Renting a van for a move in Belgium: the complete guide

Renting a van for a move is often the simplest and most affordable solution when you change homes in Belgium. Rather than paying a removal company at full price or making endless back-and-forth trips with your car, a van rented by the day lets you carry everything in one or two runs, at your own pace, whether you live in Brussels, Wallonia or Flanders.

But between the different volumes, the licence questions, the insurance and the deposit, it is easy to feel lost. This guide walks you through it step by step: choosing the right vehicle size, understanding what the insurance covers, loading your furniture properly and paying a fair price. The goal: a move without stress and without nasty surprises.

Choosing the right volume for your home

The first step is to estimate the volume to be moved, expressed in cubic metres (m³). Underestimate it and you will need several trips; overestimate it and you pay for an oversized, thirstier vehicle. Here is a simple reference for a van rental in Belgium based on your type of home.

These figures are indicative: a heavily furnished room quickly inflates the total. When in doubt, go a size up rather than risk a second trip.

Licence B is enough up to 3.5 tonnes

Good news: the vast majority of removal vans can be driven with a simple category B licence. This licence lets you drive a vehicle whose maximum authorised mass does not exceed 3.5 tonnes, which covers vans up to around 20 m³, more than enough for most moves.

Beyond 3.5 tonnes, a C1 or C licence becomes necessary. In practice you only reach that with very large volumes. Still, keep these points in mind before setting off:

• Check the height of the van before passing under an arch or into an underground car park.
• A large vehicle parks and manoeuvres differently: leave yourself some margin.
• Many hosts ask for one or two years of driving experience.

Renting by the day, close to home

A move often comes down to a single day. That is exactly where peer-to-peer renting makes sense: you find an available van in your neighbourhood, pick it up in the morning and return it in the evening, without heading to an agency on the other side of town.

On Vehado, you compare vans offered by owners and agencies near you, with prices, photos and availability. Booking is instant and payment is secured through Stripe. Picking up the vehicle just a few streets from your old home saves you precious time on moving day.

Loading well and protecting your furniture

Good loading means less damage and fewer trips. Start with heavy, bulky items (fridge, washing machine, wardrobe) at the back and against the walls, then fill the gaps with boxes and fragile items well wedged in place.

• Dismantle what you can (beds, tables) to save space.
• Protect furniture with blankets and stretch film.
• Use straps to secure loads during the trip.
• Spread the weight so you do not unbalance the vehicle.
• Keep a clear path to load and unload quickly.

A few blankets and straps cost little and save your favourite furniture from many scratches.

Insurance included and deposit: what to know

On Vehado, every van rental includes insurance, covering you for the whole duration of your move with no extra paperwork. You drive with peace of mind, in Belgium as set out in the booking conditions.

A deposit is requested when you book. It acts as a guarantee and is not charged if you return the vehicle in the same condition as at pick-up. To avoid any dispute, take a few photos of the van when you collect it, noting any existing scratches. These images will serve as proof on return.

Tips to pay less

A van's price varies with timing and how far ahead you plan. With a few simple habits, you cut the bill without sacrificing comfort.

• Move on a weekday: weekends and month-ends are the busiest and priciest.
• Book early: the best vehicles and rates go fast, especially in fine weather.
• Choose the right volume: too big means paying more and burning more fuel.
• Compare several hosts near you to find the best value for money.
• Return the vehicle clean and on time to avoid extra charges.

Checklist before returning

Before you hand back the van, a few minutes of checking saves you needless charges and protects your deposit.

• Refuel if the contract requires it.
• Empty the vehicle completely and give it a quick sweep.
• Check for any new scratches or dents.
• Take back your personal belongings and the on-board documents.
• Photograph the vehicle's condition on return, as you did at pick-up.
• Respect the return time agreed with the host.

Ready for a stress-free move?

With the right volume, a category B licence in hand, insurance included and a few smart habits, renting a van for your move becomes simple and affordable everywhere in Belgium. Over to you, with complete peace of mind.

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