If you are hiring a van for any reason, whether this is a Luton van for moving day into your new property, or a minibus to transport you and your extended family on a Christmas trip, you’ll need to know how to pack it effectively. Packing a van may sound simple, but there are several tactics you can adopt in order to ensure that your van is packed to perfection. Here are our top tips to help you out:
Pack vertically
Packing your items into your van vertically will save you so much effort in the long run. Vertically packing means that you can still get into the van easily and can
ensure that you are making good use of the space available, getting the most out of your van. Packing methodically in this way can also help you keep track of what is where, especially if you take inventory at the same time.
Pack tightly at the back of the van
It may sound obvious, but it’s important to start packing at the back of the van. This will encourage a higher sense of organisation in the van, and will help you to pack your things tightly together. This will help you to get more belongings into the space. This is important, as it will prevent you from making more than one trip, especially if this would require going out of your way.
Place necessary things in the front
Whether you are moving properties or going on a road trip, there will be things that you need to have easily accessible. This might be your essentials box, or your snack bag! To make sure there isn’t any more effort required than necessary, ensure that you are packing these much-needed belongings last. This will mean that they are the first thing you see when you open the van’s back doors.
Light/fragile items on top
If your belongings are packed away, it can be difficult to keep track of where they are, especially if every box or bag looks the same. It’s important to ensure your fragile items are kept safe and sound. Separate your light and fragile items from the rest of your belongings, and place them at the top of your vertical packing near the front of the van so you can retrieve them quickly.
Pack things tactically
Packing is an artform. Many people think that wrapping their fragile items or pieces of furniture in a blanket is enough to protect them, but ideally you need to go to stricter lengths. Bubble wrap will be your best friend, especially with those fragile pieces… Wrap up your items in bubble wrap and protective packaging, before deciding which order you should pack them in for their safety.
Things to remember
When packing a van for the upcoming road trip or house move, it’s important to remember a couple of things that often slip people’s minds…
Be careful when lifting
It’s a classic issue to arise for someone’s back to be thrown out in an attempt to lift a heavy box or back without sufficient form! When lifting heavy items, it’s imperative to lift from your knees, and not your back. Keeping your back straight, bend your knees and then straighten with the item, rather than curving your back down to the ground.
Items weigh down your vehicle
Your van will be made heavier by including your freshly packed belongings. This will result in you having to adjust how you drive the vehicle. Be careful going over speed bumps and give yourself enough time to slow down to a stop, taking into account the extra weight.
If you’ve planned a trip or chosen a date to move some of your belongings, there’s a likelihood that you’ll need to hire a van… That’s where we come in. Our team at CVS Van Hire can help you with your van hire, helping you find the size that will be the most appropriate for your needs. Give us a call on 020 8003 1184 or email info@cvsvanhire.co.uk to get started.
