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.
Working Out the Order of Stops
If your day involves collecting from one address and dropping off at another, sketch the sequence before you call. Note each stop, the contact name and phone number there, and any time window the recipient has given you. A written order of stops lets you check whether the dates you have in mind leave enough room for everything, and it gives the team something concrete to work from when suggesting a vehicle. Where a recipient expects a call ahead, write that instruction next to their details so it is not forgotten on the day. You can also note whether any stop is conditional, such as a purchase that only completes if an inspection goes ahead, and flag those uncertainties when asking for a quote.
Keeping a Load Inventory
A simple list of what is going on the van saves a lot of back-and-forth later. Count the items, describe each one briefly, and where possible note its approximate length, width and height, since three numbers are more useful than a word like large. Photographs taken on a phone can support the list if an item is an awkward shape. If anything might be left behind or added, mark it as provisional so the final count is clear. Keep the inventory with your enquiry rather than in a separate message that gets buried, and update it if plans shift between the quote and the hire. Where an item's dimensions are unknown, the manufacturer's website or the seller's listing is often the quickest place to check before you pass details on.
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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.