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.
Fitting the van to your route
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.
Listing boxed belongings before the move
Begin with a written inventory of your boxes before you think about vans. Count them, note their approximate sizes, and set aside any that contain fragile or unusually shaped items so they stand out on the list. If some belongings are going to different addresses, group the boxes by destination and record a name and phone number for the person receiving each batch. Measure any furniture that will not fit in a box, including its height and depth, since a sofa and a chest of drawers take up very different amounts of room. Keep this inventory with you on the day so nothing is left behind at either address. When you send the list and your access arrangements to the team, they can discuss which van option might suit the job, depending on availability.
Scheduling time for packing and loading
Sketch a schedule for the days either side of the hire. If boxes are still being packed the night before, decide whether that leaves enough margin for the van to be collected at the agreed time, or whether packing should finish a day earlier. Note how long you expect to spend at each address, including any waiting around for keys or for someone to sign for a delivery of boxes. Build in a buffer for the return of the van, and check the return time against how far you will be travelling back. If friends are helping, agree their arrival times in advance and confirm they can stay for the whole window. Sharing this outline with the team can help when deciding how many days of hire to book.
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What to confirm on the phone
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.