How to list your van: Managing your calendar

A well-managed calendar is the foundation of a successful listing. Your calendar is the most important tool for managing bookings. It builds trust, reduces cancellations, and helps you earn more.

Here's how to make the most of it:

• Block dates you need the van. Personal trips, maintenance, or just a weekend off — block them early so hirers don't request dates you can't fill.

• Open dates well in advance. Many hirers plan 2–6 months ahead for school holidays and peak season. The earlier your calendar is open, the more advance bookings you'll attract.

• Update regularly. Make it a weekly habit to check and adjust your calendar.

Keep it current

The golden rule: if your van isn't available, block those dates. Nothing frustrates a hirer more than finding the perfect van, sending a booking request, and getting declined because the calendar wasn't up to date.

Set a regular reminder — maybe every last Sunday of the month — to review your calendar for the coming weeks and months. Block out personal trips, maintenance windows, and any dates you know you'll need the van. You can also block out handover days if your van is available over certain dates, but you are only available to complete the physical vehicle handover on specific days. 

Set your minimum hire duration

Think about what works for you:

• Shorter hires (2-3 days) mean more turnarounds, more cleaning, and more handovers — but they can be great for filling gaps between longer bookings.

• Longer hires (7+ days ) are less work per dollar earned. You do one handover, one clean, and earn a steady income.

• Weekend minimums are popular — many owners set a 3-day minimum over weekends to avoid losing a full weekend to a single-night booking.

There's no single right answer. Some owners love the flexibility of short hires; others prefer the simplicity of longer ones. Experiment and see what suits your lifestyle.

Planning around peak seasons

In Australia, the peak hiring season typically runs from September through April, with a big spike over the December–January school holidays and Easter. If you want to maximise earnings, make sure your calendar is wide open during these periods.

During off-peak months (May–August), consider lowering your daily rate slightly or offering weekly discounts to attract hirers. We'll cover seasonal pricing strategies in more detail later.

Advance bookings

Some hirers plan months ahead, especially for school holiday periods. The earlier your calendar is open and accurate, the better your chances of locking in those valuable advance bookings. We recommend keeping your calendar up to date for the next 18 months.