Organising Parking Space for Your Moving Day is the next step after you have secured your removal company for your house move.
There are three key factors to consider while organising parking space for your moving day. Each one needs to be carefully thought through and considered.
- Date of your move.
- Type of parking available.
- Number of required parking bays.
Date of Your Move:
The timing of your removal job is especially important when organising parking space your moving day. If your move is scheduled within the next few weeks, it is imperative to act promptly. Depending on a borough that you move out and move into there are slightly different rules and deadlines for parking permit applications. Missing these deadlines could result in a much higher short-notice costs or the inability to secure required parking space altogether.
Types of parking available:
There are several types of parking space that are available:
- Residents parking bays
- Metered parking spaces
- Red Route parking
- Designated loading bays
- Streets without parking restrictions
Residents Parking Bays:
In most cases, you will be moving to a residential area with residents bays, necessitating applying for a parking bay suspension with the local council authority. It is essential to apply for the suspension well in advance to meet the deadline. Alternatively, you can opt for visitor's day permits, though they may not guarantee an exact spot, requiring your removal team to search for the nearest empty parking space.
Metered Parking Spaces:
If your property is situated on a busy high street, metered parking spaces may be the only option. Some of these spaces allow for short parking durations, typically around 30 minutes. Unless you are moving a minimal number of items and your movers can load or unload quickly, you may need to search for the nearest residential parking bay, even if it is around the corner. While this may extend the loading/unloading time, it can be the only practical solution for your moving job.
Parking on Red Routes:
For properties located on red routes with red lines, you will need to apply for the red route parking dispensation. These dispensations are regulated by the authorities overseeing major roads and public transport. In London, for example, you would need to contact Transport for London (TFL), while other cities or towns have their relevant authorities. It is worth noting that parking dispensation on roads with double red lines is not possible, and you can apply only for streets with the single red line. In addition to this option, removal vehicles can be parked without restrictions on roads with the single red line between 7 PM to 7 AM and for short 20-minutes loading between 10 AM to 4 PM. Check the Red Route signs on your road for more information.
Designated Loading Bays:
Designated loading bays are typically available for apartment buildings. Contact the building's concierge or manager in advance to secure these spots for your move. Some modern apartment buildings offer underground parking spaces. Ask your removal company about the height of the removal vehicle assigned for your job to assure that it fits under the building.
Streets without parking restrictions:
Streets without parking restrictions have some advantages and disadvantages. While they are free of charge and do not require a parking permit, they can be congested with cars, making it challenging to find a parking space near your property. To secure parking for your removal company, consider parking your car in front of your property a day or a few days ahead of the move. However, keep in mind that removal vans require more space than regular cars. Placing rubbish bins in front of your car and labelling them with a tape marked "Removals - Please Do Not Remove" can help reserve the space. While not everyone may respect these indications, speaking to your neighbours beforehand can often yield positive results.
Number of required parking bays:
When organising parking space for your removal day, it is also essential to secure the correct number of parking bays. Consult with your removal company to determine whether they are going to use vans or lorries and how many of those vehicles will be arriving on your moving day. For instance, a regular removal van (excluding small to medium transit vans) typically requires not one but two parking bays. Remember that in addition to accommodating the van's length, there should ideally be two to three meters of space at the rear for smooth loading and unloading of large items. If you opt for a company that plans to move your items using a lorry, you will likely need to secure three parking bays to accommodate such a vehicle.
In Conclusion:
The above guidelines should effectively help you in organising parking for your removal day. Acting promptly, identifying the type of parking available, and ensuring that the right number of bays are secured will guarantee sufficient parking space for your removal team. If you still have doubts or need assistance, please feel free to Contact us. At London House Removals Ltd we are here to help you also with this aspect of your home moving process.