A studio flat or small apartment in Prague can usually be moved with an estate car if you plan multiple trips and don't try to fit all large furniture in one go. It's practical to rent a Škoda Octavia Combi for one or two days and split the move into stages. For bulkier items or longer routes, a Škoda Superb Combi is a better choice. If you only have a wardrobe and full-size sofa, consider an alternative option.
This article focuses on moving spread across several trips between two addresses in Prague. For a general comparison of when an estate car is sufficient and when it's not, see our earlier article on moving with an estate car and the Octavia Combi page.
Why Move in Stages
When moving a small apartment, it often doesn't make sense to arrange for a van and two helpers for a single day. Moving in stages has several advantages:
- you don't need to finish everything in one go; you have the vehicle for a full 24 hours,
- you unpack the new flat gradually and discover what you actually need,
- furniture can remain in the old place until you have room for it,
- you work at your own pace, independent of a removal company's schedule.
The key is having a reasonable distance between flats. The daily rate is charged per 24 hours, so you can start the rental in the evening and continue the next morning, depending on what suits you best.
How to Plan Your Trips
Good planning saves the most time. Here's the recommended approach:
- First trip: boxes and small items. Books, clothes, kitchen equipment. They're heavy but pack well.
- Second trip: bulkier items. Lamps, flat-pack shelves, bed frames, mattresses wrapped according to the car's capacity.
- Third trip: fragile and valuable items. Electronics, documents and plants—leave these for last when you have space in the car.
- Final trip: remaining items and cleaning. Cleaning supplies, tools, and anything left in the storage areas.
Calculate in advance how many trips you'll need. Allow for parking in front of both buildings and the fact that in central Prague it may not be easy to stop right by the entrance. The mileage limit is usually sufficient for a short rental, but always check the specific limit in the vehicle details. For example, a one-day rental has a higher daily limit than a longer rental. Typically, a city move will fit comfortably within it.
How to Load an Estate Car
Regardless of the make, several principles apply:
- Heavy items low and forward. Boxes of books belong on the floor and towards the folded seats, not on top.
- Light and bulky items on top. Duvets, pillows and clothes in bags will fill the gaps.
- Secure everything so nothing shifts. During braking, loose boxes become projectiles. Use straps or wedge them together.
- Don't obstruct your view. The rear-view mirror and side windows must remain clear.
- Protect upholstery and plastics. Place a blanket or cardboard under furniture with sharp edges.
- Don't go overboard. The load must match the car's capacity. Don't overload the vehicle and respect the data in the vehicle documentation.
Before you start, familiarise yourself with the car and check how the rear seats fold. If you're unsure how the mechanism works, ask when you collect the vehicle.
Octavia Combi or Superb Combi?
Both estate cars have 5 seats and air conditioning. The difference is mainly in class and equipment:
- Octavia Combi (mid-class, 1.6 TDI, manual transmission) is a practical choice for a small flat and for drivers who prefer a manual. This car doesn't have sat nav, so plan your route on your phone.
- Superb Combi (large class, 2.0 TDI, automatic transmission, sat nav) is better if you want more comfort, automatic transmission in heavy traffic, and more power for longer journeys.
If you're moving outside Prague or need to handle more volume, consider the Superb. For short city moves, the Octavia is usually sufficient.
What to Check Before Returning
During a move, the car is worked harder than in normal driving. Before returning it:
- vacuum the boot and remove packaging remnants, tape and litter,
- check the upholstery and plastics in the boot for scratches or stains,
- don't leave personal items or keys to the old flat in the car,
- check the fuel level according to the contract,
- take photos before loading and after unloading for comparison,
- report any damage immediately when handing over the vehicle.
For damage in an accident, the customer pays a contribution depending on the type of insurance. Details can be found in the rental terms. We've also described the pick-up and return process in our article on photos, fuel and mileage.
Delivery and Pickup
If you don't have time to collect the car, you can arrange delivery throughout Prague by phone or email. You can find out more in our article on vehicle delivery and on the services page. You can also pick up the vehicle at the Westfield Černý Most branch.
To rent, you'll need a valid driving licence, proof of identity and be at least 21 years old. The deposit depends on the vehicle type and is shown in each car's details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a studio flat fit in one estate car?
It depends on how much furniture you have. Boxes, clothes and smaller items yes, but large wardrobes and sizeable sofas may not fit. We recommend measuring the largest items beforehand and splitting the move across multiple trips.
Can I keep the car overnight?
Yes, the daily rate is charged per 24 hours, so you set the rental length based on the number of days. You can split your move across two days.
What's the mileage limit?
The limit decreases with rental length. You'll find exact figures for each vehicle in its details. City moves typically fit comfortably within it.
Can I have the car delivered?
Yes, we can deliver throughout Prague by prior arrangement via phone or email. Use our contact page to arrange a time.
Book Your Estate Car for Your Move
Choose between the Octavia Combi and Superb Combi and book your dates online at /rezervace. If you have any doubts about cargo volume, call us on +420 703 149 146 and we'll find the right vehicle together.
