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.
Moving Boxed Belongings
Start by writing down how many boxes you expect to move, along with their rough sizes and any unusual shapes. Note whether the boxes are uniform, such as those from a single supplier, or a mixture gathered over time, because this affects how you describe the load when asking about a vehicle. Record any items that are not boxed at all, including bags, loose bedding or rolled carpets, and set aside a note of anything fragile. If some boxes will stay behind for a later trip, mark which ones are travelling this time. You can then ask whether a small van or Transit suits the quantity, whether a Luton would be needed for the tallest items, and how the crew van option compares if a colleague is coming along.
Keeping a Load Inventory
An inventory written before the hire begins gives you something to check against at each end of the job. List each item with a short description, its approximate dimensions and, if relevant, the room it came from, which helps if several people are helping and items get separated. Note the recipient's name and contact number where the goods are heading, plus any reference numbers a business or storage site has given you. Where a collection involves a third party, record who will be present to hand items over and their phone details. Open questions to raise with the team include whether the inventory affects the vehicle recommendation, and whether the dropside or Luton groups are available on the dates you have in mind.
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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.