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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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.
Coordinating Your Helpers
Who is helping on the day, and when are they free? Before fixing the hire dates, check availability with everyone you plan to call on, since a van booked for a Saturday is of limited use if your helpers can only make Sunday. Note down names, arrival times and how long each person can stay, and share the proposed schedule with them so nobody is guessing. If helpers are meeting you at a pickup or drop-off address rather than at your home, record their mobile numbers and confirm the meeting arrangement in writing. It is also worth deciding in advance who will be present at each end of the job, particularly if items are being collected from a third party who expects someone specific to turn up. Passing these details to the team along with your dates keeps the whole arrangement in one place.
Allowing Time for Packing and Loading
How much of the day will packing and loading actually take? Sketch a rough timeline before you confirm the hire period. Estimate when packing will start, when the first items will be ready to go into the van, and when the van must be returned, then check whether that leaves a realistic gap for travel between addresses. Jobs that involve dismantling furniture, wrapping crockery or sorting through a garage usually take longer than expected, so consider whether an evening of preparation the day before would ease the schedule. If there are collections from shops, auctions or other households, note their opening hours and the name of the person handing items over. Where the return of the van might run late, that is worth raising as a question when you enquire, since it affects the dates you ask for.
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Things to check 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.