How to Reserve Parking Space for Moving in London 2025

Moving house in London is stressful enough without worrying about where your removal van will park. One of the most overlooked but crucial steps in a smooth move is reserving a parking space for your removals van. Without it, you risk fines, delays, and frustrated movers.

This guide explains how to arrange parking for your moving day in London, who is responsible, and the easiest ways to secure a space.

London movers moving packed furniture and belongings into storage

🅿️ Can I Rely on My Neighbours for a Parking Space When Moving in London?

Moving house in London is stressful enough without worrying about where your removal van will park. One of the most overlooked but crucial steps for a smooth move is reserving a parking space for your removals van.
Without it, you risk fines, delays, and frustrated movers.

This guide explains how to arrange parking for your moving day in London, who’s responsible, and the best ways to secure a spot hassle-free.

🏡 Relying on Your Neighbours — The Easiest Option

The most favourable and cost-effective solution is to ask your neighbours to keep a parking space clear for moving day.

If they agree:

✅ You won’t need to pay for a parking suspension.
✅ You won’t have to deal with council applications.
✅ It’s often the quickest option for residential areas.

👉 Top tip: Talk to your neighbours in advance. Let them know the exact date and time you’ll need the space. Good communication avoids misunderstandings and ensures a smooth moving day.

🚚 Why a Parking Space Is Essential When Moving in London

A professional removal van is much larger than a standard car. Parking close to your home is essential because:

📦 Loading takes time – movers often need hours, not minutes.
🪑 Heavy items like furniture and appliances can’t be carried far.
🚫 Blocking the street without permission can lead to complaints or fines.

By arranging proper parking, you save time, avoid penalties, and help your removals team work efficiently.

👤 Who Is Responsible for Booking Parking?

A common myth is that the removal company books parking for you. In reality:

You, the customer, are responsible for arranging parking.
Removal companies, including VP Smart Removals, can’t do this for you because each London borough has different rules.
If you don’t secure parking, the van may have to park further away — increasing time, labour costs, and the chance of fines.

📝 Your Two Main Options for Securing Parking

1️⃣ Ask Your Neighbours

If you live on a residential street, this is often the simplest solution:

✅ Free
✅ No paperwork
❌ Not always reliable if neighbours can’t guarantee a space

2️⃣ Apply for a Parking Bay Suspension

If neighbours can’t help, you’ll need to apply for a parking bay suspension through your local council.
This temporarily reserves a space for your removals van.

💰 Cost: Typically £30–£100 per day (varies by borough)
⏰ Notice: Usually apply 5–7 working days in advance
🌐 Where: Visit your local council website (e.g., Croydon Council or Islington Council parking services)

👉 Always check your borough’s specific rules and apply early to avoid disappointment.

🚐 How Many Spaces Do You Need?

Most removal vans require at least two standard parking bays.
Make sure to:

Reserve a space outside your current property.
Reserve another outside your new property.

This ensures the movers can load and unload efficiently at both ends.

❓ FAQs – Parking for Moving in London

1. Do removal companies arrange parking for me?
No. Most London removal companies require customers to book parking in advance.

2. How much does a parking suspension cost?
Between £30–£100 per day, depending on the borough.

3. How far in advance should I apply?
At least 7 working days — some councils require up to 14.

4. What happens if I don’t book parking?
The van may park far away, leading to extra labour charges, delays, or even fines.

✅ Final Thoughts

Booking parking for your moving day in London might seem like a hassle, but it’s a vital step for a stress-free move.
Whether you rely on neighbours or apply for a council bay suspension, arranging it early will save you money, time, and stress.

At VP Smart Removals, we take care of everything else — packing, lifting, transporting — but parking is your responsibility. Secure your space in advance so we can get straight to work on moving day. 🚚✨