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.
Coordinating Helpers for the Day
Who is actually available on the dates you have in mind? That is the first question to answer, and the simplest way is a list of names with the hours each helper can commit. Some may only manage a morning; others might stay for the full day or meet you at a second address partway through. Record each person's mobile number and note who holds a spare key or knows the collection point. If helpers are meeting you at a pickup location, such as a seller's address or a storage unit, add the contact details for that site and the reference number if there is one. Agree a rough plan for the day and write down the sequence of stops, so everyone knows the itinerary before it begins. Questions about access, waiting space or opening hours at any stop belong to the contact at that location.
Organising a Household Move
A household move runs more smoothly on paper than in your head, so start a written plan early. List the rooms in the property and, beside each, the items you intend to move, from sofas and wardrobes to boxes of books and kitchen appliances. Measure the largest pieces and record their length, width and height, since dimensions often decide whether one trip or several are needed across your chosen dates. Note the handover times for the old and new addresses, plus the contact numbers for agents, solicitors or storage staff at each end. If some belongings are staying behind or going elsewhere, mark them clearly on the list. Once the inventory, dates and access arrangements are written down, the team can help match the job to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available.
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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.