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.
Keeping a Written Load Inventory
Before the hire dates arrive, it is worth thinking through the order in which things will come off at the destination. Write down which items belong in which room, address or recipient's hands, so the labels on boxes and the list in your pocket tell the same story when you arrive. If goods are going to several stops, record a contact name and number for each delivery point and ask about any time windows or site rules they apply. For storage runs, check the facility's closing times and whether they need advance notice. Sharing your intended order and stop list with the team when you request a quote helps them picture the job and confirm the right van and schedule for your dates.
Planning the Order of Your Unloading
Once you know what you are carrying, think about where each item is headed at the destination. If some boxes belong in one room and furniture in another, numbering your boxes or labelling them by room makes the process clearer once you arrive. If someone will meet you there, record their contact details and the expected time so nothing is left waiting on the pavement. For collections from a shop or storage facility, ask them about access, opening hours and any paperwork you need to bring. Where access is uncertain, note the details and pass them to the team when arranging the hire, and they can help match the job to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew 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.