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.
Picking a suitable van
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.
Deciding between one trip and several
One of the first decisions to make is whether your job needs a single outing or a series of them. If you are moving a whole flat's worth of furniture, a Luton or dropside might be the sensible focus of your enquiry, whereas a small van or crew van could suit a handful of boxes or a trade delivery run. Write down every item you plan to carry, with rough dimensions for the larger pieces, and count how many trips each option might involve given your hire dates. Consider whether spreading the work across two days changes what you need to ask for. Presenting these figures to the team, alongside the access arrangements at each end, helps them match the job to the right vehicle where available and keeps your expectations clear.
Arranging a collection with a seller
Where your trip involves collecting something from a private seller, a shop or a marketplace listing, a short conversation with them beforehand settles most of the unknowns. Confirm the address, the earliest and latest times they can accommodate you, and whether they will be present to hand over the goods. Ask for the item's dimensions and weight if they know them, and whether it comes apart into smaller pieces, then add these figures to your own notes. Find out whether parking or access at their end is straightforward, and record their phone number in case of delays. Feeding these confirmed details into your enquiry, together with your hire dates and access arrangements at the other end, gives the team a complete picture when matching your job to a van.
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Last checks 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.