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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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 a Load Inventory Before Booking
The first thing to put on paper is a full list of what the van needs to carry. Go room by room or job by job and note every item: furniture, boxes, tools, materials, white goods and anything awkward like ladders or garden equipment. Beside each entry, record approximate dimensions and whether the piece comes apart, since a bed frame that dismantles occupies a very different space from one that does not. Count the smaller things rather than estimating, because a stack of twenty boxes reads differently from a vague guess. If trade stock or delivery goods are involved, add quantities per line. This inventory becomes the basis of your enquiry, and having it ready means the team can discuss vehicle options against real numbers instead of impressions gathered over the phone.
Planning the Sequence of Stops
Once the inventory exists, the next note worth making is the running order for the day. List each address in the sequence you intend to visit, with a contact name and number for every collection point and every drop-off, whether that is a seller, a storage facility or a customer expecting goods. Write down any reference numbers, access codes or time windows attached to those stops, and mark which destinations have staff on site you could ring if plans shift. Where a recipient needs to inspect or sign for items, note that beside their entry. If the schedule depends on someone being home at a certain hour, confirm that with them directly before the hire date. A clear order of stops, kept with your inventory, gives you something to follow and something to amend if a collection runs late.
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Things to check 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.