Everything you need to know about hiring a van for a stress-free move in Bolton. Van Hire Bolton for Moving House.
Moving house can be one of life’s most stressful experiences — but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re planning a move in or around Bolton, hiring a van from a trusted local company like UDrive Van Hire can save you time, money, and hassle.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the many reasons why van hire is often the best choice for moving house, what to look for in a rental, and how UDrive makes the process simple, affordable, and flexible.
Why Choose Van Hire Bolton for Moving House Instead of a Removal Company?
Hiring a professional removal company can easily run into the hundreds (or even thousands) of pounds — especially if you’re moving at peak times, have a large property, or need extra services like packing.
By contrast, hiring a van gives you control, flexibility, and major cost savings. Here’s why so many Bolton residents are ditching the removals teams and doing it themselves:
- Save Money: A van hire for the day is far cheaper than a full removal service
- Set Your Own Schedule: No need to wait around or work to someone else’s time slot
- Pack and Load at Your Pace: Avoid rushed packing or items getting damaged in a hurry
- Ideal for Smaller Moves: Perfect if you’re moving from a flat, student accommodation, or just shifting furniture between properties
How UDrive Van Hire Makes Moving Easy
At UDrive Van Hire Bolton, we specialise in hassle-free, flexible van rental — ideal for everything from big house moves to quick furniture pick-ups. Here’s what makes us the go-to van hire company for Bolton movers:
Brand New 25-Plate Vans
We keep our fleet fresh, modern, and well-maintained. That means reliable vans that are clean, smooth to drive, and up to the job — whether you’re loading boxes, beds, or bulky white goods.
Long Wheelbase Vans Available
Need extra space? Our Long Wheelbase (LWB) panel vans offer generous cargo capacity, ideal for larger house moves. We’ll help you pick the right van for your needs — no guesswork required.
Low Deposits & No Hidden Charges
We believe in transparent pricing. Our hire agreements are easy to understand, with no surprise add-ons and low deposits, making van hire accessible for all budgets.
Out-of-Hours Collection and Return
Can’t make it during standard hours? No problem. We offer out-of-hours collection and drop-off, so you can plan your move when it suits you — evenings, weekends, early mornings, you name it.
Flexible Daily & Weekly Rates
Whether you need a van for a couple of hours, a full weekend, or an extended rental, we’ve got you covered with tailor-made hire packages that match your schedule.
Free Breakdown Cover & Additional Driver Included
We throw in breakdown cover and even an extra driver at no extra cost — perfect for splitting the driving or bringing along a mate to help with the lifting.
Tips for a Smooth DIY House Move
If you’re hiring a van to do the move yourself, a bit of planning goes a long way. Here are our top tips for making your Bolton house move as stress-free as possible:
1. Book Your Van in Advance
Weekends and end-of-month slots fill up fast, so secure your van early — especially if you need a LWB for a larger load.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
Moving is the perfect excuse to get rid of things you no longer use. Fewer boxes mean fewer trips, less lifting, and a quicker move.
3. Pack Smart
Use sturdy boxes, label everything clearly, and keep essential items (kettle, chargers, toilet roll!) easily accessible. Wrap fragile items well and stack boxes by weight and size for easy loading.
4. Load Strategically
Start with heavy furniture and stack boxes in a way that stops them shifting in transit. Use straps if you’ve got them and make use of all the van’s vertical space.
5. Make Use of Tip Runs (With a Permit!)
Need to dump old furniture or garden waste during your move? If you hire a van, you’ll need a Tip Permit to access Bolton’s Household Waste Recycling Centres. Check out our full Tip Permit Guide for Bolton for step-by-step instructions.
Common Questions About Hiring a Van for Moving
Can I drive a hire van on a standard UK licence?
Yes! If you hold a full UK driving licence, you’re good to go — no special qualifications needed to drive our vans.
Do I need insurance?
Insurance is included as standard in your hire, and we’ll talk you through any optional extras when you book.
How big are your vans?
Our most popular van for house moves is the LWB panel van. It typically fits:
- A bed and mattress
- A sofa or two armchairs
- Several boxes and suitcases
- White goods like a washing machine or fridge
Need help choosing? Just give us a call and we’ll recommend the best size for your needs.
Do you offer weekend deals?
Yes! We regularly run weekend discounts and flexible rates — follow us on Facebook or give us a call to hear the latest offers.
Moving from Bolton? No Problem
We’re based right here in Bolton, and we know the area inside-out — but if you’re moving elsewhere in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, or beyond, our vans can go the distance. You’re welcome to:
- Use your hire van for one-way trips (with drop-off in Bolton)
- Take it across the UK mainland
- Add multiple days to your booking for longer moves
Just let us know your plans and we’ll sort out a hire agreement that works for you.
Why Local Van Hire Beats the Big Chains
Unlike national chains, UDrive Van Hire is a local, family-owned business that genuinely cares. When you book with us, you get:
- Friendly, personalised service
- Real people on the phone (no call centres!)
- Flexibility with pick-up times and changes
- Local advice about parking, permits, and tip runs
We’ve been serving the Bolton community since 1999, and most of our bookings come from repeat customers and word of mouth — something we’re really proud of.
Ready to Book Your Van Hire in Bolton for Moving House?
If you’re planning a house move and want a simple, affordable way to get the job done, look no further than UDrive Van Hire.
We’ll help you:
- Choose the right van
- Get a tip permit if needed
- Arrange out-of-hours collection
- Keep things low-cost, flexible, and local
Call us today on 0808 100 2309, or contact us to check availability. Open 7 days a week — and always happy to help.
