Guerin® Blog
Rental Guide
Moving van rental: a practical and cost-effective solution.
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Moving house requires planning, organisation and smart decisions. One of the most important is choosing the right moving van rental, especially if you want to stay in control of the process, reduce costs and move at your own pace.
A moving van rental allows you to transport your belongings safely, flexibly and efficiently, whether you are moving locally or between cities. In this guide, you will learn how to choose the ideal van, plan each stage of your move and make sure everything arrives in perfect condition.
Why a moving van rental is worth it.
Choosing a moving van rental gives you greater flexibility with schedules, full autonomy over your organisation and the ability to transport everything in one trip. It is a cost-effective alternative to traditional removal companies and adapts easily to different needs, from small moves to larger volumes.
Hiring a moving van also allows you to set your own pace, select the most suitable vehicle and handle your belongings with extra care throughout the move.
Planning checklist for a smooth move.
Good planning is essential for a stress-free move. A clear checklist, spread over time, helps avoid last-minute problems, manage time efficiently and reduce unnecessary stress.
3 to 4 weeks before.
- Set the moving date.
- List all furniture and items to be transported.
- Estimate the total load volume and choose the right van size.
- Book your moving van rental.
- Separate items to donate, sell or recycle.
- Gather boxes, tape, blankets and protective materials.
1 to 2 weeks before.
- Confirm the moving van rental booking.
- Start packing items you use less often.
- Label boxes by room and contents.
- Dismantle large furniture where possible.
- Arrange address changes and essential services
1 to 2 days before.
- Pack everyday items, leaving only essentials accessible.
- Prepare a box for important documents and valuables.
- Protect fragile items, electronics and furniture.
- Check access points, parking and loading areas.
- Confirm timings and available help.
On moving day.
- Distribute weight evenly inside the van.
- Secure the load properly to prevent movement during the journey.
- Check that nothing has been left behind.
- Drive carefully, respecting speed limits and vehicle handling.
- Unload room by room to simplify organisation.
After the move.
- Check the condition of your belongings.
- Assemble essential furniture.
- Collect empty boxes and packing materials.
- Clean the van and check fuel levels before returning it.
This checklist helps ensure an organised, efficient and calm experience when choosing a moving van rental.
How to choose the right van for your move.
There are different types of moving and removal vans, each with specific capacities and features. Choosing the right option depends on the load volume, the type of items and the distance you need to travel.
Required load volume.
Understanding how much space you need helps you avoid multiple trips and ensures a safer move.
How to calculate load volume and avoid extra journeys.
- Measure key furniture items such as sofas, beds, wardrobes and appliances by length, width and height. Multiply these measurements to estimate volume.
- Count the number and size of boxes. A standard moving box usually takes up around 0.1 to 0.15 cubic metres.
- Add up the total volume and allow extra space for irregularly shaped items.
- Compare the result with the van capacity and choose a moving van rental that fits everything safely.
- Plan load placement by positioning heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top.
Type and weight of items.
Bulky furniture, heavy appliances and fragile goods require a van with adequate load capacity and balanced weight distribution.
Ease of loading and unloading.
Wide rear doors, sliding side doors and a low loading floor make handling easier, especially for urban moves and tight access areas.
Distance to be covered.
For longer journeys, driving comfort, vehicle stability and fuel efficiency become important factors when selecting a moving van rental.
Van height and dimensions.
Consider access routes, garages, parking facilities, and height restrictions, especially in urban areas.
Number of occupants.
If more than one person is travelling, make sure the van offers enough seats and proper safety features.
Optional extras and added protection.
Additional protection options, such as the Platinum Pack available at Guerin, help reduce risks and increase peace of mind during loading, transport and unloading.
Practical tips for transporting items safely.
Correct weight distribution improves vehicle stability, while strong boxes, blankets and protective materials significantly reduce the risk of damage.
How to pack fragile items and electronics.
- Wrap crockery and glass items individually in bubble wrap or tissue paper.
- Plates should be placed vertically with gaps filled.
- Protect mirrors, frames and flat items with rigid cardboard and blankets and always transport them upright.
- Pack electronic equipment in original boxes whenever possible or use bubble wrap and sturdy boxes.
- Ensure appliances are empty, clean and dry, with doors securely fixed.
- Clearly label boxes as fragile and mark the destination room.
- Place fragile items on stable loads inside the van and secure everything with straps.
These steps help prevent damage and ensure a safer moving van rental experience.
Requirements for renting a moving van
Before going ahead with a moving van rental, it’s important to make sure you meet the required conditions. Knowing these requirements in advance helps avoid unexpected issues when collecting the vehicle and makes the whole process simpler and quicker.
Required documentation
To rent a moving van, you are generally required to present:
- A valid driving licence held for at least one year (or longer, depending on the vehicle type);
- A valid form of identification (ID card or passport);
- A credit card in the name of the main driver, required for the security deposit.
Minimum driver age
The minimum age to rent a moving van varies depending on the model chosen. As a general rule, the driver must be at least 21 years old, although a higher minimum age may be required for larger vans or those with greater load capacity.
Additional driver
If you wish to share the driving during your move, you can add one or more additional drivers to the booking, provided they meet the same age and documentation requirements.
Security deposit and payment conditions
When collecting the van, a security deposit will be pre-authorised on the credit card. This amount will be released once the vehicle is returned in the agreed condition. The deposit value may vary depending on the van model and any additional products selected.
Vehicle return conditions
The van must be returned with the same fuel level, clean, and without any additional damage. Meeting these conditions helps avoid extra charges and ensures a smooth rental experience.
By understanding the requirements for renting a moving van in advance, you can plan every detail more effectively and enjoy a faster, safer, and hassle-free service.
Guerin as your trusted moving partner.
Guerin offers modern, reliable and well-equipped vans designed specifically for moving house. With a dependable moving van rental service, your move becomes simpler, more organised and far less stressful.
For greater peace of mind, you can also add extras to your booking, such as:
- glass and wheel protection: ideal for minimising the risks associated with manoeuvring, transporting cargo and travelling with multiple occupants;
- protection of the driver and occupants of the car: covers you for any unforeseen events, providing assistance with medical expenses and compensation;
Book your removal van with Guerin now and move house with confidence.
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