At A Glance
- How to choose: Book 4–6 weeks ahead to secure calm moving dates early, check reviews across more than one platform, verify insurance at £20,000 Goods In Transit and £5m Public Liability, and send any £500+ high value list up front so handling priorities are clear. This January recap shows when a full house move makes sense versus when a Sprinter man and van is the smarter fit for smaller, time-sensitive jobs.
- Brighton & Hove planning: Brighton And Hove parking and access make or break timings, so share your postcodes, floor level, lift or stairs details, and a quick frontage photo with the closest legal stopping point before move day. If you need a Brighton & Hove Council bay suspension, it typically needs 7 working days’ notice, and sorting it early is often the difference between a smooth load and avoidable delays.
- Trust & transparency: At ESV you deal directly with Peter start to finish, with calm planning, careful loading, and a genuine five star service across every platform, plus an eco pledge that prioritises Esso Ethos fuel where possible, reusable boxes, and paperless bookings. For quotes call 07552 555 820 or visit www.eastsussexvan.com, and follow us on Instagram for real move days, van choices, and practical timing tips.
January is often a slower, reset month in removals, and this year was no different. We took a longer break than usual, with our first big job not starting until 7 January, then eased back in with a mix of long distance moves and leaner man and van work. The focus stayed the same as always calm planning, careful loading and a genuine five star removal service across Brighton, Hove and the wider Sussex area. Even on quieter weeks, the difference in Brighton is always access, central Hove permit bays and Kemptown new build loading zones can turn into delays unless we plan the closest legal stopping point early. During this January 2026 recap, ESV Removals successfully covered over 1,100 miles across the Brighton and Sussex area, maintaining our 5-star service reputation as a dedicated Living Wage employer.
If you are ready to book your Brighton or East and West Sussex removals, call Peter on 07552 555 820 and speak directly to the person who will run your move.
January 2026 Brighton & Sussex Removals
Across the month we completed a steady mix of Brighton removals, Sussex house moves and long distance work to the Midlands and the North West. Most of our diary was made up of full house moves, but our Sussex man and van option also earned its keep on smaller, tightly timed jobs where a Sprinter and one experienced driver made more sense than a full Luton crew.
A good proportion of January’s bookings came from returning customers and personal recommendations, which always means a lot to us. Even in a quieter month we added more five star reviews across Google and other platforms, with the same themes repeated calm communication, care with belongings and fair pricing.
For anyone new to us, we are a family run Brighton removals company. Customers deal directly with Peter from first enquiry through to move day so nothing gets lost in translation and you always know who is turning up at your door. We focus on calm, careful moving days rather than trying to rush through as many jobs as possible.
Brighton & Hove Access Checklist
- Permit Zone And Timing
Tell us the CPZ zone if you know it, your preferred start time, and any “must arrive by” handover window. - Bay Suspension If Needed
If you may need a bay suspension, allow 7 full working days’ notice and apply early so signage is in place for move day. - Lift Booking And Building Rules
Confirm lift size, lift booking slots, and any concierge or key fob rules for loading bays, doors, and service lifts. - Closest Legal Stop Point
Send a quick frontage photo and the closest legal stopping point so we can plan the load position and avoid delays. - Stairs, Narrow Turns, And Carry Distance
Share floor level, stair count, tight corners, and long carries from parking to door, especially in flats and new build blocks.
Job Highlight: Hove To Loughborough
Our first job back after the Christmas break was a long distance move from Hove up to Loughborough. We did not restart until 7 January, which gave the team a rare, extra stretch of rest before diving into the new year. We had to postpone this job due to the snow in the midlands.
Met Office red warnings signal danger to life and major disruption, so postponing is the professional call.
This was a classic one day long distance removal. A two man crew and a single Luton van, planned so that everything could be loaded in Hove, transported and unloaded in Loughborough within the same day. Keeping packing and assembly out of scope meant we could keep the job cost efficient without cutting corners on protection or care.
We started early in Hove, protecting floors and key stairwells before bringing out the heavier items. Once the Luton was stacked and strapped, we headed north, aiming to arrive outside the worst of peak traffic so unloading stayed calm. At the other end we worked room by room, placing larger furniture where it was needed and stacking boxes neatly so the new home felt organised rather than chaotic from the first evening.
Jobs like this are a good example of where planning makes all the difference. A clear schedule, realistic driving time and a focused two man crew were enough to turn what could have felt like a long, stressful day into a straightforward one day relocation.
Local Pro Tip: One Day Long Distance Moves Work When The Scope Is Tight
If you want a long distance move condensed into a single day, the biggest win is agreeing the scope early: safe transport + sensible placement first, then add packing or assembly only if it’s genuinely needed for access or first-night essentials. That’s how you stay cost-efficient without downgrading the care level.
Job Highlight: Kemptown To Salford
Later in the month we ran a smaller but very time sensitive man and van job from Kemptown in Brighton up to Salford near Salford Quays. The collection was from the new build flats on Mighell Street, with delivery to The Heath Flats in Salford.
The inventory was tiny compared to a full house move four clothes bags, four boxes, a laptop, computer, guitars and a few personal items. Because of the size, this was a perfect fit for our Brighton man and van service. One experienced driver and our Mercedes Sprinter were all that was needed, which kept overheads down on diesel and staffing while still giving the customer professional loading and transport.
Local Pro Tip: Sprinter Vs Luton, Choose The Van That Reduces Handling
If your move is small, time-sensitive, or tight for access (new builds, narrow streets, strict arrival windows), our Mercedes Sprinter is often the best fit because it keeps overheads down and gets closer to the door. If your move has bulkier furniture, lots of boxes, multiple rooms, or you want fewer trips, a Luton van is usually the calmer option because it carries more in one go and keeps the load more stable on longer runs. If you want the quickest recommendation, send a quick item list plus two photos of the biggest pieces and we’ll tell you which van makes the day smoother.
The timing was the key detail. We had to arrive in Salford after 5pm so the housemate could finish working from home before we turned up with boxes and guitars. We loaded in Kemptown at 09:00, then headed back to the office to catch up on admin and quoting before leaving Sussex around midday. With sensible breaks on the way up we arrived for about 17:30, unloaded in minutes at the Salford end and were back on the road before the evening really started.
Local Pro Tip: Remote Worker Arrival Windows, Build The Day Around The Quiet Hours
For moves into shared houses or WFH flats, we plan around the “do not disturb” hours and arrive when it helps the household most. A simple timing plan (load early, travel midday, deliver after work hours) keeps the move calm and avoids friction at the other end.
For us this job summed up what the Sprinter is best at. Light, efficient long distance runs where timing matters more than sheer volume. Brighton and Sussex to Salford, Manchester is becoming a pretty regular route for us as more people rebalance between the South and the North West.
Job Highlight: Redhill To Southampton
Another highlight this month was a family move from Redhill down to Southampton as they finally got the keys to their forever home. This was a more traditional full house move, with a Luton van and a two man crew working around completion times and key handover.
We planned the day so we could load steadily in Redhill without rushing. Larger items were wrapped and strapped carefully, and anything that needed reassembly at the Redhill end was clearly labelled as we loaded.
Once confirmation came through that the keys were ready, we were already on the road and able to head straight to the new address. At the Southampton end we focused on getting beds, sofas and essential storage into place first, then building out the rest of the rooms so the family could have a proper first night in their new home rather than feeling like they were camping in a pile of boxes.
Moves like this are exactly why we keep days realistic and avoid overbooking. When a family is stepping into what they hope will be their long term home, the last thing they need is a rushed crew watching the clock.
Behind The Scenes And Team Updates
Behind the scenes, January has been about setting up 2026 properly. The quieter diary at the start of the month gave us time for van checks, kit audits and some long overdue admin.
We are also actively looking to add another driver to the team for 2026. If you have a clean licence, a calm approach and experience with larger vehicles or are keen to learn, we would love to hear from you. Give Peter a call on 07552 555 820 or get in touch via www.eastsussexvan.com.
As always, we continue to pay at least the living wage and to build the business around staff retention as much as customer retention. Keeping familiar faces on the vans, giving the crew proper rest before and after long distance runs and providing decent overnight accommodation on multi day jobs are all non negotiables for us.
Eco Corner: Building On Our Pledge
Our eco pledge remains the same at its core. We prioritise Esso Ethos fuel where possible on our routes, reuse and recycle moving boxes and offer a take back option for clean reusable boxes once customers have unpacked. Quotes, bookings and invoices are paperless by default which keeps admin lean and reduces waste.
In 2026 we want to push this further. We are looking at ways to track how often we can realistically choose Ethos fuel on long distance routes, and how we can expand our network of local furniture reuse and donation partners across Brighton, Hove and Sussex. The aim is to make it easier for customers to keep good quality items in circulation rather than sending them to the tip.
We do not offer general tip runs ourselves, but we are happy to take scrap metal where appropriate and put the proceeds towards the team Christmas party. It is a small, practical way of turning end of life items into something positive for the crew.
Awards And Trust
January is always a smaller month for moves, but the trust side of the business never really stops. We are currently sitting just one review away from the 300 five star Google reviews milestone we have been working towards, and we have continued to build our profile on Checkatrade with more detailed feedback from recent jobs.
Alongside that, our two SME Southern Enterprise Awards from 2025 Best Emerging Local Removals Company and Customer Satisfaction Excellence remain a useful shorthand for new customers checking us out for the first time. For us, though, the real test is the day to day comments we see in reviews calm crews, careful handling, realistic quotes and jobs that run on time.
Moving Tip Of The Month: Book Early If You Have A Fixed Date
If you have a specific date in mind for your Brighton or Sussex removal, booking early is one of the simplest ways to keep stress levels down. As a rule of thumb we recommend getting in touch as soon as you have a likely exchange or move date, and ideally four to six weeks ahead if you can.
Typically, NSL requires a minimum of seven days’ notice in order to arrange a bay suspension.
End of month Fridays, school holidays and the first and last weekends of the month are particularly popular and tend to fill up first. Long distance moves to places like Manchester, Bristol, Scotland or Essex also need more planning time for routes, rest breaks and overnight stays. The earlier you contact us, the easier it is to match your ideal date and build a calm, realistic schedule around it.
Looking Ahead
As we move into February our diary already includes a mix of local Brighton and Hove removals, wider Sussex jobs and longer runs to London, Bristol, Scotland and Essex. It is a good spread of work and a solid way to build momentum after a quieter January.
Whether you need a straightforward house move, a long distance relocation or a Brighton or Sussex man and van job for a smaller load, we are here to help. We offer clear pricing, careful planning and a friendly team who treat your belongings and your home with respect.
What We Need To Quote Fast
- Collection and delivery postcodes (and any storage site details)
- Rough inventory or a few photos or a quick video walkthrough
- Floor level plus lift or stairs info at both ends
- Parking notes and the closest legal stopping point
- Any single items valued at £500+ (flag with a quick photo)
Ready to plan your next move? Get your Brighton and Sussex removals quote today at www.eastsussexvan.com or call Peter on 07552 555 820, and follow us on Instagram to see what we are up to week to week.
Key Terms
January 2026 Recap
A January recap is a month-in-review that shows what kinds of jobs filled the diary, what patterns came up, and how the team eased back in after the break. It sets expectations for real world moving days across Brighton, Hove, Sussex, and longer routes beyond.
Hove To Loughborough Long Distance Move
A one day Hove to Loughborough move is a long distance job planned tightly enough to load, drive, and unload within the same day without rushing. It works best when the brief stays focused on safe transport and sensible placement, with packing and assembly kept out of scope unless access forces it.
Met Office Red Warning Safety
A red weather warning is the highest Met Office warning level and signals dangerous conditions where travel and outdoor work can become unsafe. Postponing protects the crew, the customer, and the property because loading and unloading can be riskier than the motorway when winds, ice, or debris are in play.
Two Man Luton Crew
A two man Luton setup is often the sweet spot for a cost efficient long distance day when the load is substantial but not full house volume. It balances safe lifting, steady pace, and stable stacking space so the job stays organised without overstaffing.
Mighell Street Kemptown New Build
Mighell Street new build flats in Kemptown can load quickly when the entrance, access rules, and closest legal stopping point are confirmed in advance. A simple plan avoids delays with bollards, gates, or communal corridors and keeps the pickup genuinely minutes, not hours.
Remote Worker Delivery Window
An after 5pm delivery window is a clear arrival rule designed to avoid disrupting someone working from home on calls or deadlines. The calm method is collecting earlier, using the day efficiently, then travelling later so you arrive inside the agreed slot without guesswork.
Mercedes Sprinter Driver Only
A driver only Sprinter move suits small long distance inventories where timing and care matter more than volume and the customer can assist with lifting. It keeps overheads down while still allowing controlled loading, protection for valuables, and a clean door to door handover.
Completion Day Planning
Completion day planning is how a move stays calm when key handover times can shift and the priority is getting essentials in first for a proper first night. A realistic schedule, tidy labelling, and an agreed order for beds and storage prevents the job feeling rushed even if timings change.
Brighton And Hove Bay Suspension
A bay suspension is a council arranged parking restriction that creates a legal loading space when streets are tight or permit heavy. In Brighton and Hove it typically needs around seven working days’ notice, so it is one of the first access details to sort when the date is fixed.
Esso Ethos Fuel And Reusable Boxes
Esso Ethos fuel and box reuse is a practical eco approach that prioritises lower impact choices without adding hassle on move day. It includes using Ethos where possible on routes, reusing and recycling moving boxes, offering a take back option for clean reusable boxes, and keeping quotes and invoices paperless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in January for ESV removals in Brighton and Sussex?
January was a slower reset month for us, with our first big job starting on 7 January and then a steady mix of full house removals, man and van work, and long distance runs.
The main theme stayed the same: calm planning, careful loading, and tidy handovers that keep moves organised rather than rushed.
What areas do you cover for Brighton, Hove, and Sussex removals?
We cover Brighton and Hove as our core patch (BN1–BN3) and we work across Sussex week to week, including common BN, RH, TN, and PO locations.
We also run UK-wide long distance moves, so if your move starts or finishes in Sussex we can usually plan it.
Can you do one day long distance moves like Hove to Loughborough?
Yes, one day long distance moves are realistic when the scope is tight and the load size matches the van and crew.
Keeping packing and assembly out of scope unless needed for access is often what makes a one-day plan possible and cost efficient.
What do you do if there is snow or a red weather warning on move day?
If conditions are unsafe, postponing is the professional call.
Delaying avoids avoidable risks during loading, unloading, and motorway driving, then we restart with a calm plan once it clears.
When is a Sprinter man and van better than a Luton van crew?
A Sprinter man and van is best when timing and access matter more than volume, like smaller loads, tight streets, new build flats, or strict arrival windows.
A Luton is usually the calmer choice for bulky furniture, higher box counts, and fewer trips with a more stable load.
Can you work around arrival windows for remote workers and shared households?
Yes, we can plan around a clear delivery window such as “after 5pm” so the household stays uninterrupted.
The smooth approach is collecting earlier, securing the load properly, then travelling later to arrive inside the agreed slot.
Do you do long distance moves to Manchester and Salford from Brighton and Sussex?
Yes, we run long distance routes from Brighton and Sussex into Greater Manchester, including Salford and areas near Salford Quays.
Send your collection and delivery postcodes plus access notes and we’ll confirm the plan and best van choice quickly.
How do you handle first-floor flats, stairs, and tight building access?
We keep stairs jobs calm by using a simple shuttle flow and agreeing one clear drop zone at the stair base or lobby.
If your building has lift bookings, concierge rules, or timed slots, sharing them early helps keep communal areas tidy and the unload fast.
What do you need from me to quote quickly and accurately?
Postcodes, a rough inventory (or photos/video), floor level with lift or stairs details, and parking notes including the closest legal stopping point.
If you have any single items valued at £500+, flag them early with a quick photo so handling priorities are clear.
Are you insured for Brighton, Sussex, and long distance removals?
Yes, we carry £20,000 Goods In Transit insurance and £5m Public Liability insurance.
If you have any £500+ items, tell us in advance so they’re recorded and handled with the right protection plan.
How do you keep removals eco conscious across Sussex and beyond?
We prioritise Esso Ethos fuel where possible, reuse and recycle moving boxes with a take-back option, and run paperless bookings.
It keeps waste down without adding friction on move day.
How far ahead should I book a Brighton or Sussex removal?
Four to six weeks ahead is ideal where possible, especially for fixed dates and busy weekends.
If you’re in Brighton and Hove and need a bay suspension, allow around 7 working days’ notice.
Will I deal directly with Peter for my move?
Yes, you deal directly with Peter from the first enquiry through to move day.
It keeps the plan consistent, avoids details getting lost, and makes timing and access decisions simpler.
Are you hiring a driver in 2026?
Yes, we’re looking to add another driver for 2026.
If you have a clean licence and a calm approach, call 07552 555 820 or get in touch via www.eastsussexvan.com.
About the author...
Peter Hawes is the director of ESV Removals Ltd, a family-run Brighton and Sussex removals team known for calm planning, careful handling and clear prices. He holds a 2:1 BA (Hons) in English Literature and Digital Media from the University of Brighton. Peter oversees every move from first message to the last box and brings local know-how for permit zones, tight stairwells and seafront buildings. ESV is fully insured with £20,000 Goods in Transit and £5 million Public Liability, backed by hundreds of five-star Google reviews. The company follows an eco pledge that prioritises Esso Ethos fuel where available, reuses boxes and runs paperless bookings. Learn more at www.eastsussexvan.com