Weekend van hire in North London gives you the freedom to move house, complete DIY projects, or transport goods without the cost of professional services. At North London Van & Truck Hire, we’ve been helping families and businesses across Enfield, Hertford, and North London for over 30 years with affordable, reliable weekend van hire.
Whether you need a small van for a quick furniture collection on Saturday or a Luton van for a full weekend house move, our flexible hire options and 24-hour drop-off facility at our Enfield branch make weekend projects straightforward.
Why Hire a Van for the Weekend?
Weekend van hire provides a practical solution for anyone who needs temporary vehicle space. Rather than owning a van you’ll barely use, hiring a van for just the days you need it makes financial sense and removes the hassle of insurance, MOT, and maintenance costs.
Benefits of Weekend Van Hire
Cost-Effective Solution
Hiring a van costs significantly less than professional movers or courier services. You’re only paying for the vehicle and your time, not hourly labour rates that can quickly add up.
Complete Flexibility
With our 24-hour drop-off facility at our Enfield branch, you can collect your van Friday evening and return it Sunday night or Monday morning. You’re in control of your schedule, not restricted by rigid collection times.
Choose the Right Size
Our vehicle fleet includes small, medium, and large vans, plus Luton vans with tail lifts. Select exactly what you need rather than making do with a vehicle that’s too small or paying extra for unnecessary space.
Independence and Control
You decide the route, the timing, and how your belongings are loaded and secured. There’s no waiting around for removal companies or worrying about whether your items are being handled carefully.
No Long-Term Commitment
Unlike leasing or buying, weekend hire means you only pay for what you use. Perfect for occasional needs like moving house, collecting furniture, or one-off business requirements.
Weekend Van Hire Costs at North London Van & Truck Hire
At North London Van & Truck Hire, we believe in transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Here’s what weekend van hire includes with us:
Our Weekend Van Hire Rates
Small Vans (e.g., Ford Transit Connect)
Daily rate from £30
Perfect for: Furniture collection, small moves, deliveries
Medium Vans (e.g., Ford Transit Custom)
Daily rate from £30
Perfect for: 1-2 bedroom moves, multiple furniture items, business use
Large Vans (e.g., Extra LWB)
Daily rate from £30
Perfect for: 2-3 bedroom moves, bulk deliveries, construction materials
Luton Vans with Tail Lift
Daily rate from £30
Perfect for: Full house moves, heavy equipment, commercial loads
What’s Included in Every Hire
✓ £100 pre-authorised deposit – Only taken if there’s damage
✓ 150 miles per day included – Extra miles just 10p each
✓ 24-hour drop-off at our Enfield branch
✓ 100% ULEZ compliant fleet – No extra charges in London
✓ Full insurance and AA breakdown cover
✓ Comprehensive damage cover (lights, mirrors, tyres included)
✓ Monday-Thursday discount – 20% off weekday bookings
Optional Extras
Reduced Insurance Excess: £15 per day reduces your excess from £1,200 to £200
Fuel: Return with the same fuel level as collection
Additional Mileage: 10p per mile over your 150-mile daily allowance
Weekend Package Example
Friday evening collection to Monday morning return:
- 3 days hire of medium van: £90
- 450 miles included (150 × 3 days)
- Insurance, breakdown cover, and ULEZ compliance: Included
- 24-hour drop-off facility: Included
Total: £90 (plus fuel and any optional excess reduction)
The Main Uses for Weekend Van Hire
The versatility of van hire means countless ways you can make your weekend productive:
Moving House
A van is perfect for small to medium-sized house moves. With space for furniture, appliances, and boxes, you can complete a 1-2 bedroom move in a weekend for a fraction of removal company costs. Our Luton vans with tail lifts make loading heavy items like washing machines and sofas much easier.
DIY Projects
Whether you’re collecting flat-pack furniture from IKEA in Wembley, picking up timber from a builders’ merchant in Enfield, or transporting garden materials, a van provides the space and load capacity DIY enthusiasts need.
Business Deliveries
Many small businesses hire vans for weekend deliveries, event setups, or stock collection. Our vehicle options suit catering companies, market traders, and anyone needing commercial capacity without full-time van costs.
Family Road Trips
Vans work brilliantly for group travel when you need space for luggage, camping equipment, bicycles, or sports gear. Our vans comfortably seat 3 people with plenty of load space behind.
Events and Exhibitions
Attending a trade show, wedding fair, or market? A van is perfect for transporting display items, stock, equipment, or catering supplies. The weekend hire period gives you time to set up Saturday and pack down Sunday.
Rubbish Clearance
Garden waste, old furniture, renovation debris – weekend van hire means you can make multiple trips to the tip without restrictions. Far more cost-effective than hiring a skip for small projects.
Hourly vs Weekend Rate: Which Option is Best?
When hiring a van, think about the actual time you’ll need it, not just the task itself.
Hourly Hire
Best for:
- Quick furniture collections (under 4 hours)
- Single deliveries
- Short errands with clear time limits
Typical costs: £10-£15 per hour with minimum 2-4 hour hire
Consideration: Hourly hire adds time pressure. If you need to make multiple trips or your collection point is delayed, costs mount quickly.
Weekend/Daily Hire
Best for:
- House moves requiring multiple trips
- All-day projects
- Flexibility to start early or finish late
- Tasks that might take longer than expected
Our rates: £30 per day with 150 miles included and 24-hour drop-off
Why it’s better value: No rush, no stress, and if your Saturday task overruns into Sunday, you’ve got the time. With our 24-hour drop-off at Enfield, you’re not watching the clock.
Tip: If you think a task might stretch beyond 4 hours, weekend hire almost always works out cheaper and removes the stress of time limits.
What to Consider When Hiring a Van in North London
Driver Requirements
To hire a van from us, you’ll need:
- Age 21+ (some vehicles may require 25+)
- Valid UK driving licence held for at least 12 months
- Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Credit or debit card for the £100 pre-authorised deposit
Choosing the Right Van Size
Small Vans (Ford Transit Connect):
Load space approximately 2.5m × 1.7m × 1.4m
Suitable for: 10-15 boxes, small furniture items, appliances
Can fit: Washing machine, fridge, small sofa, dining table
Medium Vans (Ford Transit Custom):
Load space approximately 3m × 1.7m × 1.75m
Suitable for: 1-bedroom flat moves, multiple furniture pieces
Can fit: Double bed, sofa, wardrobe, appliances, 20-30 boxes
Large Vans (Extra LWB):
Load space approximately 4m × 1.7m × 1.9m
Suitable for: 2-bedroom house moves, commercial loads
Can fit: Most household furniture, white goods, 40+ boxes
Luton Vans with Tail Lift:
Load space over 4m length with walk-in height
Suitable for: 3-bedroom moves, heavy equipment, palletised goods
Tail lift capacity: Makes loading heavy items significantly easier
Not sure which size you need? Call us on 020 8805 0011 and we’ll help you choose based on your specific requirements.
Driving a Van for the First Time
If you’re new to driving larger vehicles, here are quick tips:
Mirrors: You’ll rely entirely on wing mirrors – there’s no rear-view mirror in most vans. Adjust them properly before setting off and check them constantly.
Height: Know your van’s height. Most of our vans are around 2-2.3m tall. Watch for height restriction barriers, multi-storey car parks, and low bridges.
Width: Vans are wider than cars. Give yourself extra space on narrow roads and take corners wider than you normally would.
Reversing: Without rear visibility, reversing takes practice. If possible, park nose-first or ask someone to guide you.
Acceleration: Vans are heavier and slower to accelerate, especially when loaded. Allow more time for overtaking and joining motorways.
Weekend Driving in Enfield and North London
Our Enfield branch at 1320 Mollison Avenue, Brimsdown (behind McDonald’s) offers excellent access to major routes:
A10 Access: Direct route into Central London or north to Hertfordshire
M25 Proximity: 10 minutes to Junction 25 for Essex and Kent
North Circular: Easy access to West London and beyond
Weekend traffic tips:
- Saturday mornings around retail parks (IKEA Wembley, Lakeside) get busy
- North Circular near Brent Cross and Edmonton can be congested even on weekends
- Sunday evenings see return traffic from coast and countryside
- Many residential parking restrictions still apply on weekends
ULEZ Compliance: Our entire fleet is 100% ULEZ compliant, so you won’t face the £12.50 daily charge when driving into Central London or the expanded ULEZ zones.
Parking Considerations
Finding parking for a van in North London can be tricky:
- Many residential areas restrict vehicles over a certain size
- Check parking restrictions before your collection address
- Loading bays often have time limits (usually 20-40 minutes)
- Supermarket car parks can be useful for loading but watch height barriers
- Our 24-hour Enfield drop-off means you don’t need to worry about returning during office hours
Pros and Cons of Weekend Van Hire
Pros
Flexible Scheduling
Our 24-hour drop-off facility at Enfield means you’re not restricted by rigid collection and return times. Collect Friday evening after work, use the van all weekend, and drop it back Sunday night or Monday morning before your commute.
Cost-Effective Solution
Weekend van hire costs a fraction of professional removal services. With our transparent pricing starting at £30 per day and 150 miles included, you know exactly what you’re paying.
Range of Vehicle Sizes
From small vans for quick collections to Luton vans with tail lifts for full house moves, we have the right vehicle for your specific needs. No paying for more van than you need.
Complete Control
You decide when to start, what route to take, and how your belongings are handled. No waiting around for removal companies or coordinating with courier time slots.
ULEZ Compliance Peace of Mind
Our entire fleet is ULEZ compliant, so you can drive anywhere in London without worrying about extra charges or penalties.
Cons
Weekend Traffic
While generally lighter than weekday congestion, Saturday shopping traffic around retail parks and Sunday return journeys from the coast can cause delays. Plan your route and timing accordingly.
Parking Challenges
Finding parking for a van in residential North London can be difficult. Many streets restrict larger vehicles, and you’ll need to check restrictions at both collection and delivery addresses.
Fuel Responsibility
You’re responsible for fuel costs and must return the van with the same fuel level as collection. Keep your fuel receipt as proof.
Physical Effort Required
Unlike hiring professional movers, you’re responsible for all loading, driving, and unloading. Make sure you have help for heavy items and consider our vans with tail lifts for easier loading.
Top Tips for a Smooth Weekend Van Hire
Book Early
Weekends are our busiest time. Book at least a week ahead to secure the van size you need and avoid price increases or unavailability.
Inspect Before Driving Away
Walk around the van with our team and note any pre-existing damage, scratches, or marks. We’ll photograph these with you so there’s no confusion on return.
Load Strategically
Put heavy items at the front of the load space, secure everything with straps, and distribute weight evenly. This improves handling and prevents items shifting during transit.
Plan Your Route
Check for low bridges (anything under 2.5m), narrow streets in your route, and avoid congestion charge zones if possible. Our ULEZ-compliant vans mean no extra charges, but plan your timing to avoid traffic.
Take Your Time
You’re not used to driving a van. Leave extra space when changing lanes, take corners wider than usual, and don’t rush. Our AA breakdown cover means help is available if you need it.
Check Load Capacity
Don’t exceed the van’s maximum payload (usually 1,000-1,200kg for most vans). Overloading affects handling, braking, and invalidates insurance.
Use Our 24-Hour Drop-Off
Finished earlier or later than expected? Our Enfield branch has 24-hour drop-off, so you’re not rushing to meet office closing times.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weekend Van Hire
Can I collect the van on Friday evening and return Monday morning?
Yes, our 24-hour drop-off facility at our Enfield branch (1320 Mollison Avenue, Brimsdown, behind McDonald’s) means you can collect and return outside office hours. Weekend rates cover Saturday and Sunday, and you can extend into Monday if needed.
Do I need special insurance to hire a van for the weekend?
All our rentals include comprehensive insurance and AA breakdown cover as standard. Our standard excess is £1,200, but you can reduce this to £200 for just £15 per day for extra peace of mind.
What size van do I need for a typical house move?
For a 1-bedroom flat, a medium van is usually sufficient. For a 2-bedroom house, we’d recommend a large van, and for 3+ bedrooms, a Luton van makes the job easier. Call us on 020 8805 0011 and we’ll help you choose the right size based on your specific requirements.
Are your vans ULEZ compliant?
Yes, our entire fleet is 100% ULEZ compliant, so you won’t face the £12.50 daily charge when driving in Central London or the expanded ULEZ zones across most of Greater London.
Can I hire a van if I’m under 25?
Our minimum age is 21 for van hire. You’ll need a valid UK driving licence held for at least 12 months. An additional age-related excess may apply for drivers under 25 – speak to our team for specific details.
Do you offer weekend collection from both Enfield and Hertford?
Yes, you can collect from our Enfield branch (Brimsdown) or our Hertford location (Kingfisher Nurseries, White Stubbs Lane, Bayford, SG13). Our Enfield branch offers 24-hour drop-off for maximum flexibility. Saturday collection is available until 12pm at both locations.
What happens if the van breaks down during my hire?
All our vehicles include AA breakdown cover. If you experience any issues, call the AA helpline (number provided with your hire documents) and they’ll arrange recovery or a replacement vehicle. We service our vehicles every 5,000 miles to minimise breakdowns.
Can I take the van outside North London for the weekend?
Yes, absolutely. Your 150 miles per day allowance (450 miles for a 3-day weekend) covers journeys well beyond London. Extra miles are just 10p each. Many customers use our vans for trips to the coast, countryside, or family visits across the UK.
Book Your Weekend Van Hire Today
At North London Van & Truck Hire, we’re a family-run business with over 30 years of experience and BVRLA membership. Our weekend van hire includes everything you need:
✓ £100 pre-authorised deposit (only taken if needed)
✓ 150 miles daily allowance (just 10p per extra mile)
✓ 24-hour drop-off at our Enfield branch
✓ 100% ULEZ compliant fleet
✓ Full insurance and AA breakdown cover
✓ Monday-Thursday 20% discount available
Call us: 02088050011
Email: info@nlvth.com
Visit: 1320 Mollison Avenue, Brimsdown, Enfield EN3 7NJ (behind McDonald’s)
Book online or call us today to discuss your weekend van hire needs. Our team knows North London inside out and can recommend the perfect vehicle for your specific requirements.
Looking for other vehicle options? Check out our minibus hire for group travel or browse our full vehicle range. Read more practical advice on our blog.