Moving house is demanding enough without discovering on the day that the van is too small, access is blocked or important items cannot be loaded safely. This practical checklist covers ten avoidable mistakes and helps you plan a smoother house move with the right hire vehicle.
1. Booking before you know what you are moving
Walk through every room, cupboard, garage and shed. List the largest items and decide what can be dismantled. A realistic inventory gives you a much better basis for choosing a van.
2. Guessing the size of large furniture
Measure sofas, beds, wardrobes, appliances and other awkward items. Compare the longest, widest and tallest pieces with the exact vehicle you are offered, and remember that internal dimensions vary by model.
3. Choosing a van that is too small
A smaller vehicle may look easier to drive, but repeated journeys can add time and stress. Compare the whole load and journey distance. If you are between categories, ask Regal for guidance rather than guessing.
4. Automatically choosing the largest vehicle
Bigger is not always better. A long van or Luton needs suitable access, parking and turning room. Choose enough space for the job while considering the roads and properties at both ends.
5. Forgetting access and parking
Check narrow streets, gates, low entrances, loading restrictions and the distance from the vehicle to the door. Arrange parking where required and keep neighbours informed if access may be affected.
6. Leaving packing until move day
Have boxes sealed and labelled before you get the vehicle. Keep essentials, documents and valuables separate. Disassemble suitable furniture in advance and keep fixings clearly labelled.
7. Loading without a plan
Place suitable heavier items low and distribute weight sensibly. Prevent movement, protect fragile items and avoid creating unstable stacks. Keep anything needed first at the new property accessible where practical.
8. Underestimating lifting and handling
Arrange enough capable help and use appropriate handling equipment. A tail lift may assist with suitable items, but it does not make every load safe or remove the need for correct manual handling.
9. Forgetting the driving difference
Allow more stopping distance, use mirrors regularly and take extra care with height, width, corners and reversing. Plan the route around restrictions and ask someone to guide you when manoeuvring if it is safe to do so. Vans are taller than you may be used to!
10. Rushing the return
Build time into the day for unloading, checking the load area, refuelling where required and returning the vehicle in line with the agreed arrangements. Confirm the applicable return requirements with your branch when booking. You will always have the van until 7 am the next day!.
A simple moving-day checklist
- Inventory completed and large items measured.
- Vehicle category confirmed with Regal.
- Access and parking checked at both addresses.
- Boxes packed, labelled and ready.
- Helpers and suitable equipment arranged.
- Route planned with vehicle size in mind.
- Return time and requirements confirmed.
Moving house? We can help.
If you're hiring the van yourself, Regal Car, Van & Truck Rental can help you choose the right vehicle for your move. If you'd rather leave the heavy lifting to the professionals, our sister company, Regal Moving & Storage, offers professional home removal services throughout the UK, helping take the stress out of moving day.
Choose your moving van with confidence
Regal provides van, Luton and Truck hire through Carlisle, Chatham, Maidstone and Sheerness. Whether you are moving within Carlisle, elsewhere in Cumbria or across Kent, tell the team what you need to carry and any access challenges so they can help you compare available options. Check out our other general van-hire booking mistakes article.
Ready to Book the Right Moving Van?
Choosing the right vehicle can make the difference between a smooth move and a stressful one. If you're unsure which van size is right, our friendly team is happy to help.
Simply tell us what you're moving, where you're moving to, and any access restrictions, and we'll recommend the most suitable vehicle for your move.
Before booking, you can also use our Vehicle Hire Price Calculator to get an instant guide price
Whether you're moving home in Carlisle, Cumbria, Chatham, Maidstone, Sheerness, or anywhere across the UK, Regal Car, Van & Truck Rental is here to help you get on the road with confidence.
Ready to get moving?
Get your instant guide price, request a quote online, or contact your nearest Regal branch today.
