Planning a DIY bathroom renovation? From shifting tiles to hauling tubs, this guide covers it all. Discover how to plan, source materials, and transport everything efficiently with hirefleet’s self-drive van hire. Whether you need a small van for a quick tile refresh or a Luton for a full overhaul, we’ve got the perfect vehicle. Explore our fleet, small, medium, LWB, XLWB, and more plus expert tips to keep your project on track; hirefleet makes moving easy, so you can focus on transforming your bathroom. Get started today and renovate like a pro!
Embarking on a DIY bathroom renovation is an exciting yet daunting task.
Whether you’re updating a tired space with fresh tiles, swapping out an old tub for a sleek new model, or completely overhauling the layout, one thing is certain: you’ll need to move a lot of materials.
From heavy porcelain fixtures to stacks of tiles and bags of grout, transporting everything efficiently is key to keeping your project on track.
That’s where self-drive van hire comes in, and at hirefleet, we’ve got you covered with a range of vehicles to suit every stage of your renovation journey.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the ins and outs of a DIY bathroom renovation, focusing on how to move tiles, tubs, and more with ease.
We’ll explore planning your project, sourcing materials, choosing the right van for the job, and offer practical tips to make your renovation a success. Let’s dive in!
Before you pick up a hammer or load up a van, planning is the foundation of any successful DIY bathroom renovation.
A well-thought-out plan saves time, money, and stress, ensuring you’re not left scrambling halfway through the project.
Start by assessing your current bathroom.
What needs to change?
Are you simply refreshing the tiles, or do you need to replace the bathtub, toilet, and sink?
Measure the space carefully, bathrooms are often compact, so precision is vital when ordering new fixtures.
Create a detailed list of materials: tiles (consider extras for breakages), adhesive, grout, a new tub or shower tray, plumbing fittings, and tools like tile cutters or a spirit level.
Next, set a budget.
DIY renovations can save on labour costs, but materials and transport can add up.
Factor in the cost of hiring a van to move everything, more on that later.
Finally, map out a timeline.
A full bathroom overhaul might take a week or two, while a tile refresh could be a weekend job.
Be realistic about your skills and availability, and don’t forget to account for drying times (e.g., grout or sealant).
With your plan in place, you’re ready to source materials and get moving.
A DIY bathroom renovation requires a variety of materials, and getting them to your home is often the first logistical challenge.
Tiles, for instance, are heavy and fragile.
A standard ceramic tile weighs around 1-2 kg per square metre, and you might need 10-20 square metres for an average bathroom.
That’s 20-40 kg of tiles alone, not counting adhesive and grout.
Then there’s the bathtub, cast iron models can weigh over 100 kg, while acrylic ones are lighter but bulky.
Add in a toilet, sink, and miscellaneous supplies, and you’ve got a serious load to shift.
You could make multiple trips in a car, but that’s time-consuming and risks damaging your vehicle (or the materials).
This is where self-drive van hire shines.
With a van, you can collect everything in one go, whether it’s from a DIY store, a reclamation yard, or a supplier’s warehouse.
Plus, you’ll have space to dispose of old fixtures at the tip afterwards.
When sourcing materials, consider both cost and quality.
Big-name DIY chains like B&Q or Wickes offer convenience, but local builders’ merchants might have better deals on bulk items like tiles or cement.
Online marketplaces can also yield bargains, especially for second-hand tubs or vintage fittings if you’re aiming for a unique look.
Just ensure you check dimensions and condition before committing.
Once you’ve got your haul, loading it safely is crucial.
Stack tiles flat to avoid cracking, secure heavy items like tubs with straps, and cushion fragile pieces with blankets.
A van with ample space and easy access makes this process smoother, which brings us to hirefleet’s offerings.
At hirefleet, we understand that every DIY bathroom renovation is unique, and so are your transport needs.
That’s why we offer a diverse fleet of self-drive vans, ensuring you’ve got the right vehicle for moving tiles, tubs, and more.
Here’s a breakdown of what we provide:
Perfect for minor updates like retiling or replacing a sink.
Our small vans offer around 3-4 cubic metres of space, enough for a few boxes of tiles, grout, and tools.
They’re easy to drive and park, ideal for urban dwellers with tight streets.
A step up, medium vans (around 6-7 cubic metres) suit projects involving a new toilet or vanity unit alongside tiles.
They strike a balance between capacity and manoeuvrability, making them versatile for most DIY works.
Long-wheelbase (LWB) vans offer 10-11 cubic metres of space, great for transporting a bathtub or shower tray plus additional materials.
If you’re tackling a full renovation but don’t need excessive room, this is your go-to.
Extra-long-wheelbase (XLWB) vans provide 13-15 cubic metres, designed for oversized loads.
Moving a cast iron tub or multiple large fixtures?
This van ensures you’ve got the space and payload capacity (typically up to 1,500 kg) to handle it.
For the biggest jobs, our Luton vans come with 15-20 cubic metres of space and a tail lift option.
They’re ideal for complete bathroom overhauls, letting you shift everything, tiles, tub, toilet, and sink in one trip.
The boxy design maximises vertical space for stacking.
Need to dispose of old fixtures or collect lengthy items like pipes?
Dropside vans have open sides for easy loading and unloading, with payloads up to 1,300 kg.
They’re perfect for trips to the tip or picking up awkward materials.
Similar to dropsides but with a fully open platform, flatbeds are excellent for heavy, bulky items that don’t need weather protection.
Think reclaimed stone sinks or oversized shower screens, load them up and go.
If lifting heavy items like a bathtub is a concern, our tail lift vans take the strain off.
Available with Luton models, the hydraulic lift makes loading effortless, especially for solo DIY work or those with limited help.
For rural renovations or sites with rough access, our 4x4 pickups combine off-road capability with a decent payload (around 1,000 kg).
They’re handy for moving materials to a countryside property or collecting from remote suppliers.
Got a crew helping out?
Our 6-seater vans offer space for your team plus materials (around 6-8 cubic metres).
They’re ideal for group projects where you need to transport people and gear together.
A bit more room for passengers, 7-seater vans still provide ample cargo space (7-9 cubic metres).
Perfect if you’re roping in extra hands for demolition or installation.
For the largest teams, our 9-seater vans double as minibuses with reduced cargo space (around 5-6 cubic metres).
Use them to ferry your squad to the site, then switch to a larger van for material runs.
Based in Bawtry, near Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire, hirefleet offers competitive rates, transparent pricing, and well-maintained vehicles.
Whether you’re moving a single sink or an entire bathroom suite, we’ve got the perfect van for you.
With your hirefleet van booked, it’s time to load up and get moving. Here’s how to do it efficiently and safely:
Tiles are deceptively heavy and prone to cracking.
Stack them horizontally on a pallet or the van floor, avoiding excessive height to prevent toppling.
Use cardboard or bubble wrap between layers if stacking multiple boxes.
A small or medium van works for a retiling job, but scale up to an LWB or XLWB for larger areas.
Bathtubs vary widely in size and weight.
A standard acrylic tub (around 25-40 kg) fits in an LWB van, while a cast iron one (100+ kg) might need an XLWB or Luton with a tail lift.
Position it near the van’s axle for weight distribution, and secure it with ratchet straps to stop it sliding.
Protect the edges with padding to avoid scratches.
Ceramic fixtures are fragile, so wrap them in blankets or foam.
A medium or LWB van can handle a toilet and sink combo (total weight around 30-50 kg), but ensure they’re upright and strapped down.
If you’re replacing multiple units, a Luton van offers the space to keep everything secure.
Grout, adhesive, pipes, and tools can fill gaps around larger items.
Use crates or bags to keep small bits organised, and place them where they’re easily accessible, near the van doors, not buried under a tub.
Drive carefully, especially with heavy loads.
Stick to speed limits, avoid sharp turns, and check your load at stops.
Once home, unload methodically, tiles first if tiling’s your starting point, or the tub if plumbing’s the priority.
Transporting materials is just one piece of the puzzle.
Here are some in-depth tips to ensure your DIY bathroom renovation goes smoothly:
Removing old fixtures can be messy.
Hire a dropside or Luton van from hirefleet to cart away debris, tiles, plaster, and old units to the local tip.
Wear gloves and goggles, and break tiles into manageable pieces to save space.
Check recycling options for ceramics or metal fittings to reduce waste.
Measure twice, cut once.
Use a tile cutter for clean edges, and start from the centre of the wall or floor for symmetry.
Mix adhesive in small batches to avoid it drying out, and leave grout to set for 24 hours before sealing.
Got leftover tiles?
A small van run to return them keeps your space clutter-free.
Plumbing can intimidate DIYers, but basic tub installation is doable.
Level the floor first, connect waste pipes securely, and test for leaks before fixing the tub in place.
If it’s too heavy to manoeuvre alone, a tail lift van hire from hirefleet simplifies delivery to your doorstep.
Break the project into phases: demolition, plumbing, tiling, finishing.
Use your hirefleet van for a day or two per phase, booking ahead to secure your preferred model.
Weekends are busy, so midweek hires might snag you a deal.
Bathrooms are wet zones, so prioritise waterproofing (e.g., tanking kits for showers) and ventilation to prevent mould.
If electrics are involved, like underfloor heating, hire a professional, but transport the gear yourself with a medium van.
A DIY bathroom renovation is a labour of love, and the right transport makes all the difference.
At hirefleet, we offer more than just vans, we provide flexibility, reliability, and peace of mind.
Our fleet caters to every project size, from a quick tile refresh to a full gut-and-rebuild.
With transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and a location convenient for Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire, we’re your local partner in getting the job done.
Need to move tiles, tubs, and more?
Book a hirefleet van today and turn your bathroom vision into reality.
Whether it’s a small van for a weekend tweak or a Luton for a major overhaul, we’ve got the wheels to keep your renovation rolling.
Hire a self drive van just 3 miles from the A1(M) - J34 Blyth Services, perfectly placed to serve Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire & Lincolnshire
The cost of a bathroom renovation varies widely depending on scope and materials. A basic refresh, new tiles, paint, and fittings might set you back £1,000-£3,000 for a small bathroom. A full overhaul, including a new tub, toilet, and sink, could range from £5,000 to £10,000 or more, especially with premium finishes. DIY saves on labour, but the bathroom renovation cost still includes materials and transport. That’s where hirefleet steps in. By hiring a van like our small van for tiles or an LWB for a tub you avoid delivery fees and multiple car trips, keeping the cost manageable. Book the right size for your load, and you’re sorted without breaking the bank.
How long it takes to renovate a bathroom depends on the project’s scale and your DIY skills. A simple retiling job might take a weekend say, 2-3 days, while a full bathroom renovation, including plumbing and fixture installation, could stretch to 1-2 weeks. Demolition takes a day, tiling another 2-3 days (plus drying time), and fitting a tub or sink adds a couple more. How long does it take to renovate a bathroom if you’re juggling work? Spread it over weekends, and it might take a month. With hirefleet, you can speed things up, grab a Luton van to move everything in one go, cutting transport time and keeping your timeline tight.
Wondering how much to renovate a small bathroom without overspending? For a compact space, a DIY bathroom renovation could cost £800-£2,500. Stick to affordable tiles (around £20-£30 per square metre), a budget tub (£150-£300), and reuse existing plumbing where possible. The cost of bathroom renovation rises with extras like underfloor heating or high-end fixtures. Transport’s a hidden factor, piling tiles and a sink into your car risks damage and multiple trips; hirefleet’s small or medium van hire keeps it simple and cheap, letting you haul everything for as little as a day’s rental. Smart planning and the right van make all the difference.
The cost of bathroom renovations hinges on several factors: materials, fixture quality, and whether you DIY or hire pros. Tiles range from £15 to £100+ per square metre, a new tub can be £150-£1,000, and labour (if needed) might add £1,500-£3,000. Unexpected issues, like dodgy plumbing can bump up the bathroom renovation cost too. To plan, list every item, get quotes, and add 10-20% for surprises. Transport’s another cost to nail down. With hirefleet, you control that part, our flatbed or dropside vans handle old fixture disposal, while an XLWB van brings new gear home, all on your terms. It’s a practical way to keep costs predictable.
How long to renovate a bathroom varies by complexity. A small bathroom refresh, new tiles and a sink might take 3-5 days, while a complete bathroom renovations project could need 10-14 days or more, especially with plumbing tweaks. How much does a bathroom renovation cost in time if you’re sourcing materials? Add a day or two for pickups and tip runs; hirefleet’s self-drive vans cut that down. A 6-seater van gets your crew and tools onsite together, while a tail lift van makes moving a heavy tub quick and safe. Less time hauling means more time renovating, hirefleet keeps your project moving fast.
Hiring a vehicle: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hiring-a-vehicle
View or share your driving licence information: https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence
Securing Loads on HGVs and Goods Vehicles: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/securing-loads-on-hgvs-and-goods-vehicles/5-how-to-load-different-hgvs-light-goods-vehicles-small-vans-and-cars
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