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.
Hiring a van for hobby equipment
If you are moving hobby equipment, the first decision is what exactly needs to travel. Make an inventory of each item, from bicycles and camping gear to model railway boards or kayaks, and note the dimensions of the largest pieces. Measuring length, width and height at home avoids guesswork when you ask about a small van, Transit or Luton. Consider the dates you want the van and whether you need it for a single day or across a weekend for an event. If someone at the destination, such as a club secretary or show organiser, needs to be told about the delivery, keep their contact details handy. Any questions about which van suits your equipment list can be included in your quote request.
Recording what goes where
Rather than leaving the arrangements to memory, write a simple list showing which items belong to which destination. If some belongings are destined for storage and others for a new address, mark this on each item or box so nothing is mixed up. Recording the access arrangements, such as gate codes or parking restrictions at each stop, is also worth doing in advance. Where a recipient will accept goods on your behalf, note their phone number. A short note of any agreed time windows at each stop can also be kept with your booking papers. These notes are for your own reference and can be shared with the team if a question about your load comes up during booking.
Explore other van hire areas
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.