Sizing a van around what you are moving
List the largest items with rough length, width and height, and give an estimate of total weight, because bulk and payload limit a van in different ways. Mention anything awkward, such as a wardrobe that cannot be dismantled or long timber. Describe loading at both ends, including stairs, lift access, distance from the kerb and whether anyone will help lift.
Picking a suitable van
Start with the load, then choose the van. A small van works well for boxes, tools and light collections; medium and long-wheelbase vans suit furniture, stock and trade equipment; and a Luton is the better choice for bulkier items on a house move. Subject to dates, driver details and availability, the range includes the Volkswagen Caddy, Ford Transit SWB, VW Transporter Automatic, Ford Transit MWB and Ford Transit LWB. Make, model, transmission, seats, payload and licence position are all confirmed at quote stage, so treat these vehicles as a guide to the kind of hire on offer rather than a guaranteed reservation of a particular model.
Deciding What Comes Off the Van First
Suppose you are delivering items to two addresses in one trip. Before the van is even booked, you can plan the order in which things will be needed at each stop by listing every item against its destination. If the first drop-off is a storage unit and the second is a new flat, note which boxes belong where so the list can be checked as the day unfolds. Record who will receive goods at each address and their phone number, in case a timing change needs passing on. Where an item is awkwardly shaped, its dimensions are worth writing beside it on the list. This kind of paperwork takes minutes to prepare, and sharing it with the team when you enquire means your questions about vehicle choice can be answered against a clear picture.
Building Realistic Time Into Packing Days
How long does it actually take to pack a flat or load a garage's worth of tools? If your hire dates are not yet fixed, sketch a rough schedule first: which rooms or jobs will you tackle on which days, and when will the van need to be on the driveway. Keep a count of boxes, bags and loose items as you go, and note anything that will be dismantled or wrapped beforehand. If helpers are joining you, agree their arrival times in advance and note them down. Where some possessions are staying behind or going to different people, mark that on your list too. All of these are decisions you can make before contacting the team, and they give your enquiry enough detail for a sensible conversation about the right van.
Explore other van hire areas
Last checks before booking
Before the hire is confirmed, go over the key points: whether the vehicle is available, the driver requirements, mileage, insurance, the delivery or collection arrangements and any extras you have asked for. Make sure payload, loading height, tail-lift needs, driver details, deposits and insurance excess are confirmed before you settle on a van size. A clear request gives the date, the length of hire, a rough route, the delivery or pickup address, the passengers or load you expect and any special requirements that might affect which vehicle is suitable.