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.
Comparing One Trip with Several
The first choice to settle is whether your job needs one outing or several. If you are moving a full household, a single trip with the largest suitable vehicle might be the aim, whereas a trade delivery round could involve several shorter runs with a small van. Write down the dates you have in mind for each option and list what you need to carry, grouping items by destination if that helps you compare. Note the access arrangements at every stop and who will receive goods at each one, including a contact number where relevant. With these notes, you can ask the team how the options compare in terms of vehicle choice and hire duration, and they will help match the job to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available.
Measuring Bulky Items
Before you enquire, take a tape measure to anything large and write the figures down. For each bulky item, record its height, width and depth, and note whether it can be separated into parts, such as a bed frame that breaks down or a table with removable legs. Estimate the total number of boxes and bags as well, since these add up alongside the big pieces. If an item will not fit through a doorway at either end, that is worth noting too, along with the access arrangements at each address. These measurements and counts are exactly what the team will want when you tell them what you need to carry and the hire dates, and they help match your job to the right van where available.
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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.