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.
Checking Entrance and Item Dimensions
Will the wardrobe actually fit through the door? That question is worth answering before any hire is arranged, and the way to answer it is with a tape measure and a written note. Measure each large item's height, width and depth, then measure the doorways, hallway turns and stair widths at both ends of the journey, and keep the figures together in one list. Where an item can be dismantled, note which parts separate and how the pieces then measure. For the van itself, the open questions to put in a quote request are the load dimensions of the vehicle groups under consideration, along with the dates and access arrangements at each address. Recording a contact name and number for whoever receives the delivery keeps the plan clear.
Planning the Unloading Order
Which items need to be to hand first at the other end? Thinking that through in advance is a paperwork exercise as much as anything else. Write the inventory grouped by destination, perhaps labelling boxes by room or by recipient so nothing gets opened twice. Note any items that a helper or the receiving contact will want to see straight away, and record where fragile or boxed pieces sit on the list. If storage is involved, list which items go into the unit and which stay with the household or business. The questions that remain open for the hire team concern the vehicle choice and dates; the questions for the destination contact concern gate opening times, parking spots and who signs for goods. Keeping those two lists separate avoids confusion when the quote is requested.
Explore other van hire areas
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.