We know that moving large items, relocating, or managing a big commercial job can take a lot of effort. At Zelf, we have designed our van hire service to remove the usual friction and paperwork. You handle the entire process directly through your smartphone. We even provide a secure space for you to leave your personal car while you complete your work.
This guide walks you through every step of hiring a van with Zelf, from making your initial booking to returning the vehicle at the end of the day.
Booking Your Van
We give you total control over your schedule. You can book a van on demand for an immediate job or schedule one for a future date.
- Open the Zelf App: Log into your account on your smartphone. Make sure your device is fully charged.
- Select the Vans Category: Choose the van option from the main menu to view our commercial fleet.
- Choose Your Vehicle: Browse the available vans. The app displays the exact make, model, and load capacity. The vehicle you select on your screen is exactly the one you will drive.
- Confirm Your Time: Select how long you need the van and secure your booking with a quick, digital payment.
Arriving at the Depot
While our Zelf Drive cars sit in stations around town, we keep all our vans at a dedicated central depot. This setup makes picking up a large vehicle incredibly convenient.
- Get Your Directions: Five minutes before your rental begins, the app will send a direct Google Maps link to your phone.
- Drive Your Own Car: Follow the map link and drive your personal car straight to the Zelf depot.
- Park Securely: We offer a unique ‘swap and go’ system. You can park your personal car in our designated depot spaces and leave it there safely for the entire duration of your van rental.
Unlocking and Driving
You do not need to queue at a rental desk or collect physical keys. Your smartphone is your digital key.
- Locate Your Van: Walk up to your chosen van at the depot.
- Complete the Condition Check: Open the Zelf app and follow the prompts to take four quick photos of the van. This protects you by documenting the exterior condition before you set off.
- Connect via Bluetooth: Ensure your phone has Bluetooth turned on.
- Unlock the Doors: Tap the large “Unlock” button on your screen. You will hear the doors unlock instantly. Step inside and start the engine.
Returning Your Van
When your job is complete, returning the van is just as fast.
- Head Back to the Depot: You must return the van to the exact same central depot where you collected it.
- Park the Van: Find a suitable space within the depot and turn off the engine.
- Collect Your Belongings: Double check the cab and the load area to ensure you have not left anything behind.
- End the Rental: Step out of the van, close all doors securely, and tap ‘End Rental’ in the Zelf app. The app will lock the doors via Bluetooth.
- Drive Home: Jump back into your personal car and head home.
Your Van Hire Checklist
Keep these key takeaways in mind to ensure a smooth and easy van hire experience:
- Charge up: Always bring a fully charged smartphone with Bluetooth enabled.
- Go to the depot: Remember that vans live at our central depot, not at our street stations.
- Bring your car: Take advantage of our free parking space for your personal vehicle.
- Take your photos: Never skip the mandatory pre-rental photo check.
- Return to base: Always bring the van back to the original depot to end your trip.
If you ever need assistance while using a Zelf van, you can access our support team directly through the help section in your app.