A Leeds terrace and parking checklist

This is a local checklist for terraced streets in Leeds. It is not a national house-moving guide. Burley, Harehills, Beeston, Armley and parts of Headingley all raise the same issues: where the van stops, and how furniture turns on the stair. Book the job as a house removal.

The street

• Read the signs on both addresses. Note residents’ bays, double yellow lines and any loading limit.
• If a suspension or dispensation is required, apply to Leeds City Council yourself and send us the confirmation.
• Photograph the frontage in the daytime, when cars are actually parked.
• Measure a ginnel if the rear is the only sensible route. Say if there is a gate that does not open fully.
• Tell neighbours if you can. It is courtesy, and it sometimes frees a space. It is not a permit.

The house

• Count the turns on the stair and photograph the tightest one.
• Note low bulkheads, banisters and a door that opens onto the stair.
• Say whether the house is a back-to-back with no rear access.
• Clear the hall of shoes, bikes and bins on the morning.
• Flag any piece that was hard to get in when you moved last time.

The booking

• Send both addresses, the floor, and whether a shed or yard is included.
• Keep keys, meters and a first-night box in your car.
• Insurance is provided. Ask what is covered when you get a free quote.

If the property is a purpose-built flat rather than a terrace, use the city flat notes instead. The terrace problems above are the ones that change crew size on these streets.