How you load a hire van decides whether your move goes smoothly or whether things shift, space runs out and someone gets hurt. Fortunately, loading well is a skill anyone can learn. With a little planning the night before, most people get it right first time. The same principles apply to a flat or a four-bedroom house. Better still, choosing the right van from the start makes everything easier. For van hire in Warrington, our fleet of over seventy vans covers every size of move.
Choose the Right Van Before You Load a Hire Van
The most common mistake is picking a van that is too small. Halfway through, you discover a second trip is needed, which costs time and fuel. So, be honest about the volume of what you are moving, not just the weight.
For a one-bedroom flat, a short wheelbase low roof van often does it in one load. A two-bedroom home usually needs a long wheelbase high roof van, with height to stand furniture upright. Meanwhile, for a larger house, the extra long wheelbase van gives a 4.3 metre load area.
If you are moving lots of heavy furniture or white goods, consider the Luton van with tail lift. The powered lift raises heavy items for you. As a result, you need fewer helpers and face less risk of injury.
The Night Before Moving Day
Evening preparation makes the day far easier. First, take apart bed frames, wardrobes and tables. Then keep the fixings in a labelled bag taped to each piece. Next, stack boxes by room near the front door, so loading follows a logical order.
Also check access at both addresses before the van arrives. Some streets, such as parts of Stockton Heath van hire territory, have limited stopping space. So, plan where to park, rather than discovering the problem with a full van.
Heavy Items First
The loading order affects stability and space. Heaviest items always go in first, against the bulkhead, low down and centred.
Load white goods upright against the bulkhead. Sofas can stand on end in a high roof or Luton van. After that, mattresses go flat against a side wall. Then fill the floor with heavy boxes, spreading the weight evenly rather than loading one end.
Lighter boxes go on top and toward the doors, so they come out first. Pad fragile items, label them and keep them where nothing heavy can shift onto them. Finally, strap the load to the lashing rails. The official GOV.UK load securing guidance explains why this matters.
Make the Most of the Space
Use the van’s full volume, not just the floor. For example, a wardrobe can hold duvets, pillows and clothes on hangers. In addition, the space under a loaded table fits smaller boxes. Drawer units can travel full, with the drawers taped shut.
Stand tall items such as lamps and mirrors against the side walls and strap them. That keeps them safe and saves floor space. Our post on moving furniture safely with a van covers protection in more detail.
Collecting the Van
Our depot on Tilley Street at Cockhedge Shopping Centre opens Monday to Saturday from 8am until 4pm. Bring your photocard licence and a DVLA check code. Most vehicles need no deposit, and secure parking is available on site.
Ready to load a hire van for your move? Call us on 01925 396 222 to check availability. Alternatively, use our contact us page.
