Van Hire Patrington

Turn the Job Into a Written Brief

Start by writing down what the van must carry: roughly how many boxes, whether furniture is involved, and any awkward items like ladders or a fridge. A brief that says "one-bed flat move, ten boxes plus a sofa" lets a hire firm match you to the right size immediately, and it exposes forgotten items, such as straps or blankets, before collection day.

Have the Licence Details Ready From the Start

Decide who will actually drive, then dig out their licence before you enquire. Note how long it has been held, any penalty points, and when it expires. Have the counterpart or check code to hand. If two people might share the wheel, mention both at the outset, since adding a driver later can complicate paperwork when you are already pressed for time.

Settle the Dates and Be Realistic About Duration

A tight schedule tempts you to book the bare minimum of hours, but a flat-move that overruns leaves you returning a van mid-job. Sketch the whole day: loading, travel, unloading, fuel stop, and a buffer for delays. Hiring for slightly longer than the optimistic estimate usually costs far less than extending at the last minute.

Ask the Cost and Cover Questions While Nothing Is Signed

Before committing, ask for the full price including VAT, fuel policy, and any charges for extra mileage or late return. Quiz the firm on what happens if the van is damaged and whether stock on your chosen date is genuinely free, since a particular model may not always be sitting on the forecourt. Getting answers now beats discovering gaps later.

Common Questions