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.
Noting what you are carrying
If you have a furniture collection or a storage run coming up, spend a little time writing down everything that needs to travel in the van before you ask for a quote. Measure the awkward pieces first: sofas, wardrobes, shelving units and anything long or tall should have their length, width and height recorded, along with a note of whether any item comes apart into smaller sections. Then add the smaller boxes and loose items to the same list, with a rough count of each. Keep the dimensions with you when you contact the team, since matching the job to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van depends partly on what the largest single item measures. If anything is unusual in shape or size, mention it explicitly rather than estimating.
Lining up helpers for the day
If your booking involves more than one pair of hands, agree the details with your helpers well in advance rather than on the morning itself. Start by deciding how many people you need and what each will be responsible for, then check whether anyone is only free for part of the day. Record their names and contact numbers in one place so you can reach them quickly if timings shift, and confirm the start time and meeting address with each person individually. Ask whether any helper has their own transport or needs a lift in the crew van, if that option is part of your booking. Passing on the access arrangements at both ends to everyone involved means fewer unanswered questions on the day, and the team can note the details alongside your hire dates.
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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.