on 020 7946 0134 (7 days a week, 8am–8pm) or use the WhatsApp chat button on our website. For complex or large moves — such as office relocations or multi-property jobs — we recommend calling so we can discuss your specific requirements and provide an accurate fixed quote. Same-day bookings are accepted subject to crew availability; call or chat for the fastest response on urgent moves. Every booking includes a fully insured, DBS-checked crew at our standard rate of £39 per hour per mover, with a 2-hour minimum charge. Once booked, you'll get a confirmation with your crew's arrival window and a contact number, so you always know exactly what to expect on the day.

Question 2

How far in advance do I need to book?

Accepted Answer

For the best availability and to secure your preferred date and time, we recommend booking at least 48–72 hours in advance. Weekend slots (particularly Fridays and Saturdays) are our most popular and often fill up 1–2 weeks ahead, especially during peak months (May–September and December). For same-day moves, call us as early in the morning as possible — same-day bookings are accepted subject to crew availability, and we do our best to accommodate urgent jobs, letting you know immediately if we have a crew free. Student move season (late August and September) and end-of-tenancy periods at the end of each month are especially busy, so book 2–4 weeks ahead during these times. We never want to let a customer down, so the earlier you reach out, the better the chance of getting your ideal slot. Whatever notice you give us, you'll receive the same fully insured, DBS-checked crew at £39 per hour per mover with a 2-hour minimum. If your preferred slot is gone, we'll always offer you the closest available alternative.

Question 3

Can I book for the same day?

Accepted Answer

Yes — same-day bookings are accepted subject to crew availability. We keep capacity available for urgent requests each day, but this is on a first-come, first-served basis. To maximise your chances, call us as early in the morning as possible on 020 7946 0134. Please note that same-day slots are most likely available Monday to Thursday; Friday and weekend same-day requests are harder to fulfil because our schedule tends to be fully booked by the previous day. If we can't accommodate you same-day, we'll do everything we can to find you the next earliest available slot — often the following morning. There's no extra fee for same-day bookings: you pay the same £39 per hour per mover, with a 2-hour minimum charge, and the same fully insured, DBS-checked crew you'd get with an advance booking. We cover all 33 London boroughs for same-day jobs, so wherever you are in the capital, get in touch as early as you can and we'll check live availability for your postcodes straight away.

Question 4

Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?

Accepted Answer

We understand that plans change. You can cancel or reschedule your booking free of charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled move time. Cancellations or rescheduling requests made with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a short-notice fee, which we will always communicate clearly before applying. To cancel or reschedule, email us at info@phimoves.co.uk or call 020 7946 0134 — one of our team will handle it immediately and send you a confirmation. In the rare case that we need to reschedule on our side (for example, due to a vehicle breakdown or serious operational issue), we will notify you as early as possible, offer the next available slot, and apply a 10% discount to your booking as an apology for the inconvenience. If you need to move your booking to a different date entirely, we'll do our best to keep your original crew size and the same £39 per hour per mover rate. There are no hidden admin charges for a standard reschedule made within our notice period.

Question 5

Do I need to be present on moving day?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend that you or a trusted representative are present at both the pickup and drop-off locations throughout the move. Your presence helps the crew understand exactly which items need to be moved, where things should go in the new property, and allows you to inspect your belongings as they are loaded and unloaded. If you genuinely cannot be there, you must notify us in advance and provide clear written instructions and a contact number for someone who can answer questions during the move. For insurance purposes, having an authorised person on-site at both ends is important if any damage claims need to be raised, since our goods-in-transit cover relies on items being checked at handover. We do not accept liability for items moved incorrectly due to the absence of a representative. If you're managing the move remotely — for example, an overseas landlord or a busy parent helping a student — let us know when booking and we'll agree a clear plan, including how the crew should contact you and how payment will be settled on the day.

Question 6

How much does a man and van cost in London?

Accepted Answer

PHI Movers charges from £39 per hour per mover with a transit van — one of the most competitive rates in London for a fully insured, professional service. Our pricing is simple and transparent: 1 mover + van = £39/hr, 2 movers + van = £78/hr, and 3 movers + van = £117/hr. All rates include fuel for moves within Greater London, ULEZ compliance (our vans are all ULEZ-exempt), and standard goods-in-transit insurance, and all crews are DBS-checked. There is a 2-hour minimum charge for all bookings. The total cost of your move depends on how long the job takes — a studio flat move typically takes 2–3 hours, a 2-bed flat 4–5 hours, and a 3-bed house 6–8 hours. We always provide an estimate before you book and are happy to discuss expected durations for your specific move. Because we cover all 33 London boroughs at the same hourly rate, there are no postcode-based surcharges: a move in Croydon costs the same per hour as a move in Camden, so you can budget with confidence.

Question 7

Are there any hidden fees?

Accepted Answer

No — our pricing policy is built on complete transparency. The quote you receive before booking reflects what you will pay. The only additional charges that may apply are: a Congestion Charge Zone surcharge (£15) if your move requires the van to travel through the CCZ during charging hours (7am–6pm weekdays, 12pm–6pm weekends) — this will always be stated in your quote; a stair carry surcharge for properties above the 3rd floor without a lift, at £10 per additional floor above floor 3; and a long carry charge if the parking location is more than 50 metres from your front door, for example due to parking restrictions. We will always tell you about these before the job starts, never after. There are no fuel surcharges within Greater London, no weekend booking fees, and no admin fees. Our headline rate stays £39 per hour per mover with a 2-hour minimum, and the same fully insured, DBS-checked crew applies to every job. If anything about your move could affect the price, we'd rather flag it up front so there are genuinely no surprises on the day.

Question 8

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept bank transfer (BACS), credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), and cash. Bank transfer is our preferred method and can be set up instantly via the payment link sent in your booking confirmation. Card payment can be taken on the day by the crew via a mobile card reader. We do not accept cheques. Payment is typically settled on the day of the move, either before or immediately after the job is complete. For larger office relocation projects, we can arrange invoice terms (net 7 or net 14 days) for established businesses — please ask when booking. Deposits are not required for standard bookings, though we may request a small deposit for very large or complex jobs. Whichever method you choose, you'll only ever be charged at our standard rate of £39 per hour per mover, subject to the 2-hour minimum, plus any surcharges we've already confirmed in your quote. You'll receive a clear receipt or invoice for your records, which is useful if you're claiming the move as a business expense or splitting costs with a landlord or housemate.

Question 9

Is there a minimum charge?

Accepted Answer

Yes — there is a 2-hour minimum charge on all bookings. This applies regardless of how quickly the job is completed. The 2-hour minimum ensures we can cover our operational costs (crew time, van operating costs, fuel) for even the shortest jobs. For example, if you book 1 mover + van at £39/hr and the job takes 1 hour 20 minutes, you will still be charged for 2 hours (£78). Beyond the 2-hour minimum, billing is per 30-minute increment — so if the job takes 2 hours 25 minutes, you'd be charged for 2.5 hours. We're transparent about this in our quote, and our crews are efficient — they won't unnecessarily slow down to run up the clock. We take pride in completing jobs promptly and moving on. The minimum is the same across all 33 London boroughs, and applies whether you book one, two, or three movers, since each mover is charged at £39 per hour. If you have a very small job, such as a single-item delivery, the 2-hour minimum still gives you a fully insured, DBS-checked crew for the whole window.

Question 10

Do you charge for the congestion charge or ULEZ?

Accepted Answer

All PHI Movers vehicles are ULEZ-compliant — our modern fleet meets current emission standards, so there is no ULEZ charge passed to customers anywhere in London. For the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ), a surcharge of £15 may be added if your move requires the van to enter the zone during charging hours. Charging hours are 7am–6pm Monday–Friday and 12pm–6pm Saturday–Sunday (not applicable on bank holidays). If your move is in or through the CCZ, we will confirm this in your quote so there are no surprises. For most London moves outside of the central zone — which is the majority of our bookings across the 33 boroughs — no congestion charge applies. If you're unsure whether your postcodes are affected, mention them when requesting your quote and we'll check for you. The £15 surcharge is simply the cost we pay Transport for London passed on at face value, with nothing added on top. Everything else about your booking stays the same: £39 per hour per mover, a 2-hour minimum, and a fully insured, DBS-checked crew.

Question 11

What time will the movers arrive?

Accepted Answer

We offer morning slots (typically 8am–9am starts) and afternoon slots (typically 12pm–1pm starts). Your booking confirmation will specify the time window for your crew's arrival. We track all our vehicles in real time and will call or text you if the crew is running more than 15 minutes late. Punctuality is something we take seriously — our crews are briefed to arrive on time and to call ahead if there are any issues, such as unexpected traffic. In London, traffic can be unpredictable, especially on major routes and near the centre, but we build route buffers into our scheduling to absorb minor delays. If there is a significant delay on our side, we'll communicate early and offer a partial refund or discount as appropriate. Because we have DBS-checked crews based across all 33 boroughs, we can usually assign a team that is local to your pickup address, which helps them arrive promptly and navigate the area confidently. If you have a tight deadline — for example, a lift booked in a block of flats — tell us when booking and we'll prioritise an early-morning slot.

Question 12

What should I do to prepare before the movers arrive?

Accepted Answer

To make your move as fast and smooth as possible, we recommend doing the following before the crew arrives: ensure all items are packed and boxed — the crew's time (and your bill) starts from arrival, so having everything ready saves money at £39 per hour per mover. Defrost your fridge and freezer at least 12 hours in advance. Dismantle any large furniture that can be taken apart (beds, wardrobes, flat-pack) if you haven't requested our dismantle service. Clear pathways through the property so the crew can move freely without risk of injury or tripping. Protect floors in both properties if possible by laying down dustsheets or cardboard on carpet at high-traffic areas. Have a parking space or suspension arranged in advance, since parking close to the door speeds everything up. Keep children and pets out of the way during loading and unloading for their safety. Label boxes with the room they belong to so the crew can place them correctly at the new address. A little preparation typically shaves time off the job, which means you stay closer to the 2-hour minimum and keep your overall cost down.

Question 13

Can the crew help dismantle and reassemble furniture?

Accepted Answer

Yes — furniture dismantling and reassembly is available as an add-on service. This covers beds, wardrobes, flat-pack furniture (IKEA etc.), desks, shelving units, and most standard domestic furniture. If you'd like this service, please select it when booking or mention it when calling, so we can allocate the right tools and sufficient time in the schedule. The add-on is charged at a flat fee of £30 and is available with any booking, alongside our standard rate of £39 per hour per mover and the 2-hour minimum. Note that very specialist furniture — antique pieces, bespoke built-in furniture, or complex mechanisms — may require a specialist carpenter rather than removal crew, and we'll advise you honestly if that's the case before the day. For office moves, we can dismantle and reassemble workstations, desks, and standard office furniture. Our DBS-checked crews carry the common tools needed for flat-pack and bed frames, so in most cases we can take items apart at the old address and rebuild them in the right room at the new one, saving you a stressful evening of self-assembly after the move.

Question 14

What happens if the move takes longer than expected?

Accepted Answer

We charge by the hour, so you only pay for the time used. If the job runs over the estimated duration — for example, because there were more items than anticipated, access issues at the property, or unexpected complications like a stuck sofa — the extra time is charged at the same hourly rate as your booking, £39 per hour per mover. We will always discuss this with you transparently before continuing beyond the original estimate, so you stay in control of the cost. We never spring extra charges on you without agreement. Our crews are experienced and work efficiently, so overruns are uncommon when the property is prepared in advance. To minimise the chance of overruns, be honest with us when booking about the volume of items and any access challenges, such as stairs, no lift, or a long carry from the van. Remember that billing beyond the 2-hour minimum is in 30-minute increments, so a short overrun only adds a small amount. If you're worried about a strict time limit, booking an extra mover often finishes the job faster overall and can work out cheaper.

Question 15

What if something is damaged during the move?

Accepted Answer

In the rare event that an item is damaged during transit, our goods-in-transit insurance covers replacement or repair up to the policy limit. To raise a damage claim, you must notify us in writing (email: info@phimoves.co.uk) within 24 hours of the move completing, with a description of the damage and photographic evidence. We will acknowledge your claim within 1 business day and begin the resolution process promptly. We take damage claims seriously — we'd rather resolve them quickly and fairly than dispute them. Our crews are DBS-checked, trained in safe handling, and briefed to flag anything they consider fragile or at-risk before moving it. If an item is pre-damaged before the move, we will note this on our job sheet and photograph it so there is no ambiguity later. Because we are fully insured, including public liability cover, accidental damage to your property — such as a scuffed wall or doorframe — is also covered. Declaring high-value or fragile items when you book helps us bring the right protective materials and, where needed, an extra mover, which is the best way to prevent damage from happening in the first place.

Question 16

Which areas of London do you cover?

Accepted Answer

PHI Movers covers all 33 London boroughs without exception — from Barnet in the north to Bromley in the south, from Havering in the east to Hillingdon in the west. This includes all areas in between: Central London, East London, West London, North London, and South London. We also serve locations just outside Greater London, such as Surrey, Hertfordshire, and Essex, as long as the job originates within London. For moves that involve a destination outside the M25 — for example, moving from London to Birmingham or Manchester — please call to discuss; we can often accommodate long-distance moves with advance notice. There are no additional area surcharges for operating in outer boroughs; our pricing is consistent across all of Greater London at £39 per hour per mover, with a 2-hour minimum. Wherever you are, you get the same fully insured, DBS-checked crew. Because we have teams based right across the capital, we can usually send movers who already know your borough's streets, parking restrictions, and one-way systems, which makes the whole move faster and less stressful for you on the day.

Question 17

Can you move items to or from a storage unit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — storage moves are one of our most common job types. We can collect items from your home or office and deliver them to any storage facility in London, or collect from storage and deliver to your new property anywhere across the 33 boroughs. We work with all major London storage providers, including Safestore, Big Yellow, Shurgard, and independent facilities. If you're using a storage container or self-storage unit, please let us know the unit size, floor level, and whether there's a lift when booking, as this affects the time and crew size needed. We also offer a packing service for storage items — properly packed boxes are safer in storage and easier to retrieve later. If you need help comparing storage options in your area, our team is happy to advise. Storage moves are charged at our standard £39 per hour per mover with a 2-hour minimum, and handled by the same fully insured, DBS-checked crews. Many customers split a move into two trips — home to storage now, storage to new home later — and we're happy to book both legs so you have one trusted team for the whole process.

Question 18

Do you handle long-distance moves outside London?

Accepted Answer

Our primary service area is Greater London and moves within the M25, where we cover all 33 boroughs. However, we regularly handle moves from London to destinations outside the capital — including Surrey, Kent, Essex, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, and cities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Brighton. For longer-distance moves (over 2 hours from London), we provide a fixed-price quote rather than an hourly rate, which gives you cost certainty rather than watching the clock. Very long-distance moves — for example, London to Manchester, Birmingham, or Scotland — are assessed individually, so please call to discuss your dates and volume. Additional costs for long-distance moves include motorway fuel, driver rest requirements for very long journeys, and potentially an overnight surcharge if the job cannot be completed in one day. All long-distance moves still use the same fully insured, DBS-checked crews and the same careful handling you'd get on a local job. Because we quote these moves up front, you'll know the full cost before you commit, with no per-hour uncertainty once you're on the road and no hidden extras added at the destination.

Question 19

Can you move a piano or other specialist items?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we move pianos and other specialist heavy items using specialist equipment and trained crew. Upright pianos, grand pianos, safes, large garden machinery, gym equipment (treadmills, weight benches), snooker tables, and large marble or stone items all require advance planning. When booking, please specify the exact item and its weight if known, and describe the access at both properties — number of stairs, lift access, and any awkward turns or narrow doorways. For grand pianos, we may recommend a specialist piano removal company depending on the complexity, and we'll tell you honestly if that's the safer option. Moving a piano is priced based on the job difficulty and is quoted separately from the standard hourly rate, though our usual £39 per hour per mover still applies to any standard items moved alongside it. We have the proper piano dollies, straps, and padding to move pianos safely without scratching floors or walls. Every specialist move is handled by fully insured, DBS-checked crews, and we'll often assign an extra pair of hands to keep heavy or valuable items secure throughout loading, transit, and placement at the new address.

Question 20

Do you provide packing materials?

Accepted Answer

Yes — packing materials are available as an add-on. Our materials package (£25) includes a set of double-walled cardboard boxes in mixed sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and tape — enough for most 1–2 bedroom properties. For larger properties, we can supply additional materials on request. If you'd like us to source materials separately from a packing service, that's fine — we can drop them at your property the day before your move so you can pack at your own pace. We also offer a full professional packing service (from £35 as an add-on) where our team packs all your belongings for you on the morning of the move, charged alongside our standard £39 per hour per mover rate. Using quality double-walled boxes is particularly important for protecting fragile items — we'd rather spend a few minutes packing properly than deal with breakage in transit. Remember that items packed by you, rather than by our crew, may not be covered to the same level under our goods-in-transit insurance, so for valuables it's worth using our packing service. All materials and packing are handled by the same fully insured, DBS-checked team across all 33 boroughs.

Question 21

Are PHI Movers fully insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes — PHI Movers carries comprehensive goods-in-transit insurance, public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance, so every booking is fully insured as standard. Our goods-in-transit insurance covers your belongings during loading, transit, and unloading. Public liability insurance protects against any accidental damage we cause to your property, for example a scuff to a wall or doorframe. All policies are maintained at levels appropriate for a professional London removals company and are renewed annually. If you need proof of insurance for any reason — for example, your building management requires it for a moving-in day — we can provide a certificate of insurance on request, so just ask when you book. We recommend that you also check whether your own home contents insurance covers goods in transit, as some policies do include this and it adds a useful extra layer of protection. This cover applies to every job across all 33 London boroughs, alongside our DBS-checked crews and transparent £39 per hour per mover pricing. Being fully insured isn't an optional upgrade with us — it's built into the standard service, giving you peace of mind that your belongings and your home are protected throughout the move.

Question 22

Are your staff DBS-checked?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all PHI Movers crew members undergo DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) enhanced checks before they begin working with us. This means any criminal history is verified before we employ anyone who will have access to customers' homes and belongings. We believe this is a non-negotiable baseline for a London removals company — you are trusting us with access to your home, your possessions, and often your keys. Beyond DBS checks, all crew members receive training in safe manual handling, correct lifting techniques, and our customer service standards before their first job. We also carry out identity verification for all staff and keep records up to date. If you'd like to know more about our screening process, feel free to ask when you book. Every one of the DBS-checked crews working across our 33-borough coverage area is also covered by our full insurance, including public liability and goods-in-transit cover. Combined with our transparent £39 per hour per mover pricing and 2-hour minimum, this means that when you open your door to a PHI Movers team, you can be confident the people handling your belongings have been properly vetted, trained, and insured.

Question 23

What insurance covers my belongings if they're damaged?

Accepted Answer

Our goods-in-transit insurance covers your belongings against damage or loss that occurs during the move — from the moment our crew begins loading at the pickup address to the completion of unloading at the destination. The policy covers accidental damage and loss caused by our crew or vehicle. To make a claim, you must notify us within 24 hours of the move and provide photographic evidence of the damage, after which we acknowledge claims within one business day. Items of exceptional value — such as fine art, antiques, jewellery, or rare collectibles — should be declared in advance and may require specialist insurance that is arranged separately. Standard removal insurance does not cover items packed by the owner, as opposed to packed by our crew, so if you want full coverage, consider our professional packing service. Always check that your own home contents insurance policy also covers transit, as this provides an additional layer of protection. This goods-in-transit cover is included on every booking, across all 33 London boroughs, alongside our DBS-checked crews and our standard £39 per hour per mover rate with a 2-hour minimum, so you're protected as standard rather than paying extra for basic cover.

Question 24

How do you ensure the safety of my items during transit?

Accepted Answer

We take several practical steps to ensure your belongings are protected during every move. All items are loaded carefully by trained, DBS-checked crew using proper manual handling techniques. Fragile and breakable items are wrapped in blanket padding or bubble wrap before being loaded. Furniture is protected with furniture blankets during transit. Items are secured in the van using load straps to prevent shifting during braking or cornering. Our vans are modern, well-maintained vehicles that are inspected regularly — a poorly maintained van with a rough ride is a significant risk for your belongings, so we don't cut corners on the fleet. We do not overload vehicles, even if it means a second trip. For particularly fragile or valuable items, double-boxing and extra padding is used as standard. The crew will always flag anything they're concerned about before moving it, rather than taking a risk. Every move is backed by our full goods-in-transit insurance, so your items are protected as well as carefully handled. These standards apply consistently across all 33 London boroughs, on every job, whether you book one mover or three at our standard £39 per hour per mover rate.

Question 25

What should I do about parking for the moving van?

Accepted Answer

Parking is one of the most overlooked aspects of a London move, and getting it wrong can add significant time and cost to your job at £39 per hour per mover. If you are in a controlled parking zone (CPZ), permit-holder zone, or anywhere with restricted parking, you need to arrange a parking suspension with your local council before moving day. Most London councils offer temporary suspensions for removal vehicles — the cost is typically £50–£80 for a day and applications usually need to be submitted at least 5–10 working days in advance, so plan ahead. If the van cannot park close to your property, the crew will have to carry items over a longer distance, which takes more time and increases your bill, and a long carry over 50 metres may attract a surcharge. When booking with us, describe the parking situation at both properties so we can factor it into the time estimate and bring any extra equipment needed. We can advise on the suspension process for any of the 33 boroughs if you need guidance. Sorting parking early is one of the simplest ways to keep your move quick, smooth, and closer to the 2-hour minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions