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Hiring Over Christmas

Rick Rental
Updated

The Christmas season brings unique challenges for tool and equipment hires, with many construction sites pausing and supplier depots closing temporarily. At National Tool Hire, we’re here to help you plan your holiday hires effectively, avoid unexpected costs, and ensure your projects stay on track. This guide covers everything you need to know about hiring over Christmas, from key dates to tips for a smooth experience.

Why Plan Your Christmas Hire?

  • Supplier Closures: Many of our 2,000+ partner depots close over Christmas, limiting equipment availability and logistics.
  • Project Continuity: Plan hires to start after the holidays to avoid charges during shutdowns and ensure tools are ready when you need them.
  • Cost Savings: Scheduling wisely helps you avoid extended hire fees for equipment held over the festive period.

Key Dates and Policies

To keep your hire stress-free, note these important holiday guidelines:

  • Last Return Date: All hires must be returned by mid-December (typically 15–17 December; exact date confirmed annually via email). This allows processing before supplier closures.
  • Hires Over Christmas:
    • Equipment not returned by the last return date remains your responsibility during the holiday period.
    • Standard hire charges apply for the entire time you hold the equipment, even if depots are closed.
    • Collection cannot be arranged until depots reopen (usually early January).
  • New Year Start Dates: We recommend scheduling new hires to begin after 2nd, January to avoid holiday disruptions. Check availability early for high-demand items like dehumidifiers or scaffold towers.
  • Delivery and Collection:

How to Plan Your Christmas Hire

Follow these steps to book equipment for the festive period or the New Year:

  1. Visit Our Website: Browse our catalogue of over 2,000,000 products at nationaltoolhire.co.uk, from power tools to mini diggers.
  2. Choose Your Dates:
    • For pre-Christmas hires, ensure returns by the mid-December cutoff.
    • For post-Christmas projects, set start dates from the 2nd, January.
  3. Check Availability: High-demand tools (e.g., heaters, access equipment) book quickly during winter. Use LiveChat or call to confirm stock.
  4. Select Delivery or Collection:
    • Choose free delivery to most UK postcodes or click-and-collect from 2,000+ depots.
    • Note limited delivery options during the holiday closure.
  5. Pay Securely: Use Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal. PayPal Pay in 3 is available for orders £30–£2,000.
  6. Confirm Booking: Receive a confirmation email with hire details and holiday-specific notes.

Alternative Booking Methods

  • Phone: Call 03330 384 943 to discuss holiday hire needs with our Hire Team.
  • LiveChat/Ticket: Use LiveChat on our website or create a ticket, for personalised assistance.

Costs and Deposits

  • Hire Fees: Standard rates apply for equipment held over Christmas if not returned by the cutoff. No additional fees for post-holiday hires booked in advance.
  • Deposits: Your deposit covers the entire hire period, including extensions over Christmas. Refunds are processed 21 working days after final collection, provided no damage or cleaning is needed. See Our Refund and Deposit Policy.
  • Hire Shield: Hire Shield will be appiled as additional cost if kept beyond your initial hire period to ensure cover for accidental damage (e.g., a chipped drill blade from a hidden nail) during holiday use. See Understanding Hire Shield.

Common Questions

  • Can I keep equipment over Christmas?
    Yes, but you’ll be charged standard hire rates for the entire period, and collection isn’t available until depots reopen. Return by the mid-December cutoff to avoid this.
  • What if I need equipment urgently during the holidays?
    Delivery and collection are limited during the closure. Contact us via LiveChat or create a ticket to check options, but availability may be restricted.
  • Can I extend my hire over Christmas?
    Extensions are possible but depend on supplier availability. Request early via Extending Your Hire. Charges apply for the full extension period.
  • What happens to my deposit if I hold equipment over the holidays?
    Your deposit remains valid and is refunded post-collection if the equipment is undamaged. Cleaning or damage fees may apply (e.g., mud on a digger).
  • Are there holiday discounts?
    Discounts may be offered for hires booked in December for January starts. Check our website or contact us for current promotions.

Tips for a Smooth Holiday Hire

  • Book Early: Secure high-demand equipment (e.g., heaters for winter, dehumidifiers for flood recovery) before the holiday rush. See Hiring Equipment for Storm Recovery.
  • Plan Returns: Schedule returns by mid-December to avoid charges during the closure. Use our online system or call to arrange collection.
  • Check Confirmation: Review your booking email for holiday-specific dates and supplier details to prevent mix-ups.
  • Prepare for Closure: Depots may not respond during the shutdown. Contact our Hire Team before mid-December for urgent needs.
  • Use LiveChat for Clarity: Unsure about holiday policies? LiveChat offers real-time answers, especially for last-minute bookings.

Why Hire with Us Over Christmas?

  • Nationwide Reach: Access equipment from 2,000+ partner stores, even in peak seasons.
  • Transparent Policies: Clear dates and costs ensure no surprises during the holidays.
  • Flexible Booking: Schedule hires online, by phone, or via LiveChat to suit your needs.
  • Trusted Support: Our team is here to guide you, with fast responses via multiple channels.

Get In Touch

For help with Christmas hires, contact our Hire Team:

We respond within 24 hours, often faster via LiveChat. Note we're closed during the holiday period (details emailed annually).

Related Articles: How to Book Tools and Equipment | Extending Your Hire | Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated: May 15, 2025

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