Hiring a van for moving to uni

If you're starting university this autumn, or you're the parent or carer of someone who is, you're probably full of questions. One of the less exciting but crucial ones will be: how am I going to get all my stuff there?

Even if you streamline what you're taking, you still might struggle to get all the belongings you want to take into a car. If this is the case, you could do worse than hiring a van – and if your uni is in the northeast, we can help you get there.

Tips for packing a van

Remember, those boxes and bags you pack will need to be lifted by somebody – and you don't want to kick off this adventure with a slipped disc. So when you've laid out your worldly goods ready for packing, make sure not to overload your boxes.

Remember, too, that when you get to the other end it all needs to come out. You don't want to spend freshers' week rummaging through boxes in search of a favourite accessory.



The best way to escape this fate is to label, label and label some more. Well-marked boxes and bags are a surefire way to make your life easier at the start of term.

And, like so many things in life, it's in your interest to plan ahead. Packing on the day can lead to high blood pressure and raised voices.

Tips for moving day

Packing a van is a little like packing your shopping. You're not going to put a kilo of lentils on top of a carton of eggs. Similarly, you want to load heavy goods first – and spread them evenly so that the suspension isn't affected.

Bringing anything fragile, like a mirror or vase? You'll want to make sure those are strapped or wedged in along one of the walls.

You've probably heard that packing a van is like playing Tetris – if a game of Tetris could get you out of breath. You'll want to maximise the space available by packing smaller items between and under larger ones.

Another pro tip is to pack your essential items last – or keep them with you in the passenger seat. You probably won't get everything unpacked on your first night, so don't make the mistake of putting your toothpaste or phone charger right at the bottom of a box.

Tips for unloading

Don't be the person who stops in the middle of the road with cars parked on either side and proceeds to unload the contents of a house. Try to pick a spot where you won't be an obstruction.

No matter how tightly you packed the van, your possessions may have moved about a bit during the journey. Make sure to look out for any precarious items or breakages when you're starting to unload.

As with packing and loading, planning ahead is of the essence. If you know where things will go in your room, it will save you from constantly having to arrange and rearrange them. And because your boxes will be clearly labelled, unpacking will be a doddle and you'll be able to focus on finding your bearings and meeting new people.

What should I bring?

Even with a full van to transport your things, you might find it difficult to decide what to bring and what to leave behind.

Here's a short list of what we consider to be essentials:

1. Bedding

Assuming your halls don't provide this, make sure to pack comfy bedding that you like.

2. Towels

These are items we'd encourage you to pack within easy reach – you don't want to be drip-drying on your first morning in halls. And yes, that's "towels", plural – you might find they take an eternity to dry, in which case having a spare is a must.

3. Toiletries

This could be a wash bag with shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste and deodorant as a bare minimum.

4. Laptop

Obviously a must for lectures, essays and faculty emails, this is also a plus when you want to unwind with a film or show.

5. Clothes

This is where some strategic sorting can really pay dividends. There's no point taking flip-flops and sunglasses for your autumn term, so you may as well save a bit of space. If you're intending to go home at Christmas, you'll just need a few months' worth of clothes – and that can include winter warmers like jumpers, gloves and scarves.

You might also want to bring some wacky threads for freshers' nights and Halloween parties.

Pro-tip for packing: avoid arriving at your new digs with a wrinkled wardrobe by rolling up as many clothes as you can. Unless you're an ironing fiend you probably won't be in the mood on your first day there.

6. Stationery

This is something else you can pack sparingly. While a notebook, a folder and some pens and pencils are a good shout, most unis will have essential stationery for sale on campus, so you may as well travel light.

7. Kitchenware

You don't need to over-pack tableware as it's unlikely to all get used. Basic but good-quality cooking equipment will go a long way.

Some random items you might not have thought of

• A doorstop. Keeping your door ajar is a good way to show that you're ready to mingle.
• A cheese grater.
• Earplugs. Don't let partying neighbours give you a sleepless night!

Moving your things to uni doesn't have to be stressful, and that extra bit of space in a van can make all the difference. Good luck!

If you're looking to hire a van for uni in the northeast this autumn, take a look at our vans for hire or contact us on (0191) 488 87 00 for more information. We're a family-owned independent hire firm and we pride ourselves on being easy-going, professional and knowledgeable. All our vans have received a full valet and safety check, so you can rent one worry-free.