Renting a Van for a Move: The Ultimate Checklist and What to Watch Out For

Moving house is one of those processes that sounds simple until you fill the first box. Clothes, books, appliances, dishes, furniture, and dozens of small items all need to be packed, organized, and, most importantly, transported to the new home. And that’s when the countless trips in your car begin, with packed trunks and the classic “this will fit somewhere.”

But moving doesn’t have to be synonymous with hassle. With the right plan, renting a van turns out to be the smartest and most practical solution for doing it yourself, easily, quickly, and affordably, at your own pace.

Moving House: Start with Proper Organization

Before you decide on the right vehicle for the move, it’s essential to have your belongings properly organized. After all, a smooth move doesn’t start on the day you load the boxes into the van, but several days earlier, with proper planning. Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to organize your move, from packing to choosing the right vehicle.

1. Do a thorough decluttering

This is the perfect opportunity to declutter. Before you start packing, sort your belongings into three categories:

• Keep: Items that will go to the new home.
• Donate/Sell: Items that might be useful to someone else.
• Throw Away/Recycle: Anything that’s no longer useful.

The less you move, the less space you’ll need in the van!

2. Get the necessary packing supplies

Don’t wait until the last minute to find boxes. Estimate how many items you have and get more boxes than you think you’ll need. To be fully prepared, make sure you have:

• Boxes of various sizes (don’t overload large boxes with heavy items, such as books).
• Bubble wrap and packing paper for fragile items.
• Packing tape, markers, and labels.

3. Don’t forget the labels

By listing the contents of each box in detail, you’ll save valuable time and avoid unnecessary hassle when unpacking. So, be sure to include the following:

• Which room it belongs in
• What’s inside
• Whether it’s fragile
• Whether it needs to be opened immediately

Tip: Instead of a general number like “Box 12,” opt for a more detailed description, e.g., “Kitchen: Plates & Glasses (Fragile).” That way, when you arrive at your new home, you’ll know exactly where everything is, avoiding unnecessary rummaging through the wrong boxes.

Why Choose a Van for Your Move?

Once you’ve finished packing, the most crucial step comes next: the move. Your personal car may initially seem like the most economical solution, but the fuel costs from multiple trips and the inevitable hassle often prove otherwise. In contrast, renting a van is an extremely practical and flexible solution. It allows you to transport more items in fewer trips, saving you time. Since the ideal vehicle depends on the volume of your belongings, Hertz offers different van categories so you can choose the size that exactly meets your needs.

Renting a Van for a Move: Do You Need a Commercial Driver’s License?

One of the most common questions people have when considering renting a van for a move is whether they need a commercial driver’s license.

In the case of Hertz, a commercial driver’s license is not required to rent light commercial vehicles weighing up to 3.5 metric tons. The driver simply needs to have held a valid driver’s license for at least one year.

This makes renting a van particularly practical for individuals who want to organize a move on their own, without hiring a professional driver.

Rental requirements and age restrictions vary by van category, be sure to check the applicable terms before booking.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Van for a Move?

Your budget always plays a key role in your planning. If you’re wondering how much it costs to rent a van, keep in mind that the final price is flexible and depends on:

• The van category
• The rental duration
• The pickup location
• Any additional options included in the reservation

When planning your transportation, it’s important to look at the big picture. Instead of searching exclusively for “van rental prices,” it’s worth calculating the actual, total cost of the process. Using your own car may seem “free,” but the fuel for constant trips, the hassle, and the time lost ultimately drive up the cost. On the other hand, with a spacious van, the process becomes much more efficient, since you can choose the time that works best for you and transport all your belongings in just a few trips, saving yourself the hassle and unnecessary expenses.

Hertz makes your move easier by offering different van categories and the option of quick online booking[AN3.1]. What’s more, our network is right by your side wherever you are: our popular van rental service in Athens is expanding to the rest of Greece, with full availability in Thessaloniki, Crete, Larissa, and Volos.

What Kind of Van Do You Need for Your Move?

Every move has its own requirements, and certainly not all of them call for a heavy, large truck. Choosing the ideal vehicle is purely a matter of proportion: the right size depends entirely on the volume, the number of boxes, and the type of furniture you’ll be moving.

For a small move, such as from a student apartment, renting a minivan may be sufficient. For a larger volume of items, you may need more cargo space by renting a cargo van.

Hertz offers four different van categories, from V2 to V5. The V5 category, for example, includes models such as the Ford Transit, Fiat Fiorino, Opel Vivaro, and Peugeot Partner, with cargo space lengths ranging from 1.5 to 3.1 meters.

Approximate lengths vary by model and availability. Check the exact availability when you make your online reservation.

The important thing is to calculate the volume, not just the number of items. A sofa, a mattress, or a large appliance takes up much more space than dozens of small boxes.

Who Is a Van Rental Ideal For?

This solution isn’t just for those moving house. A cargo van can be particularly useful in several situations.

Moving as a Student

Are you moving into your first home or switching student housing? Clothes, books, electronics, and personal items are much easier to transport in a van than by making multiple trips in a car.

New Couples

Moving from a small apartment to a larger home may require more belongings than can fit in a car. Renting a van saves you from making unnecessary trips.

Small and medium-sized moves

For situations where you’re not moving an entire household’s worth of belongings and prefer to handle the move yourself without a moving company, you need flexibility. The Hertz Van Rental service is designed to effectively meet precisely these needs, making the moving process easier than ever.

Commercial Vans for Businesses

The need for transportation doesn’t stop at residential moves. Many businesses choose commercial vans to transport goods or equipment on a daily basis.
A commercial minivan, on the other hand, can handle smaller-volume needs, such as deliveries or moving equipment between stores.

Checklist for an Organized Move

Before you start, do a final check.

Before packing:

• I’ve decided what I’m keeping
• I’ve gotten enough boxes
• I’ve bought packing materials and tape
• I’ve gathered markers and labels

While packing:

• I’ve sorted items by room
• I’ve protected fragile items
• I haven’t overloaded the boxes
• I’ve labeled the contents of each box
• I’ve set aside the boxes that need to be opened immediately

For the move:

• I’ve calculated the total volume
• I’ve chosen the right van
• I have calculated how many trips I’ll need
• I have organized the moving day
• I have checked the rental terms and the necessary documents
• I have reserved the van in advance

Moving Can Be Much Simpler

Moving doesn't have to mean endless trips, stress, and hassle. With proper packing, labeled boxes, and a clear plan, you can organize the process from start to finish.
The "key" to a successful move is not to underestimate the transportation phase. Instead of struggling to fit everything into your car, renting a moving van gives you the space and flexibility you need to complete the process on your own, comfortably and safely.

What Do You Need to Do Now?

With the Hertz Van Rental service, you can choose from different van categories, complete your reservation online, and organize your move according to your own schedule. Secure the right vehicle in advance and make moving day a smooth and perfectly organized experience.