Parking space is an extremely important part of the removal process. This is one of the first steps of preparing for the removal that you are supposed to carry out at the beginning of moving home, office, or any other premises. If you plan this step properly, you will reduce some of the stress of moving to your new address. When you start, you need to know about parking the van safely, it is necessary to be aware that the dimensions of this class of vehicle are bigger than normal cars. Please be aware that most of the cargo vehicles used in the removal industry, have a length of around 6-7 meters, a width of around 2 meters and usually a height of 2-3 meters. Of course, it depends on the make, model, and type, but this is the average size.

Next, it is necessary to check if this class and size of vehicle is permitted in the street where the removal will take place, this ought to include the truck dimensions and some extra space behind is obligatory to open the back which allows you to load/unload your goods safely and soundly. Usually, two standard parking bays are ideal for that stage of the operation, and the length of the vehicle. That will allow the man and van team to park their vehicle and keep enough space behind for the loading and unloading process. After that, it is important to check that there are no restrictions regarding stopping on the road (for example, parking for permit holders only, single, or double red/yellow lines, prohibited access, etc). Probably, it will be necessary to contact local authorities (council) or alternative institutions to organise relevant permits, depending on the requirements in the given situation. Also, this is one of the reasons why you should book a professional removal company as soon as you are ready to move. Also, due to the health & safety regulations, you should park on the same side of the street as the loading/unloading. You should never stop the vehicle where you may block the road or any other access. Safety is priority number one, without exception. Please take note that if there are no suitable conditions for parking and loading\unloading, the removals team will decline the service.

Types of the parking space:

Properties with loading bays - This is the best and the fastest solution. Access is easy and loading is quick.
Properties with driveways - similar to loading bays, as long as dimensions are fine, there should be no problem.
Properties with private car parks - are very good and safe as well.
Properties with public car parks - most common solution, usually chargeable with a time limit of maximum stay and no return time. A potential problem to avoid is, somebody can take your parking place, so it is important to arrange the space in advance if possible.
Properties with public carpark s for resident permit holders only- without a visitor\parking permit, it is not possible to stop there.

Arranging parking permits and reserving a space:

Private car parks, driveways, loading bays- it is very easy, just contact the building administrator or concierge who needs to be informed beforehand. They should be able to reserve a space and provide a permit if needed. This is the easiest way for both sides, the client, and the man & van team. Public car parks including parking with resident permit holders only- contacting the local authorities (council) is mandatory to get a parking permit, also it is possible to reserve a space by applying for parking bay suspension. However, it may take time, so it is very important to apply to the relevant bodies in advance.

The most common mistakes:

Definitely the main mistake is forgetting about parking space arrangements for the removals team. Another common mistake is not taking into consideration, the vehicle dimensions and space required to park. The consequences of ignoring these issues could mean that a suitable parking space is some distance from the removal, and it takes longer than expected, please take note, that extra time is usually chargeable by the transportation company. If your moving is carefully planned in advance, taking legal and safety issues into consideration, it will minimize the risk of injury or damage and ensure a problem free operation. This is a guarantee of successful removal.