Preston Vehicle Yard

Packing a Hired Van for a Move in Preston

Moving home can feel like a juggling act — boxes, bubble wrap, and a hundred things to remember. But packing a hired van for a house move in Preston can be smooth, efficient, and even enjoyable (yes, really!). Whether you’re moving across town or just a few streets over, packing your van the right way makes all the difference.

At Easihire, we’ve seen our fair share of house moves. Here are our top tips for getting the most out of your hired van and making moving day a breeze.

1. Choose the Right Size Van

Before you even think about packing, make sure your van is the right size. Too small, and you’ll be making multiple trips across Preston. Too big, and your belongings could shift and get damaged. If you’re not sure what size van you need, our friendly team is happy to help you choose based on the size of your home and how much you’re moving.

Tip: A medium-sized van is usually enough for a 1–2 bedroom flat, while a Luton van with a tail lift is ideal for 2–3 bedroom houses.

2. Pack Strategically, Not Randomly

Think of your van like a game of Tetris — every item should fit neatly, with no wasted space.

  • Heavy items first: Start by loading your heaviest items (fridges, washing machines, furniture) closest to the front of the van, near the cab. This balances the weight and keeps the van stable on the road.
  • Distribute weight evenly: Avoid stacking all the heavy stuff on one side. Spread the load to make driving easier and safer.
  • Boxes next: Stack boxes of similar size together. Place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter ones on top.

3. Protect Your Belongings

You don’t want your favourite mirror or TV screen to crack on the move through Preston’s roundabouts and back roads.

  • Use blankets, towels, or moving pads to protect furniture and fragile items.
  • Strap down items with ratchet straps or bungee cords to stop them sliding around.
  • Label your boxes clearly — not just with the room, but also if they’re fragile.

4. Disassemble Where You Can

Taking apart furniture might seem like extra work, but it can save loads of space.

  • Remove table legs, take drawers out of dressers, and flat-pack anything that can be safely disassembled.
  • Keep screws, bolts, and small parts in a labelled bag taped to the furniture it came from.

Bonus: Smaller pieces are easier to carry through tight hallways or staircases (Preston terrace homes, we’re looking at you!).

5. Load Room by Room

To make unpacking easier, group items by room as you load them.

  • Pack each room’s boxes together and load them in reverse order — the first things you’ll need should be the last on the van.
  • For example, keep your kettle, mugs, and tea bags handy — nothing says “welcome to your new home” like a good brew!

6. Plan Your Parking

When moving day comes, make sure you’ve thought about where to park your van.

  • Check for permits or restrictions on your street in Preston.
  • If you’re moving from or to a narrow road or busy street, reserve a space in advance or chat with neighbours.
  • Leave yourself enough room to load and unload safely — and watch out for double yellows!

7. Don’t Overload

Every van has a maximum load weight, and it’s important to stay under it for legal and safety reasons. Overloading can affect how the van drives, increase stopping distance, and even lead to fines.

If you’re unsure, ask our team when hiring your van — we’ll point you in the right direction and help you stay within limits.

8. Stay Calm and Take Breaks

Moving is tiring — mentally and physically. Give yourself time, take short breaks, and don’t try to rush everything in a single hour. You’ve got this!

And remember, packing a hired van for a house move in Preston doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you follow a clear plan and take it step by step.

Let’s Get You Moving!

At Easihire, we’re proud to support Preston’s movers with reliable van hire, flexible options, and helpful advice whenever you need it. Whether it’s your first move or your fifth, we’re here to take some of the stress out of the process.

Looking for a van? Get in touch with our team today — and happy moving!