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.
Recording Your Unloading Sequence
If your day involves several stops, think through the order in which items will come off the van before you request a quote. Write a numbered list showing what needs to come out at each address, so you can see at a glance which pieces belong where. Where a furniture collection leads to a storage run afterwards, note which items go to the unit and which come home. If someone will receive goods at the far end, add their name and phone number to your notes, along with any preferred contact window. Questions you might put to the team include whether the hire period you have in mind allows for multiple stops. Keeping a written sequence of drops means you can describe the job accurately when you enquire, and revisit your plan if timings change.
Keeping a Load Inventory
A load inventory is a written record of everything travelling in the van, and it is worth preparing before you book. List each item by name, add approximate dimensions for anything large or irregular, and keep a count of boxes and bags as they are packed. Mark which pieces are fragile, which belong to a customer or a third party, and which are headed to a storage unit rather than a delivery address. Note the hire dates you have in mind and the access arrangements at each stop, along with a contact name and number for anyone receiving goods at the far end. When you request a quote, share the inventory and ask the team which van option suits the volume you have recorded.
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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.