Removal Van Hire: Why this is a Good Choice for Moving
When moving house, hiring a removal van can give you more control over the process. It allows you to pack, load, and transport your items on your schedule. You avoid the higher costs of hiring a professional moving service and have the flexibility to make the move at your own pace. This option is particularly beneficial if you don’t have a large number of belongings or if you prefer to handle valuable or fragile items personally.
Additionally, removal van hire companies often have locations nationwide, making it convenient to find a van near you. However, to make the most of this choice, you’ll need to plan carefully and be mindful of common challenges that could arise.
Key Considerations When Hiring a Van
1. Choosing the Right Van Size
Selecting the correct removal van size is crucial. If you hire a removal van that’s too small, you might need multiple trips, which increases fuel costs and time spent. Conversely, hiring a van that’s too large can make driving more difficult and cost you more than necessary. Here’s a breakdown of common van sizes and their uses:
- Small Van (e.g., Ford Transit Connect)
- Capacity: 3–4 cubic meters
- Suitable for: Small loads, such as Removal Boxes and small furniture. Ideal for moving out of a studio flat or small one-bedroom apartment.
- Medium Van (e.g., Ford Transit SWB)
- Capacity: 5–8 cubic meters
- Suitable for: Moving the contents of a 1–2 bedroom flat. It can accommodate larger pieces of furniture like sofas and beds.
- Large Van (e.g., Ford Transit LWB or Luton Van)
- Capacity: 10–20 cubic meters
- Suitable for: Moving the contents of a 2–3 bedroom house. These vans have more space for large furniture, appliances, and boxes.
- Extra-Large Van (e.g., Luton Box Van with Tail Lift)
- Capacity: 20+ cubic meters
- Suitable for: Moving a large 4+ bedroom house. With a tail lift, it’s perfect for handling heavy items like refrigerators, washing machines, and wardrobes.
- Small Van (e.g., Ford Transit Connect)
Tip: Always measure your furniture and large items before choosing a van size. You can also consult with the rental company about what size vehicle will fit your needs.
Tip: Before hiring a removal van, create an inventory of the items you’re moving to estimate the right van size. If unsure, consult with the removal van hire company for advice based on your belongings. Find our Inventory Template Here
2. Understanding Rental Costs
Van hire costs can vary depending on the size of the vehicle, duration of the rental, and your location. Here are some general average costs for removal van hire in the UK:
- Small Van: £30–£50 per day
- Medium Van: £40–£70 per day
- Large Van: £50–£100 per day
- Luton Van: £70–£130 per day
Keep in mind that these rates can increase during peak times like weekends, end-of-month periods, or the summer moving season. In addition to the base cost, you should factor in:
- Fuel: Most companies require you to return the van with a full tank of fuel.
- Insurance: Basic insurance is typically included, but you may want to purchase additional coverage for peace of mind (more on this below).
- Mileage: Some companies impose a mileage limit and charge for any extra miles, so make sure to inquire about this.
Tip: Compare prices from different companies and book in advance to secure the best deal. Companies often have discounts for early bookings or rentals during off-peak periods.
Tip: Always check for hidden fees or charges, such as mileage limits, late return penalties, or fees for extra drivers.
3. Rental Duration: How Long Will You Need the Van?
When estimating how long you’ll need the removal van, take into account not just the time to drive between locations, but also loading and unloading time, traffic, and any unexpected delays. Removal van hire companies typically offer:
- Hourly rentals: Suitable for short, local moves where you expect to finish in a few hours.
- Daily rentals: Ideal for larger moves or if you’re relocating over a greater distance.
Overestimating your time is usually a good strategy, as it’s better to have extra time than to rush through packing and loading.
Tip: Renting a removal van for a full day is often more cost-effective than paying an hourly rate and scrambling to return the vehicle on time.
Tip: Factor in traffic, the time it takes to load/unload the van, and possible delays when estimating the rental duration. It’s often better to rent the removal van for an extra day rather than rush through the process.
4. Insurance and Additional Coverage
Most removal van hire companies offer basic insurance, which covers damage to the van but might not include all liabilities. You should ask about:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces your liability in case of an accident.
- Theft Protection: Covers you if the van is stolen while under your rental agreement.
- Excess Protection: This covers the excess on your policy, which can be high with basic insurance. Reducing or eliminating this excess can give you peace of mind if anything goes wrong.
- Personal Injury Insurance: Covers medical costs if you or a passenger is injured during the move.
Tip: Check with your home insurance provider to see if your contents are covered during the move. Some policies include this, which may save you from purchasing extra insurance.
5. Van Hire Companies in the UK
Several reputable removal van rental companies operate nationwide, offering a wide range of vehicles and services to suit different moving needs. Here are some well-known options:
- AnyVan
AnyVan is a popular company that provides more than just van hire; they offer full removal services by connecting customers with transport providers. Pricing is flexible and depends on the size of the move and the distance, making it suitable for both small and large moves. They provide a real-time tracking feature, allowing you to monitor your belongings during transit. - Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise is known for its extensive network and wide range of vehicles, from small vans to large Luton vans. They offer both short- and long-term rentals and provide one-way rentals, allowing you to return the van to a different location—perfect for long-distance moves. - Hertz Van Hire
Hertz offers a variety of van sizes and flexible rental options across the UK. Their transparent pricing and easy-to-use online booking system make them a popular choice for many movers. They frequently offer discounts for online bookings and long-term rentals. - Europcar
Europcar has a large selection of vans for hire, including smaller models and larger trucks. They also provide useful add-ons like trolleys and blankets for protecting your items during the move. Their pricing is competitive, and they offer long-term rental deals. - Sixt Van Hire
Sixt is another reliable option, offering affordable van hire and flexible rental periods. Their fleet includes everything from small vans to Luton box vans with tail lifts, ideal for moving large household items. Sixt also allows for one-way rentals, which can be a lifesaver for long-distance relocations.
- AnyVan
6. Licensing Requirements and Legal Considerations
In the UK, most people with a standard Category B driving licence can drive vans up to 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg). However, if you’re hiring a larger van, you may need a special licence. Here are the key points:
- Standard Driving Licence (Category B): Covers vans up to 3.5 tonnes.
- Category C1 Licence: Required for vans between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. This licence is generally needed if you’re moving larger loads or using an extra-large van.
Make sure to check the vehicle’s weight before hiring, and confirm that your driving licence covers the vehicle. Most rental companies will provide this information upfront.
Before renting a removal van, always check:
International Drivers: If you’re renting a van in the UK but hold a foreign driving license, check the company’s policies on international drivers.
Age Requirements: Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 25 years old. Some companies allow drivers as young as 21, but may charge a “young driver surcharge.”
Driving License Validity: Ensure your driving license is valid and that you have held it for at least one year. Some companies may require two years of driving experience.
Tip: If you’re not confident driving a larger vehicle, take a test drive before loading the van to get familiar with its size and handling.
7. Driving Tips for Safe and Efficient Moving
Driving a removal van is very different from driving a car, especially when it’s fully loaded with heavy items. Here are some essential tips for a smooth journey:
- Plan Your Route: Use a GPS or mapping app to plan your route in advance, and try to avoid narrow roads or low bridges. Make sure the van will fit in any parking spaces or loading areas at your new home.
- Drive Cautiously: Removal Vans are heavier and less responsive than cars, so leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles. Take corners slowly, and avoid sharp turns. Give yourself extra time to brake and manoeuvre!
- Use a Tail Lift: If your van has a tail lift, use it to load heavy items like washing machines and large furniture. This reduces the risk of injury and makes the loading process much easier.
- Secure Your Load: Ensure that your belongings are securely packed and tied down inside the van to prevent movement during transit.
- Watch Your Clearance: Be mindful of height restrictions, especially when driving under bridges or through tunnels. Always check the height of the van before you start your journey.
- Pack Smart: Ensure that your belongings are packed securely, with heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top. Use straps to secure larger items like furniture, so they don’t move around during transit.
Conclusion
Hiring a van for your house move can be an affordable and flexible solution, giving you the freedom to manage your own time, packing, and transportation. However, for a smooth experience, it’s essential to consider several factors: choosing the right van size, accurately estimating rental time, and understanding the associated costs and insurance options. Being mindful of these details will help avoid unnecessary stress and extra expenses.
Additionally, selecting a reputable van hire company like AnyVan, Enterprise, or Hertz ensures access to a wide range of vehicles, from small vans for light loads to Luton vans for larger homes. Understanding your legal driving requirements, especially for larger vans, and practicing safe driving techniques will ensure a successful move.
By carefully planning and choosing the right removal van, you can make your house move more efficient and cost-effective while retaining control over how your belongings are handled.