We are moving over this summer to our little house we've had 5 years. We haven't got a full load for a removal lorry as we already have furniture there - and, apart from the huge cost - a big lorry couldn't get up our street.
We are debating between hiring a van to move stuff over - possible including doors from B & Q- and buying one so there's no rush to get it back. We can hire a van for less than £400 for a week. It would take 2 days each way so a bit knackering. Problem is we haven't anyway to park near the house. We bought a garage but haven't used it yet as want to strengthen the floor (due to steepness of village, there is a space below the garage floor to which I really would't want a vehicle to fall through!)
Any thoughts?
I was faced with this problem a few monthsback to transport a single large bulky item Scotland to Southern France. I already live here.
Van hire was expensive and meant a long drive to return it empty. I suppose you could try to work something out with someone who needed stuff moved the other way to subsidise your return trip.
In the end, I bought a cheap used trailer and towed it myself. The purchase price of the trailer was less than the van rental for the required period, plud the trailer has turned out very usefull on other occasions.
Obvously, this assumes you have a towcar powerfull enough, have the right licence categories to tow with, and have somewhere to store the trailor afterwards (it will weigh less so wont stress your floor!)
We have a home in Norwich and one in Indre et Loire, eventually wanting to retire to the latter. I have often pondered the same question, 'hire or buy'? I tend to stick with hire because if I bought a van, it would have to be good enough to make a few trips, but not so good that it is expensive to buy. My worry is that an older van could cost a lot in repair bills one day, and when I have finished with it at the French end, who would take it off me?
I have to admit though, I hadn't really thought about Dave's idea of buying a used trailer. I will now be considering that!
Cathy
Thanks for helpful replies. Might think about a trailer - sounds a cheaper option. Don't want to get involved with hiring a 'man with a van' as likely to be more expensive and friends did that with unfortunate results.
I know what you mean about an old, possibly unreliable van but if we can get one that isn't too decrepit there'd be no worrying about rushing back to return a hired one.
Ho ho! Only useful if you live right by the sea so you can carry stuff straight into the house!
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