{"id":5807,"date":"2026-03-12T10:30:18","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T09:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/blog\/hiring-a-removal-van-how-to-make-the-right-choice\/"},"modified":"2026-05-20T11:31:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T09:31:03","slug":"hiring-a-removal-van-how-to-make-the-right-choice","status":"publish","type":"article-de-blog","link":"https:\/\/stockeet.ch\/en\/blog\/hiring-a-removal-van-how-to-make-the-right-choice\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiring a removal van: how to make the right choice"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Renting a removal van in Switzerland: how to choose the right van?<\/h2>\n\n

You’ve finally signed the lease on your new home, and the date for the big day has been set. Congratulations! But as the first boxes pile up in your living room, a slight anxiety begins to mount. How are you going to get your whole life from point A to point B without turning this day into a logistical nightmare? <\/p>\n\n

While calling in a specialist company can sometimes represent a substantial budget, taking matters into your own hands is an excellent alternative. Indeed, most individuals prefer to manage this transition themselves. However, to ensure that everything runs smoothly, renting a removal van in Switzerland<\/strong> is a step that requires preparation. Choosing a vehicle that’s too small will force you to make exhausting trips back and forth, while a van that’s too big will put an unnecessary strain on your budget and be complex to maneuver. <\/p>\n\n

In this comprehensive guide, we take you step by step to determine the ideal volume, understand road regulations, optimize your rental and anticipate unforeseen circumstances. On your way to a worry-free move! <\/p>\n\n

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Assessing the volume of your goods: the crucial first step<\/h2>\n\n

This is the number one mistake made by self-movers: underestimating the amount of stuff they’ve accumulated over the years. General industry statistics show that almost 70% of individuals rent a vehicle that is not suited to their actual volume. <\/p>\n\n

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The golden rule of volume calculation<\/h3>\n\n

When it comes to determining the size of truck you’ll need for your move<\/strong>, it’s best not to trust your instincts. The most common method is to divide the surface area of your current home by two. For example, if you live in a 40 m\u00b2 apartment, you’ll need a 20 m\u00b3 van. Of course, this formula is an estimate that needs to be refined if you own particularly massive pieces of furniture (such as large Norman wardrobes or a piano), or if you’re a fan of minimalism. <\/p>\n\n

\ud83d\udca1 Pro tip: Good packaging optimizes space in the small truck. Don’t hesitate to consult our <\/em>10 steps to efficient packing<\/em><\/a> to save precious cubic metres.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

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Size guide: which vehicle for which home?<\/h3>\n\n

To help you visualize, here’s a handy correspondence table to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n

Housing size<\/strong><\/td>Estimated volume<\/strong><\/td>Recommended vehicle type<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Student room (10-15 m\u00b2)<\/td>5 to 7 m\u00b3<\/td>Van<\/strong> (Renault Kangoo type)<\/td><\/tr>
Studio \/ 2-room (20-35 m\u00b2)<\/td>10 to 12 m\u00b3<\/td>Small van<\/strong> (Mercedes Vito type)<\/td><\/tr>
3-room apartment (40-60 m\u00b2)<\/td>20 to 22 m\u00b3 for<\/td>Van with tailgate<\/strong> (type IvecoDaily)<\/td><\/tr>
House \/ 4 rooms and more (>70m\u00b2)<\/td>30 m\u00b3 and more<\/td>Large trucks<\/strong> or more routes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n
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\ud83d\udce6<\/strong> To remember:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Never choose your van<\/strong> at random. Calculate your volume by dividing the surface area of your home by two, and always allow for a 10-15% margin of error to avoid unpleasant surprises on the big day. <\/p>\n\n

2. Which driver’s licence for which van?<\/h2>\n\n

Once the volume has been determined, a legitimate question arises: are you allowed to drive the vehicle you want? Road traffic regulations are strict, and renting a commercial vehicle with a “B” license<\/strong> is subject to precise rules that must be respected. <\/p>\n\n

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The 3.5-tonne limit (Permis B)<\/h2>\n\n

With a standard category B driving license (passenger car), the law allows you to drive a vehicle with a Gross<\/strong> Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of up to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes)<\/strong>. This includes the weight of the unladen vehicle, the weight of passengers and, of course, the weight of your load. The vast majority of vans from 10 to 22 m\u00b3 offered by rental agencies fall into this category. <\/p>\n\n

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Beware of the “payload” trap<\/h2>\n\n

This is where things get complicated. The bigger and better equipped a van is (for example, with a tail-lift for heavy loads), the heavier it is when empty. As a result, its “payload” (the total weight of furniture and boxes you can fit inside) decreases. <\/p>\n\n

It’s not uncommon for a large 20 m\u00b3 truck to be legally allowed to carry only 800 kg of goods before exceeding the statutory 3.5 tonnes. If you’re transporting very heavy objects (books, household appliances, tools), be careful to avoid fines in the event of a weighing check by the road authorities. <\/p>\n\n

\ud83d\udce6<\/strong> To remember:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Your “B” driving license is sufficient for most removal trucks up to 3.5 tons. Always check the “payload” of the rented vehicle to make sure you can transport your heaviest furniture legally. <\/p>\n\n

3. Compare prices and understand your rental contract<\/h2>\n\n

The cost of renting a removal van<\/strong> can vary from one to three times the price, depending on the time of year, the agency and the options you choose. To control your budget, you need to read between the lines. <\/p>\n\n

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Factors that influence pricing<\/h3>\n\n