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 or Several
One of the first decisions to settle is whether the job needs a single outing or a run of shorter ones. If you are moving a whole flat, collecting several pieces of furniture or delivering goods to several addresses, note each stop, the items bound for it and a contact name and number for whoever receives them. For trade work or storage runs, record how many visits you expect across the hire dates and roughly what each will involve. This picture helps the team judge whether a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van matches the workload. Questions to ask include whether a larger vehicle for one day would suit better than a smaller one over two, and whether any recipient has confirmed delivery windows that could affect the schedule.
Allowing Time for Packing and Loading
Whatever the job, the calendar deserves as much attention as the cargo list. Note the hour the van is needed and work backwards, recording how long you expect packing to take, when any helpers will arrive and when the destination will be ready to receive items. If the hire covers a storage run, note the facility's opening hours and the reference numbers for your unit. For furniture collections, write down the shop or seller's pickup window and a phone number for them. Comparing these times against the hire period shows whether the dates should shift or extend. Open questions include whether access arrangements at both ends have been confirmed with the relevant people, and whether anyone accepting a delivery has been given your contact details.
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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.