Choosing the right moving van for your move is crucial for a low-cost and reliable experience. With various options available, it can be challenging to determine what's right for you. This article provides a broad set of guidelines as well as top tips to help you make an informed decision.

Moving Van For Your Move: Key Takeaways

• Assess your moving needs to choose the right van size.
• Compare van types and features to find the best option.
• Check availability and book in advance to ensure availability.
• Consider insurance and additional services for a stress-free move.

Assess Your Moving Needs

Determine the Size of Your Move

The first step in choosing the right moving van is to determine the size of your move. Calculate the total volume of your belongings to ensure the van can accommodate everything.

Small moves: Ideal for studio apartments or single rooms.

Medium moves: Suitable for 1-2 bedroom apartments.

Large moves: Best for 3+ bedroom houses or large offices.

Create an Inventory List

Creating a detailed inventory list helps in estimating the space required. Include all furniture, appliances, and boxes. This will help you avoid underestimating the size of the van needed.

Compare Van Types and Features

Different Types of Moving Vans

There are several types of moving vans to choose from, each catering to different needs:

Cargo Van

9-12 cubic metres

Small moves, studio apartments

Transit Van

14-18 cubic metres

Medium moves, 1-2 bedroom apartments

Luton Van

20-24 cubic metres

Large moves, 3+ bedroom houses

Tail Lift Van

22-26 cubic metres

Heavy items, large moves

Important Features to Consider

Size and Capacity: Ensure the van is large enough to fit all your belongings.

Accessibility: Check for features like ramps or tail lifts, especially for heavy items.

Fuel Efficiency: Opt for a van with good fuel efficiency to save on costs.

Condition and Maintenance: A well-maintained van is crucial for a smooth move.

Check Availability and Book in Advance

Plan Your Move Early

It's advisable to plan your move well in advance. Moving vans are in high demand, especially during peak seasons. Booking early ensures you get the van you need.

Confirm Availability

Contact multiple van rental services to check availability. This will give you a better chance of securing the right van for your move.

Consider Insurance and Additional Services

Comprehensive Insurance Coverage

Ensure that the moving van rental includes comprehensive insurance coverage. This should cover:

Liability: Protects against damages to other vehicles or property.

Collision: Covers damages to the rental van.

Theft: Protection against theft of the van and its contents.

Additional Services

Many van rental companies offer additional services to make your move easier:

Packing Services: Professional packing can save you time and effort.

Moving Supplies: Boxes, tape, and packing materials, for example procuring bubble wrap

Storage Solutions: Temporary storage options if needed.

Evaluate Costs and Budget

Compare Rental Prices

Get quotes from multiple van rental services to compare prices. Ensure you understand what is included in the price, such as mileage, fuel, and insurance. It's worth comparing each quote against a series of factors including price, service offered, rating etc.

Hidden Fees

Be aware of potential hidden fees such as:

Late Return Charges: Fees for returning the van late.

Extra Mileage Fees: Charges for exceeding the mileage limit.

Cleaning Fees: Costs for returning the van in poor condition.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Move

Packing Tips

Label Boxes: Clearly label all boxes to make unpacking easier.

Disassemble Items: When moving furniture and appliances to save space.

Use Padding: Use blankets or bubble wrap to protect fragile items.

Loading the Van

Heavy Items First: Load heavy items like furniture and appliances first.

Distribute Weight Evenly: Evenly distribute weight to prevent shifting during transit.

Secure Items: Use straps or ropes to secure items and prevent movement.

On the Day of the Move

Double-Check Inventory: Ensure all items are loaded and accounted for.

Check Fuel Levels: Make sure the van has enough fuel for the trip, if you're driving yourself.

Plan Your Route: Plan the most efficient route to avoid delays, there are various planning apps to do this.

Essential Quick Tips for Hiring a Van for Your Move in London

Determine your moving needs

Explore van rental options

Understand rental policies

Opt for cost-effective extras

Choose the right van size

Plan for long-distance moves

Pack efficiently

Moving Van For Your Move: Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Moving Van Do I Need?

The size of the moving van you need depends on the volume of your belongings. A small move might only require a cargo van, while a large move may need a Luton or tail lift van.

How Far in Advance Should I Book a Moving Van?

It's recommended to book a moving van at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving seasons. Early booking ensures availability and may offer better rates. There are, however, same-day delivery options you can use if your move is urgent.

What Should I Do If the Van Breaks Down?

In the event of a breakdown, contact the rental service immediately. Most companies provide roadside assistance and will arrange for a replacement vehicle if necessary.

Can I Drive a Moving Van with a Regular Driving Licence?

Yes, most moving vans can be driven with a regular driving licence. However, there may be restrictions based on the size and weight of the van. Check with the rental company for specific requirements.

What Insurance Coverage Do I Need for a Moving Van?

Ensure that the rental includes comprehensive insurance coverage, including liability, collision, and theft protection. Additional coverage for personal belongings may also be available.

Are There Any Additional Fees I Should Be Aware Of?

Be aware of potential additional fees such as late return charges, extra mileage fees, and cleaning costs. Clarify all terms and conditions with the rental service beforehand.

What size van to move a 3 bed house?

A 3 bed house removal would be considered a fairly large move, so to fit this all in one van a Luton van or larger would most likely be needed, all depending on how much stuff you have of course.

What size van do I need to move a king size bed?

A king size bed can be moved in a medium sized van, a Ford Transit would be ideal but other similar models would also work well.

Is it cheaper to hire a van or a man with a van?

It's always cheaper to do more of the work yourself, so hiring a van for the day, doing the packing yourself and driving yourself would almost always work out cheaper. However, it all depends on how much you value your time. A local man and van service can often be the easiest and fairly cost-effective method as an alternative to doing it yourself.

Will a king size mattress fit in a transit van in the UK?

Yes a king size mattress would fit in a transit and most other similar medium sized vans of this type

Will a sofa fit in a Transit van?

This depends on the size of sofa and size of Transit van. A Small two seater sofa would fit in any transit van but a bigger sofa, e.g., L-shaped, may require a LWB Transit van

Why Choose Porta Delivery As a Moving Van For Your Move

Porta Delivery use a crowdsourced driver model which matches you with van movers already planning the journey. Porta has three main benefits vs other companies:

1.) Lowest prices due to the crowdsourced model; drivers will have other items in their van, lowering the cost per item

2.) Neutral emissions as drivers are making the journey anyway

3.) Fast and easy to use platform

Why not get an instant price today!