Tips and advice: trailer, moving van or moving company? And how to pack your van or trailer in the best way.
Moving can quickly become an expensive affair if you don’t do some research beforehand and don’t choose the right solution for your situation. The easiest option is, of course, to call a large moving company and let them pack, transport, and unload everything for you. But that is also immediately the most expensive option – and often unnecessary if there are better (and cheaper) alternatives. If you don’t feel like using a moving company, or don’t have the budget for it, it can be difficult to figure out what is possible. Luckily, there are plenty of options!
Moving trailer
If you are moving directly from your parents’ house to a room or small apartment, a large moving van is unnecessary. A trailer is often enough.
There are different types of trailers, but we recommend renting a closed trailer, like the one in the image above. It offers better space for a bed and stacked moving boxes.
Moving van
Are you moving to an apartment or small house and bringing larger furniture like a sofa and bed? Then it’s useful to rent a moving van. Maybe you see such a van in the picture below and wonder: “Am I actually allowed to drive that?” The answer is: yes. With a regular driver’s license, you may drive vehicles up to 19 m³ and 3,500 kg.
Such a van offers plenty of space and often makes hiring a moving company unnecessary.
Moving company
Are you moving to a larger home and bringing garden furniture, bicycles, strollers, and many other belongings? Then a moving company is probably the smartest solution.
If you don’t need to move far, you can also rent a moving van and make several trips – that saves money. But for long distances, a moving company is often the better choice.
The advantage of a moving company is that they often come with several people and help with carrying heavy items. There are many moving companies, so our tip: request quotes. It takes some time, but you’ll earn it back with a better price. Also check reviews – for example on Trustpilot – to see whether they are reliable and handle your belongings with care.
Book on time
Whichever option you choose – trailer, moving van, or moving company – make sure you book in time. You might not believe it, but there are busy moving periods in Sweden. Think of the summer around the start of the academic year or the first day of the month – the moving day for many people.
Smart packing
Whether you’re moving with a trailer or a moving van – you need to pack well. If you hire a moving company, they often do this professionally.
A good packing method prevents damage and frustration. Here are a few useful tools you can use, borrow, or buy:
- A hand truck: saves your back and a lot of time.
- Protective material like bubble wrap, cloths, or strong cardboard to protect your furniture and belongings.
- Plastic sheeting or paper to cover the bottom of the trailer or van – they are often dirty.
Packing tips:
Tip 1: Start with heavy items
The heaviest items go in first, all the way at the back of the van or trailer. Think refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, and washing machine. Place them upright and against the back wall.
Tip 2: Pack large furniture
Next comes large furniture such as sofas, beds, tables, and chairs. Place beds upright against the sides.
Tip 3: Furniture with drawers or doors
Large furniture with drawers or doors should also be placed against the sides, with the drawers/doors facing the wall so they don’t open during transport.
Tip 4: Moving boxes
Then it’s time for the moving boxes. Heavy boxes on the bottom, light ones on top. Preferably use boxes of the same size – they stack easier and more securely. If you have boxes of different sizes, make sure the larger ones go on the bottom.
Tip 5: Pack the rest
Finally, pack the remaining items. Make sure everything is tightly and securely placed together – without damaging your belongings.
