Moving house is exciting… but let’s be honest, it can also be one of the most stressful things you’ll do.
Whether you’re moving from a flat in Strood, upsizing in Maidstone, relocating across Medway, or heading further out towards Sittingbourne or Ashford, planning properly makes all the difference.
In 2026, removal company costs across Kent have continued to rise. For many households, quotes of £900–£1,500+ are now common for a standard 3-bed move.
That’s why more people locally are choosing flexible van hire instead, giving them control, saving money, and avoiding unnecessary stress.
Below is your complete, practical, locally-informed moving house checklist for Kent in 2026.
8 Weeks Before Moving, Start Planning Properly
The earlier you start, the smoother your move will be.
Confirm Your Moving Date
In Kent, especially across Medway and Maidstone, property chains can cause delays. Speak regularly with:
- Your estate agent
- Your solicitor
- Your buyer/seller
Completion times locally often happen late morning to early afternoon, but delays are common, particularly in chains involving London buyers moving into Kent.
Try to avoid:
- School half-term weeks
- Bank holiday weekends (heavy traffic on the M2 and A2)
- End-of-month Fridays (peak completion days)
Declutter Before You Pack
There’s no point paying for van space you don’t need.
Sell unwanted items on:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Local Kent community groups
- Gumtree
Donate to:
- Medway charities
- Local hospice shops
- Community furniture schemes
The less you move, the smaller van you may need, which means lower hire costs.
Compare Removal Companies vs Van Hire in Kent
Here’s the honest breakdown for 2026:
Removal Company:
- £900–£1,500+ for a 3-bed
- Fixed time slots
- Limited flexibility
- Often require deposits
Van Hire (DIY Move):
- Significantly lower cost
- Full control of timing
- Same day options available
- No deposit option available
- No credit check
If you’re comfortable getting a couple of friends involved, van hire is often the smarter choice.
For larger homes, many Kent residents opt for a Luton van with tail lift, especially when moving white goods and sofas.
6 Weeks Before, Utilities & Address Changes
This is where many people slip up.
Notify Utility Providers
Contact:
- Gas & electricity supplier
- Water provider (Southern Water for most of Kent)
- Broadband provider
- Council tax department (Medway Council, Maidstone Borough Council etc.)
Book final meter readings in advance to avoid estimated bills.
Royal Mail Redirection
Even if you update your address everywhere, something always slips through.
Set up Royal Mail redirection for at least 3 months.
Update Your Address With:
- DVLA (driving licence must legally be updated)
- Car insurance provider
- Banks
- GP surgery
- Employer
Leaving this too late can cause insurance issues and missed documents.
4 Weeks Before, Book Your Van Hire in Kent
Moving season in Kent typically peaks:
- Late spring
- Summer
- End of August (school moves)
- End of December
If you’re moving on a Friday or weekend, book early.
Choosing the Right Van Size
Here’s a realistic local guide:
1-Bed Flat: Short Wheel Base van
Ideal for flats in Rochester High Street or Strood town centre.
2–3 Bed House: Long Wheel Base van
Perfect for typical Medway estates or Maidstone semi-detached homes.
3–4+ Bed House: Luton van with tail lift
Essential for larger family homes and bulky furniture.
A tail lift makes a huge difference when moving:
- Washing machines
- American fridge freezers
- Solid wood furniture
If you’re unsure, always go slightly bigger.
For a more detailed guide, this post is worth reading:
Best Van Size for a Small Flat or House Move
Why Many Kent Residents Choose Van Hire in 2026
From experience serving customers across Medway and wider Kent, people want:
- Flexibility
- Simplicity
- Clear pricing
- No hidden fees
That’s why options like:
No Deposit, No Credit Check, No Hassle
are becoming more popular.
With same day availability across Kent, many customers even book the day before completion once contracts exchange.
2 Weeks Before, Packing Smartly
Packing isn’t just about putting things in boxes.
Where to Get Packing Materials in Kent
You can find:
- Strong double-walled boxes from storage facilities
- Bubble wrap from DIY stores
- Mattress protectors from local suppliers
Don’t use supermarket boxes for heavy items, they collapse.
How to Load a Van Properly
- Load heavy items first
- Distribute weight evenly
- Use straps
- Keep fragile items upright
- Fill gaps to stop shifting
Kent’s roads aren’t always smooth. Between Medway’s speed bumps and uneven rural lanes around Sittingbourne, secure loads are essential.
If you’re hiring a Luton, use the internal rails properly.
1 Week Before, Final Checks
The last week always feels chaotic. Stay organised.
Confirm Completion & Key Collection
Speak to your solicitor and estate agent to confirm:
- Expected completion time
- Key collection location
Avoid booking van collection too early in case completion delays happen.
If you’re moving suddenly or plans change last-minute, this is useful:
Last-Minute Van Hire in Kent
Prepare a Moving Day Essentials Box
Include:
- Kettle
- Tea & coffee
- Chargers
- Important documents
- Snacks
- Basic cleaning supplies
After unloading in Kent traffic, you’ll want that tea.
Check Height Restrictions
If hiring a Luton, remember:
- Multi-storey car parks in Medway often have 2m limits
- Some residential developments have height barriers
Plan parking carefully.
Moving Day Checklist
- Take final meter readings
- Photograph property condition
- Check loft and cupboards
- Empty fridge/freezer
- Secure windows
- Return keys
- Double check garden and shed
Do one final walkthrough before you leave.
Why Hiring a Van in Kent Makes Sense in 2026
The cost of living continues to rise.
Hiring a van gives you:
- Complete control over your day
- The ability to make multiple trips if needed
- Significant savings
- Flexible hire periods
- No pressure from removal company time slots
Across Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Maidstone and surrounding areas, more households are choosing flexible van hire as a practical alternative.
To make sure you avoid common mistakes when booking, this guide is a great extra read:
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Van in Kent
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move house in Kent in 2026?
Removal companies often range from £900–£1,500+. Van hire is significantly more affordable depending on size and duration.
What size van do I need for a 3-bed house?
Most 3-bed homes require a Long Wheel Base or Luton van, depending on furniture volume.
Can I hire a van without paying a deposit?
Yes. Some Kent providers offer no deposit options with a small daily surcharge.
Do I need a special licence to drive a Luton van?
No. If you have a standard UK Category B driving licence, you can drive most Lutons up to 3.5 tonnes.
Is van hire cheaper than removal companies?
In most cases, yes, particularly if you’re happy to handle loading yourself.
Final Thoughts, Make Your Move Simple
Moving house in Kent doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
Plan early.
Choose the right van size.
Pack properly.
Stay organised.
Whether you’re moving locally within Medway or relocating across the county, preparation makes everything smoother.
If you’re planning a move in 2026 and want flexible, straightforward van hire across Kent, choose a local company that understands the area, offers clear pricing, and makes the process simple from start to finish.
Drive away today and move on your own terms.