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.
Picking a suitable van
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.
Getting a Business Delivery Organised
If a customer order needs delivering, start by writing out the full consignment before you ask for a quote. Note what each item is, its rough dimensions and how many boxes or pieces make up the load, since this helps the team suggest whether a small van, Transit or something larger fits the job. Record the delivery address, a named contact there and their phone number, plus any reference the recipient expects on arrival. Confirm the date and, if relevant, a time window the customer has asked for. Keep a copy of the item list with you on the day so you can check pieces off as they leave. Questions worth settling early include whether the recipient will accept the delivery personally and whether any item needs handling by more than one person, which you can raise when arranging access.
Planning the Order of Your Unloading
Where will each item end up? Deciding this before you load anything means you can plan the whole run on paper first. List every piece, then mark beside it the room, floor or site area it belongs to, along with any dimensions worth noting for narrow doorways or tight corridors. If furniture is going to several addresses, group the list by drop so you can see at a glance what comes off at each stop. Note items that need two people to move and any that the recipient has asked to see first, so you can agree arrangements with them in advance. This written order also helps when you phone the team about the hire, because you can describe the job clearly and ask which van size they would suggest for the load and access you have recorded.
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Last checks 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.