Moving house with a hire van: a complete checklist

A self-drive van move is one of the cheapest ways to relocate — but a bit of planning makes all the difference. Here's a step-by-step checklist.

2 weeks before

• [ ] Book your van — book early for weekends and month-end, the busiest times.
• [ ] Order packing materials: boxes, bubble wrap, tape, marker pens.
• [ ] Start decluttering — sell or donate anything you won't need at the new place.
• [ ] Arrange parking — if you need a parking suspension at either address, apply to the council now.

1 week before

• [ ] Pack non-essentials room by room, labelling each box with its destination room.
• [ ] Confirm your booking and check what's included (mileage, insurance, deposit).
• [ ] Check your driving licence and get a DVLA share code if the hire firm needs one.
• [ ] Arrange helpers for moving day.

The day before

• [ ] Pack an essentials box: kettle, tea, snacks, phone charger, tools, cleaning cloth, bin bags.
• [ ] Defrost and drain the fridge/freezer if you're moving it.
• [ ] Confirm pick-up time and the collection address.
• [ ] Check the weather forecast.

Moving day

• [ ] Collect the van — note any damage on the check sheet and photograph it.
• [ ] Load heavy items first, against the cab wall, then lighter items on top.
• [ ] Secure the load — use straps to stop things shifting.
• [ ] Do a final sweep of every room, cupboard and loft before you leave.
• [ ] Return the van on time and refuel to the agreed level to avoid refuel charges.

After the move

• [ ] Check the van over with the hire firm before you hand back the keys.
• [ ] Update your address for driving licence, insurance, bank and utilities.

Tip: If you're moving more than a 3-bed house, it's often worth hiring a Luton with a tail lift — the lift alone saves hours of heavy lifting.