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.
Arranging a Collection With a Seller
Say you've agreed to collect a sofa from a private seller and need a van for the trip. Before contacting the hire team, it helps to gather the details the seller can provide: the item's dimensions, which floor it sits on, whether it comes apart, and any time window they've set for collection. Note the seller's phone number and the full address, including any gate codes or parking notes they mention. If they've said the item must go on a particular day, write that down alongside your preferred hire dates. You can then ask the hire team which vehicle option suits the dimensions you've recorded. Questions about access at the seller's end, though, are best directed to the seller themselves, since they know the property.
Weighing One Trip Against Several
Is a single hire period the right choice, or would splitting the job across shorter bookings work differently? That depends on what you're moving and when items become available. If furniture is arriving from two sources on different days, one longer hire might cover both, or you might prefer separate shorter periods. Note how many items each leg involves, their approximate sizes, and any deadlines attached to them. If friends are helping on only one of the days, record that too, since it affects which dates matter. You could ask the team how hire periods are typically arranged for multi-day jobs, and mention whether storage runs form part of the plan, as this may shape what you request in your quote.
Explore other van hire areas
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.