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.
Working out your unloading order in advance
If you will be dropping items at more than one address, it can pay to decide the order before the hire begins. Write down each stop in sequence, along with what comes off at each one, so you can describe the full job when you contact the team. Measure the larger pieces, such as sofas, cabinets or ladders, and note which stop they belong to, since this helps when discussing whether a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van suits the run. Record a name and phone number for the person receiving goods at every address, in case you need to confirm timing on the day. Questions you might ask include whether the vehicle is available for your dates and how the hire would be arranged across multiple stops.
Comparing a single trip with several runs
Suppose you have a mix of furniture and boxes to move: would one longer hire suit you better, or several short ones spread over a fortnight? To weigh this up, list every item with approximate dimensions and note which are urgent and which can wait. A full inventory lets you ask the team about the right van for the biggest single load, and about booking separate days for the remainder. Think about the dates that would work for each run and whether anyone needs to be present to hand over or receive items at either end. Open questions worth raising include whether the same vehicle type could be reserved on each date, and whether the hire terms for one long booking differ from those for several shorter ones.
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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.