Blog

Tips, advice, and guides for vehicle hire

The Parkhurst Difference:

When your business depends on vehicles, having the right support behind you can make all the difference.

At Parkhurst Self Drive Hire, we understand that you're not simply looking for a vehicle. You need a vehicle hire company you can rely on, one that understands your business, responds when you need help, and makes the whole process straightforward.

That's why we believe service still matters.

While many vehicle hire companies focus on transactions, we focus on building relationships. We take the time to understand your requirements so that when you need us, we're ready to help.

More Than Just Vehicle Hire

Supplying a vehicle is only part of what we do.

For us, the real difference comes from the experience you receive. We believe vehicle hire should be simple, reliable and stress-free.

When you're under pressure to find a replacement vehicle, meet a deadline or support a growing workload, you don't want to spend time chasing answers or being passed from person to person.

You want to speak to someone who knows your business and can help you find a solution quickly.

That's what we aim to provide every day.

A Dedicated Account Manager

As a corporate customer, you'll have a dedicated account manager who understands your business and your ongoing requirements.

Rather than explaining your situation every time you call, you'll have a familiar point of contact who can provide support, answer questions and help arrange the right vehicle when you need it.

Whether it's a planned booking or a last-minute requirement, we're committed to making the process as smooth as possible.

Flexible Business Vehicle Hire

No two businesses operate in exactly the same way, which is why flexibility is so important.

Whether you need a vehicle for a day, a week, a month or longer, we'll work with you to find the most suitable option.

Our fleet includes:

Whatever your requirements, our team will help you find a practical and cost-effective solution.

Service That Goes The Extra Mile

We genuinely appreciate every customer who chooses Parkhurst and pride ourselves on providing a personal service that larger providers often struggle to match.

Our corporate customers benefit from dedicated account management, competitive business rates, flexible hire periods, modern and reliable vehicles, fast response times and friendly, knowledgeable support.

We understand that vehicle downtime can have a real impact on your business, which is why we're committed to providing a service you can depend on. No matter the size of your business, you'll receive the same level of care, attention and commitment.

Experience the Parkhurst Difference

We value your business and will go the extra mile to ensure you receive an outstanding level of service.

Whether you need a van, Luton van, tipper truck, minibus or car, we'd love the opportunity to show you what makes Parkhurst different.

Why not try us and let us show you the Parkhurst Difference?

Contact Parkhurst Self Drive Hire Today

West Molesey: 0208 979 2067

Kingston upon Thames: 0208 547 3355



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:/

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:



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:

Economical, easy to drive, and perfect for town use.

Short Wheelbase Vans

Practical & versatile

Models: Transit / Transporter SWB

Best for:

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:

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:

Longer load space means fewer trips.

Luton Vans

Maximum space & easier loading

Models: Ford / VW Luton Tail Lift, Transit Luton Low Loader

Best for:

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:

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: