Van Hire Danby

Size the Van to the Driver, Not Just the Cargo

A cavernous Luton sounds tempting until you meet a narrow lane or a tight car park. Ask yourself who will be driving and where. Someone who has only ever driven a hatchback may find a long-wheelbase van a handful, whereas a mid-size option often does the job with less stress.

Put the Load on Paper and Measure It

Guesswork causes more problems than any other part of hiring. Write down each item, then measure the biggest ones — length, height and width. A wardrobe that stands two metres tall changes everything. Compare those figures with the van's load bay before you commit, and remember that odd shapes waste space.

Do the Timing Sums From the Hand-Back

Work backwards from the moment the van must be returned, not the moment you collect it. If you hand the keys back at ten and loading takes an hour, an eight o'clock start is essential. Build in slack for traffic and unloading, since late returns usually cost extra.

Bring the Licence and Cover Questions Forward

Dig your licence out days before collection day. Ask early about anything that affects the paperwork: which documents to bring, who is allowed to drive, and what the cover is if something goes wrong. It also pays to ask whether the van you want is free on your date.

Common Questions