More and more people across Kent are swapping busy towns for quieter countryside living, and with good reason. You get more space, calmer streets, and a pace of life that actually lets you enjoy your evenings and weekends. The only tricky bit? Moving day. That’s where hiring the right van makes the transition far simpler, cheaper, and more flexible than using a removals firm.
At Hire2You, we keep things easy: No deposit. No credit check. No hassle. Drive away the same day from just £49/day with the perfect van for your move.
Why van hire beats removals (and ownership) for a countryside move
A countryside move often involves multiple trips, narrow lanes, and furniture that’s easier to handle when you’re in control of the timing. With self-drive van hire you can:
- Choose the exact size you need (from SWB to Luton with tail lift)
- Keep costs down (no crews, no hidden extras)
- Move on your schedule, evenings, weekends, or over a few days
- Scale up or down easily if your plan changes
If you’re spreading the move across weeks (for decorating or staged packing), consider extended rental, here’s a practical overview of what to expect with long-term van hire.
Top 5 countryside (and coastal) destinations Kent residents are moving to
Below are five popular areas people move to from Medway, Maidstone and beyond, plus a quick pointer on the best van type for each kind of move.
1) Tenterden — traditional market town living
Independent shops, great schools and classic Kent views make Tenterden ideal for families.
Best van: Long Wheel Base for a 2–3 bedroom move, or Luton with tail lift for heavier furniture.
Pro tip: If you’re aiming to do most of your move in one go, plan it with this guide to moving house in a single day.
2) Sevenoaks — commuter-friendly countryside
Sevenoaks blends rural calm with fast London connections. Downsizers and professionals love the balance.
Best van: Short Wheel Base for flats or partial moves; LWB if you want to cut down on trips.
Pro tip: Pack to a plan and load in the right order — this step-by-step guide on how to load your van efficiently saves time and headaches.
3) Faversham — creative, historic, and well-connected
A charming market town with a thriving community and quick access to the coast and London via rail.
Best van: Luton with tail lift for bulky furniture, appliances and stacked boxes.
Pro tip: Longer journeys mean fuel matters, use these smart tactics to save fuel and money on road trips.
4) Cranbrook & Hawkhurst — classic rural Kent
Period homes, bigger gardens, and real peace, deal if you’re trading city space for countryside comfort.
Best van: Extra Long Wheel Base for multi-room moves, garden tools and outdoor gear.
Pro tip: If you’re decorating before fully moving in, a multi-week hire can be more cost-effective than booking several one-day rentals.
5) Whitstable — seaside charm with community spirit
Sought-after coastal living with great food, beaches and schools, popular for families and downsizers alike.
Best van: Luton for full moves without multiple trips; LWB for lighter loads.
Pro tip: If your move lands in extreme weather, adjust your plan, here’s what to know about seasonal van hire in Kent.
How to choose the right van size (quick guide)
Picking the right van can cut trips, reduce stress and save money. Use this as a starting point:
| Van type | Best for | Typical move |
|---|---|---|
| Short Wheel Base (SWB) | Flats, partial moves | Bed, sofa, boxes, small appliances |
| Long Wheel Base (LWB) | 2–3 bed homes | Furniture sets, white goods |
| Extra LWB | Larger homes / more kit | Multiple rooms + garden gear |
| Luton (tail lift) | Bulky/heavy items, fewer trips | Full house moves, long distances |
Still unsure? Call our friendly team, we’ll match the van to your route, access and load.
Make your countryside move smoother: practical tips
- Book early for the best price and availability (especially weekends and month-end).
- Measure doorways and large items to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Load in order, heaviest first, lighter boxes last, to save time and avoid damage.
- Protect your furniture with blankets, straps and shrink wrap.
- Plan your route (height restrictions, country lanes, turning space at both properties).
- Think fuel economy on longer drives, those savings add up fast.
For more packing insight, read our full guide on how to load your van efficiently.
Why Kent movers trust Hire2You
- No deposit, no credit check, no hassle
- Drive away today from just £49/day
- A wide fleet for every move: SWB, LWB, Extra LWB, and Lutons with tail lifts
- Flexible hire lengths, one day, weekends, or longer terms
- Local, friendly support from a trusted Medway-based team
Planning a countryside move? Make it simple, affordable and stress-free with Hire2You.
Ready to get moving?
Tell us where you’re heading and what you’re moving, we’ll recommend the right van and the most cost-effective hire plan. Book today and drive away the same day.
Further reading to help you plan: