Can removals & storage companies secure quick equipment or vehicle financing?

Table of contents
– Introduction — quick summary (#intro)
– Quick answer — what’s realistically possible (#quick-answer)
– Common finance options for removals & storage businesses (#options)
– Asset finance / Hire Purchase (#asset-finance)
– Vehicle finance & commercial leasing (#vehicle-finance)
– Short-term business loans & bridging finance (#short-loans)
– Invoice finance & asset refinance (#invoice-finance)
– Quick comparison (speed, term, deposit) (#comparison)
– What lenders check — eligibility & documents to prepare (#eligibility)
– How quickly can you get money? Typical timelines (#timelines)
– Costs & what affects your rate (#costs)
– Special considerations for removals & storage businesses (#considerations)
– How UK Business Loans helps — match to lenders & brokers (#how-we-help)
– Real-world case examples (anonymised) (#case-examples)
– FAQs — short answers to common questions (#faqs)
– Ready to get a quote? — final steps & privacy reassurance (#contact)
– Author / E‑E‑A‑T box (#about-author)

Introduction — quick summary (#intro)
Yes — removals and storage companies can generally secure fast equipment and vehicle finance. Which product is best depends on the asset (vans, HGVs, forklifts, racking), how quickly you need cash, your company’s trading history and credit profile, and whether you want to own the asset. Typical quick routes include asset finance, hire purchase and short-term business loans. Complete a short enquiry (this is not an application) to get matched to lenders/brokers who can deliver fast, no‑obligation quotes for funding from around £10,000 upwards. Get a Free Eligibility Check.

Quick answer — what’s realistically possible? (#quick-answer)
The fastest realistic options for removals and storage firms are:
– Asset finance / hire purchase (HP) for vans and equipment — quick paperwork, decision in 24–72 hours, funds in days.
– Dealer or broker-arranged vehicle finance or leasing — same‑day quotes often available; funding usually within 1–7 working days for new vehicles.
– Short-term business loans or bridging for urgent cash needs — can fund in 24–72 hours but often at higher cost.

Speed depends on documentation (company accounts, VAT, bank statements), the asset’s age and condition, and the director(s) credit history. Enquiries via UK Business Loans do not perform a credit search and are free — they simply allow lenders/brokers to review your situation and respond with suitable options. Free Eligibility Check.

Common finance options for removals & storage businesses (#options)

Asset finance / equipment hire purchase (HP) (#asset-finance)
What it is
– Hire purchase and asset finance let you spread the cost of equipment (forklifts, tail lifts, pallet racking, packers) while often allowing you to own at the end of the term.
Pros
– Conserves working capital, predictable monthly payments, can include maintenance or warranties.
– Many lenders will finance used equipment as well as new.
Cons
– Asset acts as security; inspections or valuations may be required for used items.
Speed
– Typical decision: 24–72 hours with funding in days once paperwork and valuations are complete.

Vehicle finance / commercial vehicle leasing (#vehicle-finance)
What it is
– Common products include hire purchase, chattel mortgages, and operating leases. Options exist for single vans through to multi-vehicle fleets (7.5t, 18t trucks).
Pros
– Leasing reduces upfront cost; fleet management packages can include maintenance and replacement.
Cons
– Leases don’t usually end in ownership (unless it’s a finance lease/HP).
Speed
– Dealer finance: same-day quotes; funding 1–7 working days for new vehicles. Larger fleet deals require more due diligence.

Short-term business loans & bridging finance (#short-loans)
When used
– Urgent cash for repairs, a deposit on a vehicle, or to bridge seasonal peaks.
Pros
– Quick access to cash, flexible use.
Cons
– Higher interest and fees than secured finance; best as a short-term fix.
Speed
– From same day (for small, unsecured amounts) to 3 working days for larger, secured loans.

Invoice finance & asset refinance (#invoice-finance)
When useful
– If cashflow is strained because of unpaid invoices, invoice finance can release working capital without buying an asset.
Pros
– Immediate liquidity tied to sales rather than new credit.
Cons
– Fees and ongoing service charges; may not suit businesses with low invoice volumes.

Quick comparison (speed, average term, typical deposit) (#comparison)
– Asset finance — Speed: 24–72 hrs to decision; Funded: days; Term: 2–7 years; Deposit: 0–20%.
– Leasing — Speed: 48–96 hrs to quote; Funded: days; Term: 2–5 years; Deposit: often low or nil.
– Short-term loan — Speed: hours–3 days; Funded: same day–3 days; Term: months–2 years; Deposit: none (but higher rates).
Get Quote Now.

What lenders check — eligibility & documents to prepare (#eligibility)
Lenders and brokers usually run similar checks and will ask for:
– Company details: registration number, registered address and length of trading (limited companies are typical).
– Management accounts or company accounts (last 1–3 years if available).
– Recent VAT returns (if VAT registered) and bank statements (usually 3–6 months).
– Proof of identity for directors (passport/driving licence) and proof of business address.
– Vehicle/equipment details: age, mileage, service history, photos, current ownership documents and any finance outstanding.
– Insurance details and driver licences for commercial vehicles.

Want to speed things up? Here’s a quick checklist to have ready:
– Latest company accounts
– 3–6 months business bank statements
– VAT returns (if applicable)
– Asset photos and service history
– Director ID (passport/driving licence)
Having these prepared reduces delays and improves the chance of a fast funding decision.

How quickly can removals & storage firms get money? Typical timelines (#timelines)
Realistic timelines you can expect:
– New van via dealer finance/HP: same‑day quote → documents signed → funding in 1–5 working days.
– Used van via asset finance: decision in 24–72 hours → funding in 3–7 days (subject to valuation).
– Single forklift or pallet racking: 2–10 days depending on inspection/installation requirements.
– Fleet of 5+ vehicles: bespoke process, typically 1–2 weeks of negotiation and due diligence.

Note: “Instant funding” claims should be treated with caution — delays often stem from valuation, insurance or missing documentation.

Costs & what affects your rate (#costs)
Key cost drivers:
– Credit profile of the company and directors.
– Length of trading history and recent financial performance.
– Asset age and residual value (newer assets attract better rates).
– Deposit size and loan term (longer terms may reduce monthly payments but increase total interest).
– Product type (unsecured short-term loans are usually more expensive than asset-secured finance).

Practical tips:
– Ask for a full cost breakdown: interest rate, APR, documentation fees, early repayment charges and any balloon payment.
– Compare total cost over term, not just monthly payments.

Special considerations for removals & storage businesses (#considerations)
Industry-specific points lenders consider:
– High mileage and heavy loading of vans increase wear — show maintenance and service records.
– Drivers’ licences and operator compliance: HGVs and larger vehicles require appropriate licences and insurance — supply copies.
– Seasonal cashflow: removals tend to peak in spring/summer — lenders may offer seasonal repayment flexibility.
– Asset mix: racking and static assets depreciate differently to vehicles; forklifts and tail lifts hold value better than general-purpose racking.
How to mitigate concerns:
– Provide clear maintenance history, driver training certificates and photographic evidence of assets.
– Consider refinancing older assets to free up working capital rather than taking on more unsecured debt.

How UK Business Loans helps — matching you fast to lenders & brokers (#how-we-help)
We’re an introducer — not a lender. Our simple 3-step process speeds up matching to the right providers:
1. Complete a short enquiry form (not an application) — it takes about 2 minutes and does not affect your credit score.
2. We match your business to lenders or brokers experienced with removals, storage and logistics.
3. Receive rapid, no‑obligation quotes — lenders/brokers contact you directly to finalise details.

If you want industry-specific options and faster responses, check our logistics business loans resources for more detail on suitable products and providers. Free Eligibility Check.

Real-world case examples (anonymised) (#case-examples)
– Single van purchase: A regional removals firm needed a new Sprinter. Dealer HP arranged after document checks; quote same day, funded in 4 working days.
– Forklift finance: A storage operator secured asset finance for two used forklifts after a quick valuation; decision in 48 hours, funding in 5 days.
– Fleet refinance: A company with 6 vans restructured existing agreements into a fleet package; bespoke pricing and settlement completed in about 10 business days.

These examples are illustrative only — outcomes vary by lender and business circumstances.

FAQs — short Q&A (helpful for featured snippets) (#faqs)
Q: Can I get finance with imperfect credit?
A: Yes. Some lenders and brokers specialise in imperfect credit, but rates and terms may be less favourable. Submitting an enquiry lets our partners present realistic options without an initial credit search.

Q: How much deposit will I typically need?
A: Deposits vary by product and asset age. Asset finance or some leases can be arranged with little or no deposit; others may request 5–20%. Larger or older assets often require a higher deposit.

Q: Do you arrange loans below £10,000?
A: Our typical funding matches start at around £10,000 and upwards. If you need smaller amounts, please check with our partners who may offer alternative solutions.

Q: Will applying through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
A: No. Completing our enquiry form is not a formal application and does not trigger a credit search. Lenders may run checks later if you proceed with an application.

Q: Do I own the vehicle at the end of a hire purchase?
A: With hire purchase, ownership normally transfers to you after all payments are made. Leasing usually does not result in ownership unless a purchase option is agreed.

Q: How do I compare finance offers effectively?
A: Compare APR, total payable, fees, any balloon/residual payments, early repayment penalties and service inclusions (maintenance, insurance). Ask lenders for a full breakdown in writing.

Ready to get a quote? — final steps & privacy reassurance (#contact)
Get a Free Eligibility Check now — complete a short enquiry and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who understand removals and storage financing. The enquiry is free and non‑binding. We only share your details with selected partners so they can offer tailored quotes; submission does not carry out a credit search.

Get a Free Eligibility Check

Author / E‑E‑A‑T box (#about-author)
Written by the UK Business Loans content team. We help UK limited companies and SMEs find suitable business finance solutions by connecting them to experienced lenders and brokers. Content last updated: October 2025. Learn more about how we work and our privacy practices on the About Us page.

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Notes and important microcopy
– We are not a lender and do not provide regulated financial advice. We introduce you to lenders and brokers and our service is free and no obligation. Completing the enquiry form is an information step to enable tailored quotes; it is not a formal loan application and does not by itself trigger a credit search.

One contextual industry resource
For more sector-level detail on options appropriate to moving and storage firms, see our logistics business loans resource.1. Can removals & storage companies get quick vehicle or equipment finance?
Yes — removals and storage firms can secure fast finance via asset finance, hire purchase or dealer leasing with decisions often in 24–72 hours and funding in days.

2. How fast can I get funding for a van or forklift?
Typical timelines are same‑day quotes for new vans with funding in 1–7 working days and 24–72 hour decisions plus 3–7 day funding for used vehicles or equipment.

3. What finance options suit removals and storage businesses?
Common solutions include asset finance/hire purchase, commercial vehicle leasing, short‑term business loans/bridging, and invoice finance depending on whether you need ownership, speed or working capital.

4. Can I get finance if my business or director credit is imperfect?
Yes — some lenders and brokers specialise in imperfect credit, though rates and terms may be less favourable and options vary by case.

5. How much can I typically borrow through UK Business Loans?
Our partners usually arrange funding from around £10,000 up to multi‑million fleet or commercial deals, depending on lender criteria.

6. Will submitting an enquiry through UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No — completing our short enquiry is not a formal application and does not trigger a credit search, though individual lenders may check later if you apply.

7. What documents do lenders usually require to speed up a decision?
Prepare company details, recent accounts or management accounts, 3–6 months bank statements, VAT returns if applicable, director ID, and asset photos/service history to accelerate approval.

8. Do I need a deposit to finance vehicles or equipment?
Deposits vary by product and asset age — some asset finance and leases require little or no deposit while older assets or bespoke fleet deals may need 5–20% or more.

9. Can I finance used vans, forklifts or racking?
Yes — many lenders will finance used equipment and vehicles, although valuations, inspections and slightly longer processing times may be required.

10. How do I compare finance offers to find the best deal?
Compare APR/interest, total amount payable, fees, any balloon or residual payments, early repayment charges and included services (maintenance/insurance) to judge the true cost.