Here are our top 10 towns to work in across Sussex, offering our removals services and why we love them.
We’re fully insured with £20,000 Goods in Transit and £5 million Public Liability, protected by Admiral Platinum, twice awarded at the 2025 Southern Enterprise Awards, and guided by our eco pledge to reuse boxes, use eco fuel where possible and run paperless bookings.
1. Brighton
Brighton is the obvious favourite. With its vibrant seafront, historic lanes, and bustling nightlife, there’s always something happening. We often help people move into its charming period properties or stylish modern apartments as well as covering moves for the council. Parking can be tricky, but we know all the best spots to get the job done efficiently. If you're looking for a reliable man with a van Brighton, we’ve got you covered. Brighton is where we conduct most of our business, from house moves to courier work and furniture deliveries. We're out every day in the city with our vans. We plan around busy station peaks, seafront winds that catch doors and ramps, and some of the trickiest permit zones in Sussex. Every service we list on our website, we offer in Brighton. We also offer storage with our partners at Big Yellow Self Storage Brighton.
Local Pro Tip: Brighton, Build A Loading Plan Around Station Peaks
In Brighton, the smoothest moves happen when we time loading and unloading around the busiest station and city centre pinch points. If you are near Brighton Station, London Road, or the one way systems, aim for an early start and have your first stack staged by the door so we can load fast and clear the street. It keeps the day calm and reduces the time items spend exposed to wind and passing foot traffic.
2. Hove
Right next door to Brighton, Hove has a more laid-back feel while still offering great amenities. It’s known for its wide streets, grand Victorian homes, and stunning seafront. We frequently help families and professionals settle into this stylish area, offering competitive small removals at great prices. Many moves involve mansion blocks, especially around Brunswick and Palmeira, where tight lift dimensions and booking windows shape the plan. Hove’s known for being Brighton’s more expensive neighbour, but we keep our prices local across both Brighton and Hove. Our Hove house and furniture removals are priced the same as our Brighton removals.
Local Pro Tip: Hove, Measure The Lift First, Not The Furniture Last
In Hove mansion blocks, the lift is often the deciding factor, not the van. Before move day, measure lift door width and internal depth, then tell us whether it is key or fob controlled and if there is a booking window. If the lift is tight, we plan safe stair routes and protect bannisters and corners properly, which prevents the stop start stress that can creep into bigger flat moves.
3. Lewes
This historic market town is a joy to work in. With its independent shops, stunning countryside views, and traditional Sussex charm, it’s a favourite among those looking for a slower pace of life. Fireworks and Bonfire Night in Lewes is renowned nationwide. The older buildings often come with narrow staircases, but we’re experts at navigating them! Twittens, low beams and listed stairways are common, and Bonfire Night plus market days make careful timing essential. Second-hand furniture shops and auction houses are common stops for our moving services in Lewes. We frequently move young couples, first-time house buyers, and those relocating from Brighton to Lewes. Lewes home removals are one of our favourites.
Local Pro Tip: Lewes, Treat Twittens And Low Beams As The Main Risk Point
Lewes properties often have tight passages, low beams, and stair turns that need a route plan before the first heavy item moves. Clear wall hooks, pictures, and hallway clutter, then keep one landing free as a safe pause point so nothing gets balanced on an edge. If you are near event days, flag it early and we will plan timing so access stays sensible and unhurried.
Lewes case study: Amanda’s two-stage move
Note: We have changed the client’s name to Amanda to protect anonymity.
Day before
As part of our Lewes removals survey, we visited to measure doorways and stair turns, then worked with Amanda and her handyman to dismantle beds and wardrobes, labelling fixings so reassembly would be quick.
Move day
Our Lewes removal team secured parking, protected floors and bannisters, and completed the main house removal in one calm session, reassembling key items at the new address so Amanda could settle the same day. This is the careful, fully insured approach we bring to Sussex removals across the region.
Next day
Amanda finished packing the remnants at her own pace and called when ready. Our man and van Lewes service collected the last boxes and garden bits on a short booking, keeping costs down and clearing the property without stress, with the same flexible support we offer on Sussex removals.
4. Eastbourne
With its beautiful coastline, good schools, and growing economy, Eastbourne is an increasingly popular place to live. We regularly assist with moves into its lovely seafront apartments and spacious family homes, always aiming to uphold the high standards seen in our customer reviews on Google, Yell, and Rated Reviews. Recently, we delivered water to retirement homes around Eastbourne during a Southern Water outage. We schedule around Airbourne and other seafront festivals, and at Sovereign Harbour we often allow for long carries from parking to the door. We’re not strictly a Brighton-based removals firm, we also subcontract for companies doing general logistics work across East and West Sussex.
Local Pro Tip: Eastbourne, Allow For Long Carries Near The Seafront And Harbour
Eastbourne can look straightforward until you factor in distance from legal parking to the entrance, especially around seafront apartments and Sovereign Harbour style layouts. The easiest win is staging boxes and small items close to the door so we do not waste energy on repeated trips. If the route is long, we plan the load order so heavy items go when everyone is freshest, which keeps handling careful.
5. Worthing
Worthing is another fantastic seaside town with a relaxed vibe and plenty of space. The mix of modern developments and period homes makes it a great place to work. Plus, we always enjoy the sea views while on the job! We offer the same quality and care in our Worthing home moves as we do in Brighton. Many people have moved from Brighton to Worthing in recent years as house prices rise, and we’re here to help with your Worthing house removals. Permits are usually simpler than Brighton and the prevalence of bungalows often makes access more straightforward. We cover East and West Sussex every week.
Between the last two censuses (held in 2011 and 2021), the population of Worthing increased by 6.4%, from just over 104,600 in 2011 to around 111,300 in 2021.
Local Pro Tip: Worthing, Use Bungalows To Your Advantage With A One Touch Unload
Worthing often gives you better access than Brighton, especially with bungalows and driveways, so take advantage by planning a one touch unload. Decide where the big furniture is going before we arrive, clear the hallway, and mark rooms with simple notes on the door. When items go straight in the right place first time, you avoid the exhausting reshuffle that makes a move feel stressful.
6. Hastings
Famous for its historic Old Town and creative community, Hastings is a great place to work. We often move people into its charming cottages, townhouses, and beachfront properties. Steep hills and tight Old Town lanes frequently call for a shuttle plan and off-peak scheduling around busy event days. When we started as a small moves and man and van service, we helped deliver equipment to the skatepark. We still offer man and van services and small moves for events today. The hilly streets keep us on our toes, but the scenery makes it worth it. If you're searching for a man and van Hastings, look no further. We also handle house removals in Hastings, we’re not just limited to Brighton!
Local Pro Tip: Hastings, Split The Load If The Hill Or Lane Is The Bottleneck
In Hastings, steep roads and tight Old Town style lanes can make a single perfect van position impossible. If access is awkward, we can plan a short shuttle approach where the heaviest items move in a controlled way from the closest safe point, rather than forcing risky angles. Tell us about the steepest part, the tightest turn, and where you think the nearest loading spot is, and we will build the plan around it.
7. Burgess Hill
This well-connected town is perfect for commuters heading to Brighton or London. With many new housing developments, we’re often here helping families settle into their new homes. We were based in Burgess Hill for a summer, so we’re very familiar with this part of Sussex. We often commuted from Burgess Hill into London for removals work. We offer new build house removals, installations, and flat-pack furniture assembly with one, two, or three men. New-build estates often have contractor access rules, so we pre-book load windows and use sensible approaches like Jane Murray Way.
Burgess Hill’s Brookleigh (Northern Arc) is set to add around 3,500 new homes, with 30% affordable, alongside new schools and community facilities.
Local Pro Tip: Burgess Hill, New Build Rules Can Decide Your Start Time
Burgess Hill new build estates often run on contractor rules, timed access, and shared driveways, so a quick check with the site office or management company can save a lot of hassle. Let us know about time slots, parking bays, and whether there are narrow access roads before move day. We will match the right van and crew and keep the unload tidy so neighbours and site teams stay happy.
8. Haywards Heath
Similar to Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath is a commuter hotspot. With excellent transport links, great schools, and a welcoming community, it’s a favourite among families and professionals alike. We’re seeing a growing trend of people relocating from Brighton to Haywards Heath as they commit to their first home purchase. Fast mainline trains to London are a draw, but townhouse stair turns can be tight, so we measure and map carries before move day. We’re doing more and more first-time buyer removals as the year unfolds.
Local Pro Tip: Haywards Heath, Protect Townhouse Stair Turns With Simple Prep
Haywards Heath moves often involve modern townhouses where stair turns are the tricky bit. Before we arrive, remove stairwell clutter, roll up rugs, and keep the tightest corner clear so we can carry cleanly without stops. If you have flat pack or modular furniture, tell us what can be split down and we will plan it logically so reassembly is quick and the day stays organised.
9. Seaford
Seaford’s peaceful seaside charm makes it one of our favourite places to work. It’s perfect for retirees and families looking for a quiet coastal life, and we’ve helped many happy customers relocate here. We’ve handled numerous Brighton to Seaford relocations, including retirement moves to holiday parks and apartments all over town. Holiday parks have specific vehicle rules and the promenade can be windy, so we choose sheltered loading points and confirm site access early.
Local Pro Tip: Seaford, Windproof Your Doorway Staging Spot
Seaford coastal wind can catch doors, blankets, and wrapping at exactly the wrong moment. Set up a sheltered staging spot just inside the entrance where wrapped items can wait safely, and keep the doorway clear so we are not juggling furniture in the gusts. It sounds small, but it prevents scuffs and rushed handling, especially with mirrors, TVs, and light flat pack panels.
10. Uckfield
Uckfield is a growing town with a fantastic mix of countryside living and modern amenities. It’s ideal for those who want a bit of space while staying well-connected to larger towns and cities. With affordable rents, Uckfield is becoming increasingly popular for those seeking a quieter life outside Sussex’s major cities. We plan around the High Street level-crossing pinch point and coordinate handovers with Oxted-branch train times when needed.
Local Pro Tip: Uckfield, Time The High Street Pinch Point And Keep The Van Close
Uckfield can bottleneck around the High Street and level crossing area, so timing and positioning matter more than people expect. If your address is near the centre, aim for a quieter window and have everything boxed and sealed so we can load efficiently while the van is in the best spot. The goal is fewer pauses, fewer carries, and a calmer move from first lift to last box.
Need Help Moving in Sussex?
If you're planning a move in any of these towns (or anywhere else in Sussex), we’d love to help! As one of the top-rated removal firms in Brighton, we provide professional and affordable moving services across Sussex. Get in touch with us for a free quote on 07552 555 820 and let’s make your move as smooth as possible!
Key Terms
Brighton Station Peak Loading Plan
Timing a move around the station and city centre pinch points so loading is fast, legal and not battling peak footfall or traffic.
Seafront Wind Handling Risk
Planning doorway staging and ramp use around coastal gusts that can catch doors, blankets and wrapping on Brighton and Seaford runs.
Hove Mansion Block Lift Measurements
Measuring lift door width and internal depth first, then planning around fob or key control and any lift booking window in Brunswick and Palmeira blocks.
Lewes Twittens And Low Beam Route Map
Treating narrow passages, low beams and listed stair turns as the main risk point and planning the carry route before the first heavy lift.
Bonfire Night And Market Day Timing
Adjusting arrival windows in Lewes around event days that change access, road closures, parking and foot traffic through the centre.
Eastbourne Seafront Long Carry Reality
Factoring the real distance from legal parking to entrance in seafront apartments and Sovereign Harbour style layouts.
Worthing One Touch Unload Setup
Using bungalows, driveways and simple room marking to place items straight into position and avoid the exhausting reshuffle stage.
Hastings Hill Shuttle Approach
Splitting the load from the nearest safe point when steep roads or Old Town lanes make perfect van positioning impossible.
Burgess Hill New Build Contractor Rules
Working around timed access slots, shared driveways and site management rules that often decide the start time on new estates.
Uckfield Level Crossing Bottleneck Window
Avoiding delays near the High Street and level crossing by choosing quieter time windows and loading efficiently while the van is in the best spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you cover all of Sussex or just Brighton?
We cover the whole of East and West Sussex as well as longer UK routes. Brighton is our home base, but we work in Hove, Lewes, Eastbourne, Worthing, Hastings, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Seaford, Uckfield and the surrounding villages every week.
Why did you pick these ten Sussex towns instead of listing every area you cover?
Because these are places we work in repeatedly and each one has a very specific move day personality that affects planning. This list is built around real weekly routes and the practical things that change a job, permit zones, lift rules, twittens, new build access windows, seafront wind and event days, not just a generic service area list.
How far in advance should i book for a Sussex move?
Three to four weeks is ideal, especially for Fridays, month ends and summer weekends. If you are tied to an event day or festival near the seafront, book earlier so we can arrange parking and lift windows.
What makes Brighton the most complex town for removals planning in Sussex?
Brighton has more moving day variables than most places, station peak traffic, tight one way systems, heavy footfall near the centre, and some of the most awkward permit zones. We plan around Brighton Station and London Road pinch points, and we treat seafront wind as a real factor because doors and ramps can catch at the wrong moment if you rush the load.
How do you time the day to avoid traffic and crowds?
We favour early starts to beat school runs, station peaks and seafront crowds. For apartments we coordinate lift slots and quiet hours. If a festival, market day or football match affects your street, we set an alternate time or loading plan.
Can you arrange parking, bay suspensions or dispensations?
Yes. Most Sussex towns use controlled zones. We identify your street’s rules, arrange legal suspensions or dispensations and plan the loading point so the van is close, safe and keeps traffic moving. If you are near known pinch points like central Brighton, Lewes event days, or busy seafront roads, we build that into the plan early.
How does Hove change the plan compared to Brighton even though they are next door?
Hove often looks easier from the outside, but mansion blocks around Brunswick and Palmeira can make lift dimensions and lift booking windows the deciding factor. We measure the lift first and build the plan around whether it is fob controlled, bookable, or too tight for key items, then we protect bannisters and corners if stairs are the best route.
What homes do you move most often and how do you handle tight access?
Sussex has everything from seafront apartments and mansion blocks to period terraces, cottages and new builds. We survey access in advance, measure tight turns and lifts, protect floors and bannisters and bring the right team and equipment for stairs, twittens, basements and long carries.
What are the biggest access risks in Lewes properties?
Lewes is known for tight passages, twittens, low beams and listed stairways where a normal carry can become a slow, careful route plan. We treat low beams and stair turns as the primary risk point, clear the hallway early, and keep one landing free as a safe pause zone so nothing gets balanced on an edge. Timing matters too because market days and Bonfire events can change parking and flow through the centre.
Can you explain the two stage Lewes move example and why it matters?
It shows how we keep costs down without compromising care when a customer wants to finish packing in their own time. We can do the main removal in one calm session after measuring doorways and stair turns and dismantling key furniture in advance, then return on a short man and van booking for the last boxes and garden items once the customer is ready.
What should I expect in Eastbourne that people often miss when booking a move?
Eastbourne can hide long carry distances, especially around seafront apartments and Sovereign Harbour style layouts where the nearest legal parking may not be close to the entrance. We also plan around Airbourne and seafront festival days. The quickest win is staging boxes close to the door and loading heavy items when everyone is freshest, so handling stays careful over longer carries.
Why do Worthing moves often feel smoother than Brighton moves?
Worthing often gives you simpler access, more driveways, and more bungalows, which lets you do a true one touch unload if rooms are marked and hallways are clear. That means less reshuffling, fewer repeated carries, and a faster settle in. It is also a common destination for people moving out of Brighton for more space, so we are used to building plans around that exact lifestyle shift.
What is the best approach for Hastings hills and Old Town lanes?
Hastings frequently needs a split load plan because steep roads and tight lanes can make perfect van positioning impossible. If the hill or lane is the bottleneck, we build a short shuttle approach from the closest safe point rather than forcing awkward angles. Tell us the steepest section, the tightest turn and where you think the safest loading spot is, and we will build the plan around it.
What is different about moving on Burgess Hill new build estates?
New build estates often run on contractor rules, timed access and shared driveways, which can decide your start time more than your own preference. We advise checking with the site office or management company for time slots and parking bays, then we match the right van and crew and keep the unload tidy so neighbours and site teams stay happy.
Why do Haywards Heath moves need extra attention around stair turns?
Modern townhouses are common and the stair turn is often the tricky part rather than the number of rooms. Simple prep like clearing stair clutter, rolling up rugs and keeping the tightest corner free prevents stop start stress. If furniture is modular or flat pack, we plan what to split down so reassembly is quick and the day stays organised.
What should I watch for when moving into Seaford coastal properties or holiday parks?
Wind is the big hidden issue in Seaford, it can catch doors, blankets and wrapping right when you are carrying something awkward. We recommend creating a sheltered staging spot just inside the entrance so wrapped items can wait safely, and we confirm holiday park vehicle rules and site access early so the arrival is smooth and compliant.
How do you plan around Uckfield’s High Street and level crossing bottleneck?
Uckfield can clog around the High Street and level crossing area, so timing and positioning matter more than people expect. If you are near the centre, aim for a quieter window and have everything sealed and staged so we can load efficiently while the van is in the best legal spot. That reduces pauses, long carries and last minute stress.
Do you offer man and van as well as full removals?
We do both. Man and van is perfect for small moves, auctions, furniture collections and events. Full removals add a larger crew, packing options and full project management. We recommend what fits your move.
Can you supply packing materials or handle the packing?
Yes. We can deliver boxes and wraps in advance or provide full and part packing. If you are packing yourself, we share a room by room plan that speeds up loading and protects fragile items.
Do you build and dismantle furniture?
Yes. We handle beds, wardrobes and most flat pack items. If something needs extra time or special tools, we flag it during the survey so the plan and price stays clear.
Do you help with storage if keys don’t line up?
Yes. We can load directly into secure storage and redeliver when you are ready. We are partnered with Big Yellow Storage Brighton and can coordinate nearby options so each item only moves once.
Do you cover long distance moves from Sussex?
Yes. We plan routes, rest points and arrival windows for UK wide moves. If the destination has tight access, we can shuttle from a larger vehicle to a smaller van to keep everything efficient.
Can you help first time buyers and smaller budgets?
Absolutely. We do many first home moves in towns like Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill and Uckfield. We suggest the most cost effective crew size, timing and packing approach to keep quality high and costs sensible.
Are my belongings insured during the move?
Yes. We carry Goods in Transit cover up to £20,000 and Public Liability of £5 million, and we use Admiral Platinum for extra assurance. We explain what is included and how to list any high value items before move day.
What does your eco pledge look like on a real Sussex move?
It is practical, not preachy. We reuse and recycle moving boxes with a take back option for clean boxes, prioritise eco fuel where possible, and run paperless quotes, bookings and invoices by default. It reduces waste on move day and keeps the job cleaner and more organised.
How do i get a quote?
Call 07552 555 820 or visit eastsussexvan.com. We will run a quick survey, confirm access, parking and any building rules, and send a clear plan and price for your Sussex move.
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
