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.
What should your load inventory include?
What belongs on paper before the van arrives? Begin with a full list of everything you plan to carry, noting quantities rather than rough guesses, so twenty boxes reads as twenty boxes on the page. Next to larger pieces, such as a wardrobe, sofa or chest of drawers, write approximate height, width and depth, and flag anything that comes apart into separate panels or drawers. If some items are fragile or must stay upright, mark that beside the entry. Keep the same list for every stop, whether it is a house move, a furniture collection or a trade delivery, and note who will receive goods at each address. When you request a quote, send this inventory with the hire dates and access arrangements for the team to consider.
Labelling destinations on your written plan
Which items are destined for which address? If your trip involves several stops, jot a destination beside every entry on the inventory, perhaps the room a bed frame is meant for or the site where tools are needed. Note a name and phone number for the person receiving goods at each end, since they can answer questions about gates, parking or opening hours that only they would know. You might also record which boxes hold essentials you will want to locate quickly, such as kettle, paperwork or chargers, purely as a reference for yourself. If timings matter, sketch the order of your stops and the hours each contact prefers. Bring these notes, plus your Harborne hire dates, when you ask about a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van.
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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.