First time hiring a van feels like a bigger step than it really is, mostly because you do not know what happens at each stage. This guide walks through the whole process in order, from the first phone call to handing the keys back. It is written for anyone booking van hire in Warrington for a house move, a furniture collection or a one-off job.
Booking When You Are First Time Hiring a Van
Start with the job, not the vehicle. Before you call, write down what you are moving, roughly how much there is and where it is going. That short list lets us match you to the right vehicle in a couple of minutes.
Next, think about timing. Our depot on Tilley Street opens Monday to Saturday from 8am to 4pm and is closed on Sunday. So a Saturday job usually means collecting early on Saturday morning. If you can book a couple of weeks ahead, look at our van hire special offers on selected vehicles.
Choosing a Vehicle You Will Feel Comfortable Driving
Most first-time customers worry about size more than anything else. In practice, a short wheelbase low roof van drives much like a large car. It parks in a normal space and suits flat moves, tip runs and marketplace collections.
That said, do not pick a van that is too small just because it feels safer. Two trips in a small van often take longer than one trip in the right one. For a full house, a Luton is usually the better choice. Every vehicle in our fleet is 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight or under, so a standard car licence covers all of them.
When you are first time hiring a van, it also helps to think about who is helping you. A van is only quick to load if there are two people for the heavy items. So line up a friend for the busiest hour, and agree who drives and who guides you when reversing.
What to Bring on Collection Day
Bring your photocard driving licence and a DVLA check code. You can create the code on the GOV.UK view your driving licence service, and it is worth doing the evening before. Our guide to licence, deposit and cover for first-time van hire explains the paperwork in more detail.
No deposit is needed on most vehicles. There is also free secure parking on site, so you can leave your own car with us while you have the van.
The Walk-Round Before You Drive Away
Before you leave the yard, walk round the van with us. Look at the bodywork, the mirrors and the load area, and ask about anything you are unsure of. This takes a few minutes and avoids confusion later.
Then sit in the cab and set it up properly. Adjust the seat, the mirrors and the steering position before you start the engine. Also check where the lights, wipers and hazard switch are, because every model is slightly different. Then find the fuel cap release and the type of fuel the van takes. Once that is done, you are ready to go.
Finally, take a few photos of the van before you set off. They give you a clear record of its condition, and they take seconds on your phone. Ask us about anything that looks unusual, because we would rather explain it at the counter than on the phone later.
Driving and Loading When First Time Hiring a Van
The biggest change from a car is the lack of a rear window. As a result, you rely on your door mirrors for everything behind you. Take wider turns, leave more room when braking and watch for low barriers at car parks. Our guide to driving a Warrington hire van for the first time covers the roads around the depot.
When loading, put the heaviest items against the bulkhead and keep the weight low and central. Next, strap everything so nothing slides under braking. A loose load is the most common cause of damage on a first hire.
Park with the rear doors facing the house where you can, and keep the route from the door to the van clear. Then load in the order you want to unload. That way, the things you need first come off first at the other end. Keep a small box of essentials, such as kettle, chargers and bedding, near the doors so it comes off last and is easy to find.
Returning the Van Without Any Stress
Plan your return around our closing time rather than leaving it to the last minute. If the job runs late, call us early so we can talk through the options. Before you head back, clear out the load area and check the cab for phones, keys and paperwork.
When you arrive, we walk round the van again with you. If you need it for longer next time, both short term and long term hire are available.
Local Help for First Time Hiring a Van
Our depot sits at Cockhedge Shopping Centre, close to the town centre and the main routes out of Warrington. Customers often come to us from Penketh, Great Sankey and further afield. For example, if you live west of town, our page on van hire Penketh covers the local area.
Tell us what you are moving and when, and we will help you pick the right van for your first hire. Call 01925 396 222 or use our contact us page, and we will talk you through every step.
