🏡 Moving to Kensington: A Complete 2025 Relocation Guide
Thinking of moving to Kensington? You’re not alone. This iconic part of West London combines elegant streets, cultural landmarks, and green parks with some of the most desirable housing in the UK. Families are drawn to its excellent schools, professionals love its proximity to central London, and international residents enjoy its cosmopolitan lifestyle.
But moving here comes with unique challenges: parking restrictions, narrow roads, listed buildings, and premium property prices. That’s where Gold’s Removals comes in — we’ve been helping families, professionals, and businesses relocate smoothly since 2005.
Living in Kensington
Housing
Kensington’s property market is one of London’s most prestigious.
- Townhouses: Georgian and Victorian terraces line leafy streets in South Kensington and Holland Park.
- Luxury apartments: Modern flats around High Street Kensington and Cromwell Road cater to professionals.
- Mews houses: Tucked behind main roads, offering charm and privacy.
As of 2025, property prices in Kensington average £1.5m–£2.5m for family homes, with luxury flats often exceeding £1m. Typical rents are £3,000–£5,000 per month for a two-bedroom flat.
Schools
- Fox Primary School — Ofsted Outstanding, one of the most in-demand state primaries.
- Thomas’s Kensington — prestigious independent prep school.
- Holland Park School — high-performing secondary with modern facilities.
- Pembridge Hall — independent girls’ prep.
Nurseries such as Kiddi Caru and Pangbourne House School Nursery help young families settle quickly.
Transport
- Tube: Circle, District, and Piccadilly lines serve South Kensington, High Street Kensington, and Gloucester Road stations.
- Buses: Multiple routes to Chelsea, Notting Hill, Westminster and beyond (see TfL).
- Cycling & walking: Santander bike docks are common, and Hyde Park offers safe cycle routes.
Lifestyle
Kensington balances luxury with community life. From cafés like Gail’s to high-end boutiques and gyms, everything is on your doorstep. Families enjoy the parks, while professionals enjoy quick commutes and nightlife options.
Neighbourhoods in Kensington
- South Kensington — cultural heart, home to the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A; popular with students and expats.
- Holland Park — leafy, family-friendly, home to embassies and large detached homes; don’t miss the Kyoto Garden.
- West Kensington — slightly more affordable, with Victorian conversions and younger professional residents.
- High Street Kensington — central hub for shopping, nightlife, and transport links.
Each area has its own character, so it’s worth visiting before you move.
Attractions & Local Highlights
- Museums: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A Museum.
- Shopping: Harrods, Harvey Nichols, High Street Kensington, plus antiques along Kensington Church Street.
- Dining: Kitchen W8 (Michelin star), The Churchill Arms, and the Ivy Kensington Brasserie.
- Parks: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and Holland Park.
What’s New in Kensington (2025)
Kensington is constantly evolving, with exciting new openings and cultural events every year.
- Restaurants: Recent highlights include Akira at Japan House for authentic Japanese dining, and Fuego Kensington, a new tapas bar.
- Shops: High Street Kensington has welcomed new boutiques alongside favourites like Zara, Uniqlo, and Whole Foods.
- Culture: The Design Museum rotates world-class exhibitions throughout the year.
- Events: Seasonal highlights include open-air cinema in Holland Park and the annual Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
đź“Ś For the latest activities and community events, see the RBKC Council events calendar.
Moving Challenges in Kensington
- Parking & Permits: Most roads fall under CPZs — arrange temporary bay suspensions with Kensington & Chelsea Council.
- Narrow Streets: Mews and side streets can limit van access.
- One-Way Systems: Can delay moves without careful planning.
- Apartments & Blocks: Some require concierge approval, lift protection, and timed loading slots.
- Listed Properties: Extra care needed to protect staircases, walls, and flooring.
Using a local removals company like Gold’s avoids nasty surprises.
Case Studies
Family Move
We helped a family relocate from a four-bedroom townhouse in South Kensington to a property near Richmond. Parking suspensions were arranged two weeks in advance, and our packing team completed the job in a single day. Two vans and six movers ensured no delays.
Professional Flat Move
A professional moved between two one-bedroom flats in West Kensington. With limited lift access, our man-and-van service ensured everything was loaded within the building’s timed loading slot and completed in under five hours.
How Gold’s Removals Can Help
From studio flats to family houses and offices, our team knows the Kensington streets inside out. Services include:
- House Removals — full packing, transport & setup.
- Office Removals — minimise downtime with weekend/evening options.
- Man & Van — flexible, affordable smaller moves.
- Packing Services — save time and reduce stress.
- Furniture Assembly — professional dismantling/reassembly.
- Long Distance Removals — moves across the UK.
- House Clearance — ethical disposal and recycling.
- Dress to Sell — stage your home for buyers.
- Secure Storage — safe, affordable storage solutions.
FAQs about Moving to Kensington
How much do removals in Kensington cost?
From around ÂŁ400 for a one-bed flat; larger family homes typically range from ÂŁ1,200+. Share your inventory and access details for an accurate quote.
How far in advance should I book a removals company?
We recommend booking 4–6 weeks in advance, especially for peak summer and end-of-month dates.
Do you offer evening or weekend moves?
Yes — evening and weekend moves are available to reduce disruption.
Can you move antiques or fine art?
Absolutely — we use custom packing, export-grade materials, and appropriate insurance for high-value items.
Do you provide insurance?
Yes, all moves are fully insured. We’ll outline cover levels in your quote.
Can you handle piano removals?
Yes — upright and baby grand moves handled with specialist equipment and trained crews.
What if I need short-term storage?
Use our Secure Storage to bridge gaps between move-out and completion dates.
Do you offer student moves?
Our Man & Van service is perfect for students and smaller relocations.
Can you arrange parking permits?
We’ll guide you through the RBKC application process for bay suspensions and permits.
Do you cover emergency moves?
Yes — see our Emergency Removals service.
