Central London isn’t a single place—it’s a collection of distinct boroughs, each with its own character, challenges, and community. If you’re planning a move to Westminster, Camden, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, or the City of London, this guide covers what you need to know before arrival day.
The Five Central Boroughs
Central London typically refers to the boroughs within the Congestion Charge zone and surrounding areas. Each has a different feel, price point, and practical considerations for anyone moving in.
Westminster
Westminster stretches from the political heart around Parliament and Whitehall through to the residential streets of Pimlico, Mayfair, and Marylebone. It’s one of the most expensive boroughs in London, but also one of the most varied. Victoria and Paddington offer transport hub convenience, while areas like Little Venice provide surprising calm near the canal.
Parking is extremely limited throughout Westminster. Most residential streets fall within Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs), and the council operates emissions-based permit pricing—meaning higher-polluting vehicles pay significantly more. Parking bay suspensions for removals cost £55–£105 per day, and the council requires 5–7 working days’ notice.
Camden
Camden covers everything from the famous markets around Camden Town to the leafy streets of Hampstead and Primrose Hill, plus the university quarter around Bloomsbury and King’s Cross. It’s popular with students (UCL and several other institutions are based here), young professionals, and creative industries.
The good news for anyone moving to Camden: domestic removals can receive a waiver on the daily parking suspension charge for the first day (up to 3 spaces). However, you’ll need to book at least 17 days in advance to avoid short-notice fees. Camden’s streets—particularly the Victorian terraces around Kentish Town and the narrow roads near Hampstead—can be challenging for larger removal vehicles.
Islington
Islington runs from the fashionable restaurants of Upper Street through to the quieter residential areas of Highbury and Canonbury. It’s densely populated with a mix of Georgian townhouses (often converted to flats), council estates, and modern developments around the Angel and King’s Cross borders.
Islington offers the best parking deal in Central London for removals: parking suspensions are free for residents. You’ll still need to apply at least 14 days in advance to guarantee a space, but the financial barrier is much lower than neighbouring boroughs. The challenge is Islington’s extremely limited on-street parking—securing a bay close to your property isn’t always possible.
Kensington & Chelsea
This is London’s most expensive borough, covering areas from the museums of South Kensington through to the boutiques of Chelsea and the mansion blocks of Holland Park. Streets are often narrow, and parking enforcement is rigorous.
Parking suspensions here cost £72 per space per day (as of April 2025), with short-notice applications (under 5 working days) incurring an additional £371 fee. The council notes that domestic removals can proceed without a suspension if loading and unloading is continuous—but this is risky in practice. Most removal companies strongly recommend booking a suspension to avoid enforcement issues.
City of London
The City (the historic Square Mile) is primarily a commercial district with a small but growing residential population. If you’re moving to developments around the Barbican, Aldgate, or the newer towers near Liverpool Street, you’ll find a very different environment—quiet at weekends, busy during the week, with limited local amenities but excellent transport links.
Parking is extremely restricted in the City, with most residential developments offering basement parking or requiring arrangements with building management. Street parking suspensions are handled through the City of London Corporation, not a typical borough council.
Transport Links
Central London has the densest public transport network in the UK. Every borough is served by multiple Underground lines, and most areas are within walking distance of several stations.
Major transport hubs within or bordering Central London include King’s Cross St Pancras (international rail), Paddington (Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line), Victoria (Gatwick Express and coach station), Liverpool Street (Stansted Express), and Euston (West Midlands and North West rail). The Elizabeth Line has significantly improved east-west connections, with stations at Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, and Liverpool Street.
Cycling infrastructure has expanded, with segregated lanes on many main roads and Santander Cycles docking stations throughout the area. However, Central London’s one-way systems, bus lanes, and heavy traffic make driving challenging for anyone unfamiliar with the area.
Driving in Central London: ULEZ and Congestion Charge
Anyone driving in Central London—including removal vans—needs to be aware of two charging zones.
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) now covers all of Greater London (since August 2023). Vehicles that don’t meet Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) standards must pay £12.50 per day. This applies 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day. Most modern removal vans (2016 or newer for diesel) will be compliant.
The Congestion Charge applies to a smaller central zone covering Westminster, the City, and parts of surrounding boroughs. The charge is currently £15 per day (rising to £18 from January 2026), applying Monday–Friday 7am–6pm and Saturday–Sunday 12pm–6pm. There’s no exemption for removal vehicles.
If you’re booking a man and van service for a Central London move, check whether the company’s vehicles are ULEZ-compliant and factor the Congestion Charge into your budget if your move falls within charging hours. For house and apartment removals, most professional services use compliant vehicles as standard.
What to Expect on Moving Day
Central London moves come with challenges you won’t face in most other parts of the country.
Parking is never guaranteed. Even with a suspension in place, other drivers sometimes park in suspended bays. Councils can arrange removal, but this takes time—potentially delaying your move by hours. Apply for your suspension as early as possible (ideally 2–3 weeks ahead) to ensure warning signs are in place.
Access can be difficult. Many Central London properties are in converted period buildings with narrow staircases, tight turns, and no lift access. If you’re moving to a flat above the second floor without a lift, discuss this with your removal company in advance—it affects timing and may require additional crew.
Permit parking zones have controlled hours. In Westminster, these typically run 8:30am–6:30pm (some areas until 10pm). In Camden and Islington, restrictions vary by zone. Your removal vehicle needs either a suspension or to work during unrestricted hours—but weekend moves often face their own parking pressures from residents.
Traffic is unpredictable. Journey times for the same route can vary dramatically depending on time of day, roadworks, and events. Build buffer time into your moving schedule, especially if coordinating moves at both ends on the same day.
Living in Central London
Beyond the move itself, living in Central London means adjusting to a particular rhythm. Supermarkets are smaller (large out-of-town stores are rare). Deliveries are common—most residents rely heavily on online shopping. Green space exists but requires effort to reach—Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath are the main options.
Council tax varies by borough and band. A Band D property costs approximately £950 per year in Westminster, £1,650 in Camden, £1,750 in Islington, and £1,400 in Kensington & Chelsea (2024/25 rates). The City of London has the lowest council tax in England due to its unique status.
Noise is a factor in many areas. Central London doesn’t sleep—expect some level of traffic, sirens, and late-night activity depending on your exact location. Victorian buildings often have limited soundproofing between flats.
Planning Your Move
If you’re moving to Central London, start planning early. Book your parking suspension at least two weeks ahead (three in Camden). Confirm your removal company’s vehicles are ULEZ-compliant. Measure doorways and staircases if you have large furniture. And be prepared for the possibility that Central London logistics will add time and complexity to your move compared to other areas.
If you’d like to see what a Central London move might cost with a professional man and van service, you can get an instant quote online.
