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.
One Trip or Several: Weighing It Up
The first decision many customers face is whether to move everything in a single outing or spread the work across several. To choose sensibly, list every item with its rough dimensions and note which pieces are being delivered by a third party, such as a furniture shop, and which you are collecting yourself. Write down the addresses involved, including who to contact at each one and the hours they keep. If some items can wait a week, mark them as flexible, since that could shape which van size and hire dates you request. Add up the total number of pieces and consider whether anything needs a second pair of hands at either end. Recording all of this before you ask for a quote lets you discuss the options with real numbers rather than estimates.
Getting Helpers and Contacts in Order
Once the shape of the job is clear, turn to the people involved. Note who has agreed to help, the hours each person can commit and whether any of them are only free on certain days, which may influence your hire dates. If items are being collected from a seller or a shop, record their phone number and the window they have offered, and keep it with your own list of access arrangements. Where a storage unit or business premises features in the plan, write down the opening hours and the name of the person expecting you. Consider what happens if a helper cancels and whether anyone else could cover. All of these notes sit alongside your questions for the team, covering vehicle choice, collection arrangements and anything else still undecided.
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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.