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.
Measuring Bulky Items Before You Enquire
The decision to measure everything properly usually comes when a single awkward piece dominates the job. A corner sofa, a piano or a fitted wardrobe deserves a tape measure before anything else: record its height, width and depth, plus any narrower measurement if legs, doors or shelves come off. Write each figure against the item's name so you can read the list out or send it across without guessing. It also helps to note whether the piece is one unit or several, and whether it has already been dismantled at home. If some items are going to a storage facility, add the unit reference and the access hours you have been quoted. When you ask for a price, you can ask which of the small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van options suits your measurements, and flag anything you suspect is at the limit.
Arranging Help for Both Ends
Once the load is listed, the next task is working out who will be around. Note how many helpers you expect at the pickup address and the delivery address, the times each has promised, and a phone number for every one of them. If somebody is lending keys to a garage, flat or unit, record their details too, along with any code or instruction they have passed on. You may want to agree a fallback person in case a helper drops out, and to decide who stays with the van if you need to step away. When you contact the hire team, mention how many seats you would like alongside the load space, since a crew van might suit a group travelling together, and ask what vehicle options are available for your dates. Checking that every helper has both addresses written down keeps the whole job coordinated from start to finish.
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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.