Moving Home
If you are planning on moving home within the next couple of months, renting a van from our company will be an excellent choice.
House movers are expected to have a busy year in 2022 due to buyer demand. There is also a high demand for rental properties. House moves will be busy this year, based on all these factors.
It may be on your mind if you are contemplating a house move this year – “what is the best way to pack everything up for the move”? Many people now rent a van and move the items themselves instead of hiring a moving company.
This is a great option for a number of reasons, and it has gained traction in recent years. These are highlighted in this article. With the reductions in stamp duty, property owners have been putting their houses on the market. There is much more to organise when moving to a new house than just selling one and buying another.
It is still important to take into consideration all the other aspects of moving, from re-directing your mail and switching over utilities to getting from point A to point B with everything you own. We’re here to help! What vehicle would be suitable for you, and what will it cost if you decide to moving house yourself? Here are some tips on choosing the right van for the job to aid you in your decision.
Van size makes a difference
There is no such thing as a better size! Make sure your vehicle matches your needs and the job you are performing. Having a vehicle that is too large may make it difficult to drive confidently or to park comfortably in front of your new home. You may need to make multiple trips if it’s too small, which means you won’t be able to fit all of your furniture.
Among the most popular moving vans in Britain are the Ford transit SWB, a smaller version of the Ford transit. The compact wheelbase of this van and its overall length of 2.5 metres allow it to carry a wide range of household supplies and bulkier furniture as well. If you’re moving a small house or are not concerned about distance, this is a great option for you. Whether you’ve never driven a van before or are unfamiliar with the vehicle, you’ll find driving this vehicle less intimidating.
It is likely that you will need a Luton van if you have a lot of furniture to move and a lot of things to move. 3.5 metres in length and 2 metres in height, it is the biggest van to choose from and most popular among home movers. In addition to having a tail lift, the Ford Luton van is also able to carry heavier and more massive items much easier.
What will the cost be?
Depending on the size of the van and the length of time you need it, prices can vary from one company to another. Plan your needs beforehand, so you don’t get disappointed if you drop off early. Most businesses charge for 24-hour blocks and don’t offer refunds for early departures. Additionally, it is often cheaper to rent during the week than on weekends, so if you want to stay within a tight budget, you may want to consider that when making your plans. Decide the right van rental service.
It is crucial that you understand the fuel charges associated with the van you choose, because you will also have to include them in your rental costs. It is important to check whether a complete tank of fuel is required for return in order to avoid over driving. Extra costs are often incurred by people who don’t realize they’re being caught out on these things. Large removal companies provide removal van hourly based too.
The following factors should be considered
Choosing a van and a company to hire from are already big decisions, but access, route, time, and technical knowledge may also influence your final choice. Among the things to consider are:
Make sure you can park both at your old and new addresses, and determine whether any tickets or fees will be required for parking.
Do a recce before the day to make sure that you have access to the van, as if it is too broad or tall to fit through the gate, you may have to carry items a long way.
Check the insurance cover that is included in the price and any excesses that may apply and find a hire company that offers it.
There is no shame in having breakdown cover if something happens to the vehicle, but it ensures that you won’t be left stranded.
People tend to think that moving a small house is a simple and swift process, but they always underestimate the actual time and allow for any unforeseen complications or delays.
On the day, here are some things to consider
After you have your van in your possession, you should take a few additional steps, so that you do not incur any additional costs. If the company has provided any instructions, listen carefully to them as they should answer any questions you may have. If anything goes wrong, they should be there to help. Don’t forget to bring your driver’s license with you on the day as well. You should also take into account:
Take a close look at your van from both the front and back to check for any obvious damage, like scrapes, cracks, or breaks, and note them before driving off.
If you don’t verify the fuel type with the company, you might end up paying a steep price.
Be careful when packing the van to maximize space and prevent belongings from falling and moving while in transit.
You should take your time with this. There may be some differences between driving a van and driving a car. Make sure you adjust the steering wheel and remember that the rearview mirror is missing, and that visibility is reduced.
Don’t forget to allow yourself enough space to park and to load and unload all your belongings, as well as plenty of space to park.
What type of license am I required to have?
A driver’s license valid for at least two years is required to hire a van in the UK. Nevertheless, the majority of vans – including transits and lutons – do not require an HGV license. For vehicles larger than this one, another license will be required. It is possible to drive vans up to 3.5 tons with a standard car driver’s license. The driver’s license must be of a distinct category if it exceeds this.
On the back of your driving licence card, you can find out what type of license you have. All vans under 3.5 tonnes can be driven with a B category licence. Vans (bigger van) up to 7.5 tonnes can be driven with a C1 category license. Depending on when you passed your driving test, you might also be able to choose from different categories. It is likely that you will have more options available to you if you passed your test before 1 January 1997.
Check that the appropriate paperwork is in place before hiring a van
Moving and packing can cause things to get misplaced, even though it may seem easy to spot. It is always a good idea to ask the company what paperwork they need when you enquire about hiring. It’s a good idea to keep this documentation somewhere safe before your big moving day. Although most companies require a proof of identity, some may need more than one, and the types of proof they ask for may be different.
If you are hiring other drivers, their licenses and yours will be required as well. The vehicle hire company must also have your license number and postcode in order to issue a share code to you. Depending on the company, you may be asked to provide this information independently, or you may prefer to do so. If you provide your driving licence number along with the information above, you can easily get yours online.
Also, you may need to present a piece of evidence that bears your name and address, viz. a bank statement or electricity bill. Often, this is easier said than done in the era of paperless billing. Make sure you allow enough time for your bank or utility company to send you a print out if you need something from them.
The process of moving is filled with a number of tasks and hassles that can be quite overwhelming at times. You can hire a van according to your own schedule, so no matter when you pick it up, we can make it happen. Our team will be able to assist you with any questions or queries you might have regarding the different sizes of vans. Now you can book a van more easily than ever before.
