Hiring a van should be simple. But it’s surprisingly easy to mess it up, and most people don’t realise they’ve made a mistake until they’re halfway through their move or errand and it’s too late. Whether you’re shifting a sofa, helping a mate move, or just getting a big job done, van hire in Kent can go from smooth to stressful if you’re not careful.
Here’s a list of the most common slip-ups we see (and hear about all the time), plus how you can avoid them without any drama.
Picking a Van That’s Too Small
This one’s really common. You book a van, start loading it up, and about halfway through, it’s obvious, there’s no way everything is going to fit. Now you’re stuck making extra trips, or worse, trying to swap vans last minute (good luck on a weekend).
What to do instead:
Grab a tape measure before you book and figure out roughly how much space you need. Most local van hire places in Kent (ours included) will give you an idea of what fits in each van. If you’re not sure, go bigger. It’s way less hassle than cramming things in like Tetris blocks. Our Vans at Hire2You start out at just £49 per day.
Leaving It Too Late to Book
We get it, you’ve got a million things to organise. But if you leave booking your van until the night before, don’t be surprised if your options are limited or the price has crept up.
Here’s the fix:
If you’re hiring a van in Kent for a weekend, end of the month, or during uni moving season, book early. Three to five days in advance is a good shout, earlier if you can. That way, you’re not stuck with a van that’s either too pricey or not quite right for the job.
Not Checking Your Licence Covers the Van
Most people just assume their licence is fine. But vans come in different weight classes, and not every driver can legally get behind the wheel of every van.
Quick tip:
If you passed your driving test after 1997, you’re usually covered for vans up to 3.5 tonnes. Go bigger than that and you might need additional licence categories. Just double-check before booking so you’re not turned away at pickup.
Forgetting Your Paperwork
You’d be surprised how many people rock up without their ID or the right card. Without the right documents, you won’t be able to drive away, no matter how ready you are to hit the road.
What you’ll usually need:
- Your UK photocard driving licence
- A DVLA check code (or your NI number so we can get it)
- Two proofs of address (last 3 months)
- A debit or credit card for the deposit
Every van hire company in Kent will have their own list, best to check in advance so there are no surprises on the day.
Not Checking the Fuel Policy
It sounds boring, but fuel policies are one of the top things that catch people out. Return the van without enough fuel, and you could be looking at a pricey top-up charge.
Easy solution:
Before you drive off, look at the fuel gauge and take a photo if you want to be safe. Most places ask you to bring it back with the same amount of fuel, no more, no less. That quick snap could save you a headache later.
Skipping the Walk-Around
You’re in a rush, the van looks fine, and you just want to get going. But not noting down existing marks or dings can bite you later if someone thinks you caused them.
Take two minutes:
Do a quick walk-around before you leave. Either ask the hire staff to mark any damage or take a few photos on your phone. Trust us, it’s not overkill, it’s peace of mind. At Hire2You we take pictures before and after so we recommend you do to.
Not Asking About Mileage or Insurance Excess
A lot of people don’t realise until afterwards that their hire came with a mileage limit or that they’re on the hook for a big excess if something goes wrong.
Do this upfront:
Ask if there’s a mileage cap. Some van hire companies in Kent offer unlimited mileage, but not all. Also, ask about insurance, find out what’s covered, what your excess is, and whether you can reduce it for a small fee. It’s better to ask a few questions now than get hit with extra charges later.
Keep It Simple
If you’re hiring a van in Kent, the best thing you can do is plan ahead and ask questions. Call your local hire company and chat with someone, not a call centre, but an actual person who knows the area. That local knowledge goes a long way, especially when you’re dealing with tight roads around Canterbury, Maidstone, or anywhere near the coast.
And if you’re not used to driving a van, take it slow. Give yourself time, check your mirrors, and be mindful of the height and width, especially when parking or going under low bridges.
Need help or advice on van hire in Kent?
We’ve helped thousands of locals get the right van for the job, without the fuss. Give us a call at Hire2You on 01634 780 720.