The dos and don’ts of using van hire for university moves

Heading off to university is a huge milestone, and it's full of excitement and new opportunities. Whether you’re a student packing up for the first time or a parent trying to get your child out the door (and into university), the moving process can quickly turn stressful, especially when you’re attempting the impossible feat of fitting a lifetime’s worth of stuff into a car boot.

That's where hiring a van from us can make a world of difference. At Intack Self Drive, we have over 50 years of van, car, and minibus hire experience. We've helped thousands of students and families make moving days easier and more manageable. Our fleet of over 500 vehicles offers a range of sizes, from compact vans to spacious Luton vans, so you can find exactly what you need.

Before you book, we wanted to share some valuable tips to help you get the most from your van hire. So, here are some key dos and don'ts that will help your university move go smoothly and stress-free!

The Dos of Hiring a Van for Your Uni Move

Hiring a van might feel new or even a little daunting, especially if it’s your first time tackling a big move. That’s why we’ve put together some practical tips to help you plan your move, stay organised, and get the best possible value and experience from your daily or Flexi van hire.

When you’re moving to university, every bit of preparation counts. From choosing the right size van to packing smartly and driving safely, there are a few essential things you’ll want to do to make sure your van hire works for you, not the other way around. Following these simple dos will save you time and stress, while helping you avoid the common pitfalls that can turn a moving day into a headache!

• Do book your van early. University move-in days are peak times for van hire, so booking in advance means you get the size and type of van you want, exactly when you need it.
• Do pick the right size van for your load. Whether you have just a few boxes or an entire room’s worth of belongings, choosing the right van size will save time and effort by avoiding multiple trips or overloading.
• Do use our Flexi Hire option if you need flexibility. If your plans are uncertain, Flexi Hire lets you keep your van for a minimum of 28 days and return it whenever it suits you, with no fixed-term leases or penalties!
• Do pack and secure your belongings carefully. Use sturdy boxes, cushion fragile items, and tie down any bulky furniture you might be taking to your new home inside the van.
• Do check the parking and loading rules at your university. Many uni campuses have specific guidelines or designated areas for moving in, so knowing these in advance can save you time, faff, and potential fines.
• Do take your time driving the van. Vans handle a bit differently than cars, but with a little extra focus and confidence, you’ll be driving like a pro in no time.

The Don’ts of Hiring a Van for Your Uni Move

While there are plenty of things you can do to make your van hire experience smooth and easy, it’s just as important to be aware of some common mistakes that can quickly turn a straightforward move into a stressful one. Don't let these little pitfalls catch you out!

• Don't leave your booking to the last minute. Moving day is already a busy time, so avoid scrambling for a van at the eleventh hour.
• Don't overload your van beyond its weight limit. Overloading is unsafe, can damage the van, and may invalidate your insurance.
• Don't forget your driving licence and rental paperwork. Bring all necessary documents to avoid delays when collecting your van.
• Don't rush loading or unloading your belongings. Take your time to prevent damage. If needed, use Flexi Hire to keep the van longer.
• Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions. Our friendly team at Intack Self Drive is always ready to help make your move easier.

Need Help With Your Uni Move?

If you are thinking about hiring a van for the uni move, give us a shout today. Here at Intack Self Drive, we have been helping customers with easy and reliable van, car, and minibus hire for over 50 years. Whether you only need a van for the day or you want to use our Flexi Hire service and keep the van as long as you need, we have just the right vehicle for you.

Ready to get started? Take a look at our range of vans on our website or give us a ring on 01254 57811. We are always happy to help!