Van Hire Hordle

Begin With What You're Actually Carrying

Write a list before you ring anyone. Flat-pack wardrobes, a cement mixer and bags of plaster each demand different space, and awkward shapes beat raw weight every time. A customer renovating over a fortnight might load up once, then need the van empty for daily runs to the builders' merchant — so door access matters more than cargo volume alone.

Documents to Sort Before Collection Morning

Rummaging through drawers at 7am helps nobody. Dig out your driving licence, both parts if it's the older style, plus a utility bill or bank statement for address proof. If a second driver might take the wheel during a long renovation project, bring their licence too rather than assuming you can add them later. Photos on your phone rarely satisfy anyone at the counter.

Reserving Early if Your Dates Are Fixed

Weekend slots disappear fastest, and school holidays thin the fleet further. If your project starts on a specific Monday, book the moment dates are certain rather than hoping something suitable turns up — particular sizes or automatics may be in short supply when demand peaks. A fortnight's notice is comfortable; two days is a gamble you'll regret taking.

Giving the Handover Its Due

Walk round the van before you drive off. Photograph every scuff, kerbed alloy and stained seat liner, then check the fuel gauge and mileage match what's recorded. On a multi-week hire, agreeing the state of the vehicle at the start protects you at the end. Two minutes with your camera now spares an uncomfortable conversation a month later.

Common Questions