Size and weight of the item
The biggest factor is what you're moving. Larger and heavier pieces need a bigger vehicle, more space in the load area and often a second person to carry them. A sofa, wardrobe or dining table takes up far more room than a chair or a flat-packed box.
Measure the height, width and depth of each item and estimate its weight if you can. Mention anything awkward, such as a sofa with fixed arms or a glass tabletop. Accurate details help match a vehicle that fits first time.
Distance and route
Longer journeys take more time and fuel, so distance plays a big part. Routes matter too. A run on a motorway is usually quicker than the same distance through busy town centres, and tolls, bridges or charging zones can add to a driver's costs.
If your item is going a long way, think about whether the date is flexible. Drivers already heading in that direction may be able to offer a better price.
Access at pickup and drop-off
Access often affects the cost as much as distance. Stairs, narrow hallways, tight corners and long walks from the parking spot all add time and effort. A ground-floor flat with parking outside is quicker than a top-floor flat with no lift.
Tell drivers about:
- The floor number and whether there's a lift
- How far the vehicle can park from the door
- Narrow stairs, tight turns or low doorways
- Parking restrictions or permits needed
How many people are needed
Some items can be moved by one driver. Heavier or bulkier pieces need two people to carry safely. If you can help carry, say so in the job. If you need full help loading and unloading, make that clear so drivers can plan and price for it.
Vehicle type
Small items fit in a small van, while large or multiple items need a long wheelbase or Luton van. Very heavy pieces may need a van with a tail lift. The vehicle needed is one of the main things that sets the price, which is why accurate sizes matter.
Timing and urgency
If you need something moved today, ASAP Transport sends your job to nearby drivers who are online. If you can wait, scheduling ahead gives drivers time to fit your job around others. Weekends, bank holidays and the end of the month can be busier, so flexible dates can help.
Assembly, packing and extras
Dismantling, reassembly and packing are not included as standard. If an item needs taking apart to get it out of the room, do this before the driver arrives or mention it in the job. Wrapping items in blankets or bubble wrap protects them and reduces the chance of damage.
How to get a price for your job
Enter your pickup, drop-off and items to see an instant price. You can also post the job as a Bid Job and drivers send you their own quotes, or set your own price with a Fixed Price Job and let drivers accept it. Whichever you choose, you can follow your driver live and get photo proof of delivery.
Multiple items and extra stops
Moving several pieces at once is usually more efficient than booking separate jobs, as long as they fit in one vehicle. If items are coming from different places, such as a shop and a private seller, add each pickup as a stop. Extra stops add time, so list them all at the start rather than asking the driver to add them on the day.
Ways to keep the cost down
You can't change the size of a sofa, but you can make the job easier:
- Measure carefully so the right vehicle is sent first time
- Have items ready by the door, wrapped and dismantled if needed
- Offer to help carry if you're able to
- Choose a flexible date rather than a fixed time slot
- Check parking in advance so the driver can stop close by
Delivering to someone else
If the furniture is a gift or going to a family member, add their name and phone number to the job and let them know a driver is coming. Make sure they know where the item should go in the home and whether they need to help carry. You can still follow the driver live and get photo proof when it's delivered, even if you're not there yourself.