Book a moving van: What you need to keep in mind!

Last Updated on 2 months by David Bergmann

Are you about to move to Switzerland and want to take everything into your own hands? No problem! With a suitable moving truck, you can organize your move efficiently and flexibly. Minibus, truck or panel van: Here you can find out how to find the right vehicle for your needs and what you should look out for when booking and picking up.

1. Choose the right size
2. Booking the moving van
3. Collection and return of the moving van
4. Hire a moving van: Tips & tricks

1. Choose the right size

Before you rent a moving truck, it is important to determine the right size. Too small and you have to make several trips, too big and you pay unnecessarily. The size depends directly on the quantity of your removal goods. As a rule of thumb, one room corresponds to about 10 cubic meters. So think about how many rooms you’re moving into and how much space your furniture and boxes will need.

A small van such as the Mercedes Benz Sprinter or the VW Crafter is often sufficient for a small move. These vehicles offer enough space for most households and are still easy to maneuver. For larger moves, especially with bulky furniture, a larger panel van such as the Iveco or Ford Transit may be the better choice.

As a rough guide, you can use the following table to calculate the size:

2. Booking of the moving van

Once you have determined the right size of rental van, it’s time to book. There are numerous car rental companies in Switzerland that offer a wide range of vans and equipment. When searching, be sure to compare the prices and conditions of different providers to find the best deal.

Please note the following points when booking:

• Rental price and conditions: Watch out for hidden costs such as mileage limits and additional charges for insurance. Some providers also offer favorable rates for weekend or long-term rentals.
• Terms of payment: Almost all car rental companies require a credit card for the reservation and rental. (Attention: Debit cards are not accepted! It must be a real credit card)
• Reservation: Plan your move in good time and reserve your rental vehicle in advance, especially in the summer months and at the end of the month demand can be high. By booking early, you also increase your chances of getting a cheap van with a flexible rental period.
• Cancellation: Check the provider’s cancellation policy. It is important to know whether and under what conditions you can cancel your reservation free of charge.
• One-way rental: If you want to return the van to a different location than where you picked it up, check the availability and cost of a one-way rental.
• Additional driver: If you and your removal helpers are driving the van, you should definitely register at least one additional driver. Some rental vehicles already have an additional driver included, for others this must be booked for a fee.
• Insurance: Read the contract conditions carefully, because underinsurance can cost you a lot of money in the worst case. We recommend: Fully comprehensive insurance without deductible!
• Driving license: For a small (e.g. VW Caddy) or a medium van (e.g. Mercedes Sprinter) with a load volume of up to 15m3 you do not need a special driving license, a valid class B driving license is sufficient. However, many landlords require a minimum age of 21 and that the driver’s license was obtained at least one year ago. For trucks (up to 7.5 tons) with a load volume of up to 35m3 you need a class C driving license.

Tip: You can also conveniently book your moving van directly via your Relock account. In cooperation with our partner company “Hertz”, we offer rental by the hour at a fixed price with a large fleet to choose from. When booking, you can also directly compare how many moving boxes fit into each van and then choose the right size.

3. Collection and return of the moving van

On the day of your move, it is important to pick up the van on time. Check the condition of the vehicle before departure and document any damage. Make sure that the moving van is equipped with lashing straps or other aids to transport your load safely.

When you return the moving van, make sure you hand it in on time to avoid additional costs. Remove any extreme dirt from the vehicle and clear it out before you return it to avoid problems.

Ideally, an employee of the rental car company will inspect the van with you so that any scratches, damage, etc. can be clarified immediately. This way, you don’t run the risk of the rental car company charging you for repairs afterwards for damage that you didn’t cause.

4. Hire a moving van: Tips & tricks

• Moving helpers: If you need help with carrying and packing, ask friends or family for assistance or hire professional movers. Also make sure you find out whether your moving helpers can drive a van or truck or feel safe doing so.
• Driver’s license: Make sure that you have a valid driver’s license for the corresponding vehicle class (usually class B for vans up to 3.5 tons).
• Payload: Pay attention to the maximum weight allowed on the moving van and plan your load accordingly to avoid overloading.
• Vehicle fleet and selection: Some car rental companies also offer other commercial vehicles such as minibuses or trailers. Check whether they are suitable for your move.
• Subscription: If you need to hire vans regularly, it may be worth taking out a subscription with a car rental company to benefit from cheaper rates.

Relaxed relocation

Further tips & tricks and our checklist for a smooth moving day can be found here!

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