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.
Timing Your Hire Around Packing
Before you contact the team, write down your intended schedule for the whole job. Note the date the van is needed, the time you would like it to start, and a realistic window for packing up your belongings at each address. Record how many people will be helping on the day and whether any part of the plan depends on someone else, such as a key collection from an agent or a friend arriving with spare blankets. If the job spans more than one day, mark which dates the van would sit unused and ask whether a different hire period would suit better. Listing these timings gives the team something concrete to work with when confirming availability and a price for your dates.
Listing Boxed Belongings for the Move
How many boxes are you actually moving? Go from room to room and note an approximate count, along with the sizes if you already know them, and add any items that will not fit in standard boxes such as lamps, mirrors or rolled rugs. Write down where each group of boxes is heading, since a single delivery address and a split across two locations are different jobs on paper. Record the contents of any box that needs particular care or must be opened first at the other end, and keep the list with you rather than packing it away. Sharing the totals and destination details when you enquire helps the team suggest a suitable van from the range available.
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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.