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.
Which Rooms and Which Date
Which rooms are coming with you, and on what date? Answer those two questions first and the rest of the enquiry follows naturally. Walk through each room and note the main items, such as beds, wardrobes, white goods and sofas, along with their approximate dimensions and whether anything dismantles. Add the collection and delivery addresses, your preferred dates plus a fallback, and any access notes you've gathered, such as where a vehicle might park at each end, which you would confirm with the relevant contacts. If friends are helping on the day, note their availability too. When you contact the team, you can then ask which vans suit the volume you've listed, whether your first-choice date is workable, and what happens if the move runs into a second day.
Keeping a Load Inventory
Alongside the room-by-room plan, a written inventory gives you a record to check against once everything arrives. Number each box as you pack it, note the room it belongs to and a word or two about its contents, and keep the list on your phone or a notepad. Record any items with awkward dimensions separately, perhaps a long mirror or a narrow bookcase, so you can quote the measurements when you ask about van options. Note the total box count the night before collection, and add a line for anything being handed over or picked up along the way. Useful questions for the team include whether the vehicle you're considering can be reserved for your dates, and who to ring if the inventory changes after you've had your quote.
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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.