Had one too many heirlooms broken by an overworked moving company employee? Maybe you’re tired of having to make multiple trips in your jam-packed car.
Whether you’re moving into a new home or relocating your business, transporting loads of boxes can present several frustrating challenges. But you know what they say, “want something right, do it yourself”. Skip the headache of hiring a moving company and hire a moving van instead!
Why Hire a Moving Van: Getting Down to Brass Tacks
Picture this: you’re sitting at home alone. Boxes extend into the horizon as far as the eye can see, the smell of cardboard lingers briefly in the air around you. You’ve been waiting for the moving company to arrive for three hours now. You’re starting to get hungry, and a slow drizzle of rain started a few minutes ago. All this woe and misery could have been avoided if you had listened to your mother and hired a moving van instead.
The process of hiring or leasing a moving van for the day is a lot simpler than you might think. It’s as easy as ordering groceries or that cupboard organiser you’ve been eyeing for weeks on Amazon. Hertz for example, has an easy-to-use app on which you can use to book your van hire in less than 10 minutes. Check it out here!
The Benefits of Hiring a Van: Don’t Shuffle, Glide Through Moving Day
Whether you’re moving to a new home, relocating your business or transporting either personal items or business stock to storage, having your own mode of transport can make the world of difference. Let’s dive into the why’s and how’s of easy and efficient van hire in the UK.
Flexibility and Convenience: It’s Possible to Have Both
Hiring you own moving van means you march to the rhythm of your own drum. Move according to your personal or work schedule rather than being bound to that of a moving company.
With a variety of van types and sizes available, you’ll have enough space for whatever items you are intending to move or store. Choosing the right sized van is a crucial part of your moving process because if you get it right, you will avoid unnecessary additional trips!
- Small Pickup Van: Suitable for transporting bigger items such as large furniture or for business deliveries. Offers a payload capacity of approximately 693kg.
- Large Pickup Van: Designed to move bulkier options and carry up to 758kg.
- Standard Cargo Van: Ideal for transporting goods or moving apartments. These vans offer roughly 9.99 cubic metres and up to 1,724kg.
Whether you prefer to sleep until noon or ride at dawn, want to entire contents of your home or just a few boxes, local van hire offers you both flexibility and convenience.
Cost Effective: Moving Solutions That Don’t Break the Bank
Renting a van locally can be cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company, especially for smaller moves. On average, moving companies in the UK charge around £300-£1,500 or more. This typically includes labour, transport, packing materials and sometimes insurance. Choosing to hire a van on the other hand, will set you back about £50-£150 per day depending on the size of the van, location and duration.
Making use of the service offering of companies like Hertz comes with the added benefit of transparency when it comes to costs — everything is upfront, and vans can even be rented by the hour.
Can Anyone Hire a Van?
Yes! Well, almost anyone… Naturally, to successfully rent a van in the UK, you’ll need to be able to prove that you are legally able to drive. You’ll need a valid driver’s license with a squeaky-clean track-record of driving for up to five years prior to renting a van. A standard driver’s licence in the UK is usually valid for use of vehicles up to 3500kg. Most rental companies also require drivers to 21 years of age or older.
Ready to Put Your Foot on the Gas? Let’s Hire Your Van!
Step 1: Booking
So, you’ve packed your boxes, worked out which van to hire and are now you’re ready to hit the road! Most companies have an online booking system where you will be required to in-put the pick-up and drop-off locations, the period that you will be renting the van for and to select your van model.
Hertz very conveniently has an app that is available for download on both the Apple and Play Store. Uploading the necessary documentation is a breeze with the in-app photo function.
Step 2: Payment and Pick Up
Hertz offers incredibly affordable moving van rental rates of £16 per hour or £75 per day. Paying for your van through the app is safe and secure with two-factor authentication.
We would recommend adding insurance to cover any unforeseen blunders such as damage or theft. After you have completed the payment process, the next step is pick up! Remember to bring along your driver’s license and any booking confirmation documentation.
Step 3: Inspection
Before driving away, make sure that you inspect for and photograph any existing damage on the van and report it to the relevant employee. Never driver a big vehicle before? Don’t sweat it, take some time to get comfortable and familiar with the van’s controls, mirrors and parking aids.
Step 4: Return Your Van
After you have transported your good and are ready to return the van, there are a few things to take note of to avoid any additional fees. Make sure that there is no new damage and that the van is spick and span.
Step 5: Bonus Tip
Make sure that you have clarity on the hiring company’s fuel policy. Most companies have a full-to-full policy, meaning you’ll need to fill the tank before returning the van. Make sure to keep the slip as proof.
Embracing the Ease of Moving Van Hire
Life gets busy and planning moving logistics can feel impossible with so many dynamic parts. Hiring a moving van lets you set your own schedule, virtually guarantees the safety of your possessions and is exceptionally easy to organise.
Now you might be thinking, hang on here, all sounds a bit too good to be true. Well before you tell us to get on our bike, look at Storage Kings’ van hire and self storage offering.
We promise you won’t be disappointed!
