Giga
The short answer
Single item moves start at £110 for two hours with a small van and driver
A large single item, such as a sofa, double wardrobe or upright piano, needs blankets, straps and careful handling. A Small Transit with driver is £55 an hour, 2-hour minimum (£110). Heavy or awkward pieces need a 2-person crew at £75 an hour, 2-hour minimum (£150). Mileage is charged one way, collection to delivery.
- Single item moves are booked in whole hours, with a 2-hour minimum for a small van.
- Wrap large items in moving blankets and strap them in the van.
- Measure stairs and doors before you book so nothing gets stuck.
- A removals crew carries goods-in-transit cover; Giga includes £10,000 on every booking.
- Photos or a short video are the quickest way to an accurate price.
Single Item Moving Options in London
Moving one item across London, or anywhere in the UK, is a common job. The right service depends on the item's size, weight and value.
Knowing the options stops you overpaying and keeps the item safe. The main choices are a parcel courier, a van with driver only, a van with a 2-person crew, and a hoist team for windows and balconies.
Typical Costs and Minimum Bookings
Most single item moves are charged by the hour with a minimum booking. Even a 10-minute drive uses a van, a crew and travel time, so the minimum applies.
At Giga, a Small Transit with driver is £55 an hour, 2-hour minimum (£110). If the item needs two people to lift, such as a solid wood dining table or a range cooker, a 2-person crew is £75 an hour, 2-hour minimum (£150). Bookings are in whole hours; if a job runs over, extra time is charged in 30-minute steps. Upright pianos and heavy safes need special equipment and are priced after photos.
Related reading: How to Move a Mattress in London Without Damaging It and Furniture Delivery in London: Collection, Transport & Delivery Guide.
How to Prepare and Protect Your Item
Good preparation prevents scuffs, dents and breaks. Never move bare furniture.
Cover wood in thick moving blankets, wrap glass in bubble wrap and use stretch wrap to hold doors and drawers shut. In the van, the item is strapped to the load rails so it can't shift on the road.
Stairwell and Doorway Access Planning
Many London homes have narrow hallways, tight staircases or small lifts. If an item can't fit through, you may pay for a wasted trip or need a hoist.
Measure the item's width, depth and height. Then measure the narrowest point of the stairs, doorway and lift. Send photos of the stairs and doors before the day so the crew can plan the carry.
Removals Service vs. Parcel Courier
Parcel couriers are built for speed and volume. Removals crews are built for careful handling. A courier like DHL or DPD won't carry a sofa up three flights of stairs, and won't bring blankets.
For large furniture, appliances or antiques, use a removals crew. You get the lifting, goods-in-transit cover and the right kit (trolleys, blankets, straps) to protect your home and the item.
Transport Options
Single item transport options and costs (2026)
| Service Type | Best For | Protection Level | Est. Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parcel Courier | Small boxes, suitcases | Low (No wrapping) | £15 - £30 |
| Small van, driver only | Items you can help carry | Medium (Blankets & straps) | From £110 (2 hours) |
| Small van, 2-person crew | Sofas, wardrobes, appliances | High (Full wrapping & lift) | From £150 (2 hours) |
| Specialist Hoist Team | Balcony sofa hoisting | Maximum (External lift) | £150 - £280 |
Clear answers
Frequently asked questions
With Giga Removals, a single-item move starts at £55 an hour with a Small Transit and driver, 2-hour minimum (£110). If the item needs two people to carry, such as a sofa, wardrobe or fridge freezer, it is £75 an hour with a 2-person crew, 2-hour minimum (£150). Mileage is charged one way, collection to delivery. Send both postcodes, the floor levels and a photo of the item for an exact price.
Yes, if you book a man and van service with a helper, the crew will carry the item, including up stairs. If you book the driver-only option, the driver transports the item but you handle the loading and carrying yourself, so you may need a friend to help. For heavy or awkward items, or anything going up several floors, booking a helper is safer and usually quicker.
Yes, but a single piece of fine art needs proper preparation. Tell your mover before the day so they can bring suitable wrapping, such as acid-free paper, bubble wrap, corner protectors or a padded crate for larger pieces. Photograph the artwork beforehand and mention its size and value. Giga includes £10,000 goods-in-transit cover; high-value pieces may need extra cover on top.
Sometimes, yes. Same-day single-item moves are possible when a van and crew are free, and midweek days usually have more availability than weekends. Single items are easier to fit into a schedule than full house moves. Email or use the booking form as early in the day as you can, with both postcodes, a photo of the item and the floor levels, and we will tell you straight away whether today works.
