A Van to the Country Cottage: What to Take for the Weekend and How to Pack

A van to the country cottage comes in handy for seasonal trips

Usually you don't take much to the cottage, but over the year a few big trips add up. Opening up for the season, bringing furniture from a second-hand shop, materials to repair the fence, taking old things back to the city. A van to the cottage sorts out exactly those weekends when not even half will fit into a car.

Spring opening

In spring, everything goes at once. Garden furniture, a new barbecue, seedlings, fertiliser, sprays, a spare mattress, bedding and supplies that won't survive the winter in the damp. Plus the tools you've been repairing at home over the winter.

Autumn closing

In autumn, half of the things go back. Garden furniture to somewhere dry, equipment that the frost would ruin and, above all, rubbish and old furniture that has been piling up in the barn all year. Plan for as much space on the return trip as on the way there.

Furniture and materials from a second-hand shop

Most trips to the cottage have one specific reason. A wardrobe from a classified ad, grandma's old washing machine, a replacement door or a few metres of timber. Find out the dimensions from the seller in advance, including whether you can drive up to the house and who will do the loading.

Plan the return trip too

An empty van on the way back is a wasted opportunity. Load the old things that are just getting in the way at the cottage and take them straight for disposal. That way one trip handles both bringing things in and taking things away.

Before you set off

Choose the vehicle according to the longest item. A wardrobe, a mattress or fence slats determine what size you need. You'll find the load dimensions of the individual models in our fleet.

Mileage within the Czech Republic is unlimited, so a cottage two hundred kilometres away won't cost more than one just outside Prague. A motorway vignette is included in the price. Trips abroad are not permitted; the vehicles only operate within the Czech Republic.

You can book for a weekend or public holiday too — we operate non-stop and you can pick up the vehicle at any time. Cancellation is free no later than 72 hours before the rental starts, which is handy when you're planning the trip around the weather.

For pick-up, all you need is two valid identity documents, one of which is a category B driving licence. You don't need to register or create a user account, you don't pay a deposit and nothing is blocked on your card.

Loading and driving to the countryside

Load in the order you'll unload

Whatever you'll need first, load last. Supplies and food go at the edge, heavy furniture at the front against the front wall and on the floor. Carry tools in a box, not scattered across the load floor.

Loose and dirty items

Carry soil, fertiliser and sand only in bags, and closed. A torn bag of compost makes a mess in the cargo area that is hard to clean up. Put a tarpaulin on the load floor if you're carrying anything that spills or leaks.

Fuel and chemicals

Carry a jerrycan of petrol for the mower only in an approved container and always secured. Stand it so that it can't tip over, and never leave it in a closed vehicle in the sun for longer than you have to.

On site

Check the access track

Dirt and forest tracks to cottages tend to be narrow and soft. After rain, a van sinks into a muddy track more easily than a car. Before you drive down to the house, walk the route and find out how you'll get back and where you can turn round.

Watch out for branches and gates

The vehicle is taller than you're used to. Low branches, courtyard gates and shelters are the most common cause of a scraped side or a scratched roof. Find out the vehicle's height as soon as you pick it up, and if in doubt, stop and have a look.

Where to stop the vehicle

Don't drive right up to the door at any cost. If the yard is soft or narrow, stop on a firm track and carry the things over. Ten extra metres with a box is a better option than pulling out a stuck vehicle.

Unload with two people

Furniture and appliances are not a job for one person. We don't offer vans with a driver or with movers; you handle the loading and unloading yourself. Arrange help in advance so that you're not left alone at the rear doors with a washing machine.

Reversing in the yard

Have someone guide you. You only have a rear view through the mirrors, and that's not enough in a yard full of tree stumps and flowerpots. If you're on your own, get out and walk the route on foot.

The vehicle is returned with a full tank to the same location where you picked it up. Fill up on the way home, not in Prague. You can leave your own car parked at the location free of charge for the duration of the rental. You'll find more advice on the blog.