Clearing a flat with no lift: how stairs affect the price
Most of London lives in flats, and plenty of them have no lift. Here is how stairs and building rules affect a junk collection, and what you can do to make it quicker and cheaper.
Why stairs change the price
Carrying a wardrobe or sofa down several floors takes time and care. Each floor above ground with no lift adds £18 to the guide price. A second-floor flat with no lift adds two flights. Our estimator works this out when you choose the floor.
If there is a lift
If there is a working lift we can use, there is no stairs charge, whatever the floor. Lifts in older mansion blocks are often small, so a sofa or wardrobe may still need to go down the stairs. Tell us the lift size if you can.
Building rules
- Some blocks need you to book the lift for removals.
- Porters may set times when items can be moved through the building.
- Some buildings ask for floor or wall protection in common areas.
Tell us about any rules when you book and we will work inside them.
Parking in inner London
Most streets in boroughs like Hackney, Islington, Lambeth, Wandsworth and Camden are permit-only. A visitor permit from you, or a nearby loading bay, makes the job faster. In parts of Westminster and the City, the Congestion Charge adds £18.
How to make it quicker
- Measure large items and check they will fit down the stairwell.
- Clear the route from your door to the street.
- Bring small bags down beforehand if it is safe to do so.
- Have the visitor permit ready before we arrive.