Moving can be a stressful experience, and that’s why SIXT is happy to provide tips for your move with a checklist of what to pack, as well as driving tips for cargo vans. Our rental car fleet has many options for your move whether it be big or small. With a large selection of moving vans, cargo van rentals, SUVs and trucks, you are sure to have a stress-free and pleasant rental car experience for your move.
Simply print out the checklist below make sure you’ve covered your bases
As early as possible before your move:
- If you rent your current property, allow enough time to give notice to your current landlord. You will find further information in your lease.
- Over the years you generally collect broken or unwanted items in a closet, in the cellar, the attic or the garage. Sort through these as early as possible and be realistic about what’s worth keeping. Don’t forget to dispose of these items before you leave, and recycle where you can.
- Prepare a list of items that you will be taking with you.
- If needed, apply for a parking permit for your van or truck.
3 weeks before the move:
- You should contact the following when necessary and advise them of your moving date and new address: postal service, employer, DMV, bank, credit card companies, loan providers, telephone provider, mobile telephone provider, cable/satellite TV company, doctors, dentist, opticians, vet, school, library, gym and any other social groups, subscriptions, professional organizations.
- Get everything you need to pack your items: Boxes, packing tape, large bags, bubble wrap, and perhaps old newspapers. Read further for our tips on the best way to pack.
1 week before the move:
- Inform neighbors and other tenants about your move so that they are prepared for any possible noise.
- Spare young children and animals the stress of the move by arranging for them to stay with family or friends.
- Ask around to find people willing to help you move.
1 to 3 days before the move:
- Block a parking space for your SIXT vehicle.
- Keep any tools handy that you may need for your move – screwdriver, hammer, etc.
Moving day:
- Collect your reserved van or truck from your local SIXT branch.
- Discuss with your helpers how you want to organize the move and how the vehicle should be loaded.
- You can get further tips on how to organize your move on our Moving Tips page.
- Remember to think about feeding your helpers – moving makes for hungry work!
Tips for driving a moving van
Though you might be nervous when driving a van for the first time, you will soon find that it’s really not difficult! Here are some ways to have a good and safe drive.
- Let the branch staff at your pick-up location explain the handling of the van to you.
- Make a test drive in a parking lot or in an area with little traffic.
- Always bear in mind the size of the truck, particularly the height (especially when approaching bridges…).
- Take into consideration the extra room required when maneuvering and cornering. Make sure that your exterior mirrors are adjusted properly to help with this.
- Do not follow the vehicle in front too closely as vans have a longer stopping distance.
- Pay attention when reversing and backing into a parking space. It is better if another person guides you.
- When turning left, right or maneuvering into tight spaces remember to use your exterior mirrors.
- Pay attention when changing lanes. Always think about blind spots and pay particular attention to motorcycle drivers.
How to unload safely:
- Park your van as close as possible to where you will be loading.
- Check that the door you will be loading from allows you enough room.
- Load any large furniture first and then all other furniture.
- Place mattresses, upholstery, and tables on their sides, against the wall.
- Place heavy boxes on the bottom, and lighter ones on top of them.
- Slide long items such as floor lamps in along the sides.
- Place odd-shaped items on the top of your load if light enough.
Tips for the safe packing of furniture and household appliances:
- If possible, dismantle your furniture. Protect damageable surfaces such as wood with furniture pads.
- Defrost your refrigerator.
- Protect upholstery with plastic covers.
- Hang clothing on hangers or lay it flat in wardrobe boxes.
- Pack electrical goods separately and upright in boxes.
- Wrap kitchenware, dishes, glassware, and other breakable items individually in bubble wrap or in several layers of newspaper.
- Place plants in large boxes.
- Clean and roll rugs.
- Fold curtains carefully and pack them in boxes.
- Lay books in small boxes.
And don’t forget to label all your boxes with their contents and where they need to be placed in your new home. This will make it a lot easier when unloading.
