Blog
Tips, advice, and guides for vehicle hire
May Bank Holiday Projects? Why Hiring a Van Makes Life Easier - May 26
May is one of the busiest times of year for house moves, garden projects, furniture collections and DIY jobs. With the longer daylight hours, many of us use the extra time to finally tackle those bigger jobs we have been putting off.
That is where hiring a van can make a huge difference.
At Parkhurst Self Drive Hire we help customers with everything from moving house and collecting furniture to business deliveries and garden clearances. Hiring the right van for the day can save multiple journeys, reduce stress and make your bank holiday far more productive.
Moving House or Collecting Furniture
The upcoming May bank holiday is a popular time for moving home, especially for renters and students preparing for summer moves.
Hiring a van gives you:/
- More flexibility than relying on delivery slots
- Space for larger furniture and appliances
- A more cost-effective option than full removal services
Whether you are collecting a sofa, transporting boxes or moving into a new property, choosing the right size van can make the entire process smoother and quicker.
Perfect for Garden and DIY Projects
Spring is peak season for garden renovations and home improvements.
A van is ideal for:
- Trips to garden centres or DIY stores
- Transporting decking, fencing or tools
- Removing garden waste
- Collecting furniture or landscaping materials
Instead of trying to fit everything into a car, a van gives you the space and practicality needed for larger projects.
Ideal for Small Businesses and Tradespeople
Bank holidays are also busy periods for many local businesses and trades.
Short-term van hire is a great solution if:
- Your usual vehicle is unavailable
- You need extra capacity for deliveries
- You are taking on larger projects
- You want a professional vehicle for temporary use
Flexible hire options can help businesses stay productive during busy seasonal periods without the long-term costs of owning additional vehicles.
Why Choose Parkhurst Self Drive Hire?
At Parkhurst Self Drive Hire, we pride ourselves on offering:
- Reliable vehicles
- Competitive pricing
- Friendly and helpful service
- Flexible hire periods
- A range of vans suitable for different jobs
Whether you need a compact van for a quick collection or a larger vehicle for a full house move, we can help you find the right option.
Book Early for the May Bank Holiday
Bank holiday weekends are always popular, and vehicle availability can become limited as dates get closer.
If you are planning:>
- A house move
- DIY or garden projects
- Furniture collections
- Business deliveries
- Event transport
it is always best to book your van in advance.
Visit Parkhurst Self Drive Hireto view our available vehicles and secure your booking for the upcoming May bank holiday.
Call us today on 0208 979 2067
Van Off the Road? Short-Term Van Hire Can Keep You Moving - Apr 26
If your van is off the road due to a breakdown, accident, or unexpected fault, it can quickly bring your work to a standstill. For tradespeople, delivery drivers, and small businesses, even a day without a vehicle can mean lost time, missed jobs, and reduced income.
At Parkhurst Self Drive Hire, we've been helping customers through exactly these situations for over 30 years - and we know how important it is to keep things moving, with reliable vehicles and competitive prices.
"My van is off the road"
It's something we hear every week:
"Van won't start."
"Been in an accident."
"Gearbox has gone."
"Need something today."
It's never planned, and it's never convenient. But when your van stops working, everything else feels like it might too. Jobs are already booked in, customers are waiting, and deadlines don't move - that's usually when people call us.
Why short-term van hire makes sense
When your vehicle is in the garage, waiting isn't always an option. That's where short-term van hire becomes the simplest and most practical solution.
Instead of cancelling work or rearranging your schedule, you can get straight back on the road with a reliable replacement van.
Short-term hire gives you immediate availability, flexibility to hire for a few days or longer, no long-term commitment, and a cost-effective way to keep your business running without disruption.
Choosing the right replacement van
One thing we've learned over three decades is that no two jobs are the same.
Some customers need a like-for-like replacement so they can carry on exactly as normal. Others use it as an opportunity to try something different - perhaps a larger van for extra capacity or something more practical for the job.
We always take the time to understand what you need, so you get a van that works for you - not just any van.
More than just a backup option
Many people come to us because their van has broken down - but they often come back for other reasons too.
Short-term van hire isn't just for emergencies. It's also useful for busy periods, extra workload, temporary replacements, and one-off jobs that need additional space or capacity.
For a lot of businesses, it becomes a flexible and cost-effective way to manage demand.
Local, reliable van hire when you need it
If you're based in West Molesey, Kingston, or nearby areas, having a local van hire company you can rely on makes all the difference.
At Parkhurst Self Drive Hire, we've built our reputation on being straightforward, responsive, and easy to deal with - especially when time matters most, and always at competitive prices.
We understand that when your van is off the road, you don't need complications - you need a solution.
Get back on the road quickly
If your van is off the road and you need a reliable replacement fast, short-term van hire can keep your work moving without disruption.
Our experienced team can recommend the best vehicle for your job and get you back on the road without delay.
Contact Parkhurst Self Drive Hire today:
- West Molesey: 0208 979 2067
- Kingston upon Thames: 0208 547 3355
Which Van Is Right for You? - Feb 26
Choosing the right van can make all the difference when moving home, transporting goods, or completing a business job. Parkhurst Self Drive Hire offers a modern, reliable fleet suitable for everything from small deliveries to full house moves.
Use this quick guide to choose the best vehicle for your needs.
Small Vans
Ideal for light loads & city driving
Models: Ford Connect, Vauxhall Combo Electric Auto
Best for:
- Students moving belongings
- Tradespeople carrying tools
- Small deliveries
- Tight urban streets
Economical, easy to drive, and perfect for town use.
Short Wheelbase Vans
Practical & versatile
Models: Transit / Transporter SWB
Best for:
- Small flat moves
- Furniture collection
- Business deliveries
Compact size with useful load capacity.
Medium Wheelbase Vans
More space, still easy to drive
Models: Renault Master MM35 MWB, VW Crafter CR35 MWB, Ford E-Transit MWB Auto
Best for:
- Studio or 1-bedroom moves
- Bulky items
- Trade & business use
Excellent balance of capacity and manoeuvrability.
Long Wheelbase Vans
Ideal for larger moves
Models: VW Crafter CR35 LWB, Ford E-Transit LWB Auto
Best for:
- 1-2 bedroom house moves
- Large furniture & appliances
- Bulk deliveries
Longer load space means fewer trips.
Luton Vans
Maximum space & easier loading
Models: Ford / VW Luton Tail Lift, Transit Luton Low Loader
Best for:
- Full house moves
- Large or bulky furniture
- Commercial removals
Box body maximises space and tail lifts reduce heavy lifting.
Specialist Commercial Vehicles
Built for trade & site work
Models: Transit Tipper, Transit Tipper with Cage, Transit LWB Dropside, Ford LWB Dropside Tail Lift
Best for:
- Construction & landscaping
- Waste removal
- Transporting building materials
- Trade & site jobs
Still Unsure? We Can Help.
Our experienced team can recommend the best vehicle for your job. Choosing the right van saves time, reduces stress, and keeps your move running smoothly.
Contact Parkhurst Self Drive Hire today:
- West Molesey: 0208 979 2067
- Kingston upon Thames: 0208 547 3355