Struggling to fit that new IKEA wardrobe in your hatchback? Here’s have hiring a van can save both your sanity and your money – and your seats.
Whether you’re a new homeowner furnishing your new home or whether you’re a savvy DIYer who’s looking to save money on your next wardrobe or furniture, transporting flatpack furniture can be a nightmare. However, there’s a solution, van hire for IKEA furniture pickup at Hire2You for your next DIY IKEA project.
Why Your Car Isn’t Enough
We’ve all been there, boot open seats folded, and still no way that IKEA wardrobe is fitting in your car. Even “compact” flat pack furniture often exceeds standard car dimensions and so it leaves you in a less than desirable position, miles away from home with furniture you can’t move. You can get away with maybe one or two pieces in a car but anymore than that and forget about the idea of a successful IKEA run.
Your options are limited you can make multiple trips which isn’t just highly inconvenient but also cost draining in terms of fuel, or you can pay for delivery which is convenient but also not cost-effective bundling lots of flatpack furniture can run the delivery cost up. Hiring a short wheelbase van for a day can be the perfect cost saving solution.
Benefits of Hiring a Van for IKEA Runs
Space to Spare: Vans like the Ford Transit or Luton offer enough room for more weight and volume of boxes, ensuring a single trip is enough.
Easy Loading: With sliding doors, ramps, and low floors, hire vans are an astronomically safer and less strenuous option
Cost-Effective: A few hours of van hire is often cheaper (and more convenient) than paying for third-party delivery.
Flexible Pickup Times: Need to collect on a Sunday evening? Hire 2 You offer Saturday collection and return of Van hire.
Best Types of Vans for Furniture Transport
For most cases a Short Wheelbase Van which range from £49 a day at Hire2You is perfect for van hire furniture pick up. The offer generous space at an unbeatable price range you could most likely get all your brand-new furniture in a Vauxhall Vivaro if flat packed. Should you need even more space we offer bigger sizes all the way up to Luton’s which will undoubtedly be able to hold any and all furniture you put it inside it. With rates starting at £89 the colossal Luton is a great choice for turning an empty home into a fully furnished home.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Furniture Pickup
Want your IKEA haul to go smoothly? Here are a few things we’ve learned the hard way that can save you time, stress, and potential back pain.
- Measure Furniture Boxes Before Booking a Van
Don’t just eyeball it—flat-pack furniture can be deceptively large, especially wardrobes, beds, or bulky bookshelves. Always check the product dimensions online or in-store and make sure they’ll fit in the van you’re planning to hire. A short wheelbase van usually does the trick, but if you’re picking up an entire room’s worth of gear, you might need to go bigger. Better to measure twice than realise too late that the back doors won’t shut. - Bring Straps, Blankets, and a Trolley
It’s not just about fitting everything in—it’s about keeping it safe and scratch-free. Ratchet straps or bungee cords help keep your items from sliding around while driving. Blankets or moving pads add a layer of protection to stop things like tabletops or mirrored wardrobes from getting damaged. And if you’ve got heavier boxes or flat-pack bundles, a trolley will save your arms and your back. Most van hire places (like us) offer these extras—just ask. - Load Heavier Items First and Distribute Weight Evenly
There’s a right way and a wrong way to load a van. Start by placing heavier items—like boxed wardrobes or desks—at the front, closest to the cab. This keeps the weight balanced and helps with stability when you’re driving. Spread the weight evenly across the floor of the van to avoid tipping or shifting when you turn corners or brake. Not only does this keep your items safe, but it makes your drive feel more secure and controlled. - Use a Friend or Helper When Lifting Bulky Items
Even if you think you can lift that flat-packed bed frame solo, don’t risk it. Some of those boxes are long, heavy, and awkward—and the last thing you want is to strain your back or drop something expensive. Bring a friend or family member along to help you lift, load, and secure the furniture. It’ll make everything faster, safer, and a lot less stressful. Plus, two heads are better than one when it comes to packing everything in smartly.
From Store to Door: Local Van Hire That Works Around You
If you’re heading to IKEA Lakeside, picking up a new kitchen from B&Q Maidstone, or even scoring a bargain wardrobe on Facebook Marketplace in Chatham, chances are your car just won’t cut it. That’s where we come in.
Hire2You offers short and long wheelbase vans that are ideal for those bigger-than-expected shopping trips. We’re based right here in Kent—close enough for a quick pickup and flexible enough for last-minute bookings. Whether you’re in Strood, Gillingham, or Sittingbourne, our vans are just a short drive away.
Got a click-and-collect time slot at Argos or Dunelm? We’ve got vans available same-day. Want to hit IKEA on a Sunday afternoon and be home before dinner? No problem. Just pick up your van, load it up, and be on your way—no messing about with expensive delivery windows or awkward car Tetris.
We even recommend planning your route around store layouts—IKEA’s collection point is near the loading bay, and B&Q usually lets you pull right up to the trade entrance. Combine that with our easy loading vans and you’ve got a smooth, stress-free shopping trip.
So if you’re considering a big IKEA and your car just wont cut it. Give us a call on 01634 780 720 or enquire at www.hire2you.co.uk.