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.
Writing Down Everything You Plan to Carry
Before anything else, start a written inventory of every item going on the van. Walk through each room, garage or storage area and list furniture, boxes, appliances and loose objects one by one, noting anything that comes apart into smaller pieces. Record approximate dimensions for the larger items and a rough count for boxes and bags, since a tally of twelve medium boxes tells the team more than a guess at the whole load. Flag anything unusually long, tall or awkward, and note whether any pieces belong to someone else, such as a buyer or a relative. This list becomes the reference you use when describing the job, and it lets the team suggest which van size fits the load you have actually recorded rather than one you are estimating from memory.
Recording the Order You Want Things Handled
Alongside the inventory, note the destination details for anything being delivered. If certain furniture is going to a specific address, record that beside each entry, and add the name and phone number of anyone receiving goods at the far end. Where a delivery involves multiple stops, list each address and record what is going to each one, so nothing relies on memory on the day. You can also note any time windows the recipient has given and whether they would like warning before you arrive. These details shape the questions you ask for a quote, such as whether the hire period comfortably covers every stop. Keep the notes with your inventory, update them as plans change, and bring both to the conversation so the whole job is described in one go.
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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.