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.
Taking Hobby Equipment to an Event
Choosing which van size to enquire about starts with measuring what you actually own. If you are heading to a show, competition or rally, list every piece of kit you plan to take, from the largest item down to the small accessories, and record the dimensions of anything long or bulky. Note whether any equipment breaks down into parts, and whether those parts travel in cases or loose. Count the people going with you, since a crew van might be worth discussing if several helpers are coming along. Write down the event date, the venue's access arrangements and a contact number for whoever is expecting you there. Passing the full equipment list, sizes and dates to the hire team lets them suggest which van suits the job and highlights anything still undecided.
Keeping a Load Inventory
A written inventory is one of the most useful things you can prepare before any van journey. Go through what you intend to carry and record each item with a short description and, where relevant, its approximate measurements; this is especially handy for furniture, where a few centimetres can matter when describing the job. Note the quantity of anything that comes in multiples, such as boxes, plant pots or folded tables. Mark which items are fragile or need particular care in transit, purely so the description you give is accurate. Keep the inventory with you when you contact the team, because it lets them match the load to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van, and it gives you a checklist to refer back to when confirming arrangements.
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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.