How to organise your first van hire

Renting a van is a great way to move belongings without the cost of hiring movers or couriers. If you have never rented a van before, here are some things to consider that will help get you on your way.

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Finding the right hire company

Before you choose a specific vehicle, it’s worth doing your research about which hire company you want to use. Some large companies operate UK-wide, but local specialists such as https://www.autolynecarvanrental.co.uk/van-hire-bristol may have more choice in your area and offer superior service.

Those considering van rental Bristol should aim for around three quotes to find a van that fits their budget. You should also account for what may or may not be included as an added extra, for example, mileage limits and the cost of insurance.

Safety

Industry commentators WhatVan say that providers of rental vehicles are increasingly offering more safety features to customers, such as ‘Lane Keeping Assist’ and assisted parking tools. While similar, driving a van is not like driving a car, so you should consider if these would be helpful, especially if it’s your first time.

Choosing the right size vehicle

How many items do you need to move? What size are they and how much do they weigh? You should consider this, otherwise, you may end up picking the wrong size for your needs. This could mean wasting money on a larger van (like a Luton van) you didn’t need, or having to make lots of trips in a van that is too small.

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You also need to think about what size of van you feel comfortable driving and bear in mind that you can’t drive a vehicle weighing more than 3.5 tonnes on a standard UK driving licence.