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.
Allowing Time for Packing and Loading
The first details worth writing down are your hire dates and the hours you have set aside on each side of the journey. If you plan to pack one evening and load the next morning, note both windows, since this affects how long you need the van. Record when items will be ready, whether anything is being collected from a third party, and the times any storage unit or business is open. If a friend is helping with the move, agree a time with them in advance and add it to your notes. These timings are useful to share when you ask for a quote, and any questions about access at a particular address, such as gate hours or parking limits, are best raised with the contact at that address rather than assumed from the hire itself.
Keeping a Load Inventory
A written inventory of what you intend to carry gives you a clear record to work from and makes your enquiry much easier to answer. List each item, from boxes of kitchenware to wardrobes, tools or stock, and note approximate dimensions for the larger pieces such as sofas, mattresses or workbenches. If some items belong to a customer or are being delivered to a recipient, add their contact details and preferred delivery windows to the same list. Where quantities are uncertain, estimate them and mark the figure as provisional. When you contact the team, you can share this inventory and ask which vehicle option suits the load, whether a crew van is needed for extra passengers, and what the hire terms would be for your chosen 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.