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.
Allowing Time for Packing and Loading
What should you write down before the hire begins? Start with your intended schedule: the date the van is needed, the hours you have set aside for packing, and the slot when the vehicle must be returned. If your plans involve several stops, list them in the order you expect to make them, along with the name and phone number for each contact at those stops. Note any deadlines, such as a storage facility closing time or a shop's collection window. This record lets you see whether your schedule feels realistic before you commit. When you ask the team for a quote, you can also query how the hire period is structured, since knowing whether it spans a full day or several days may influence how you plan your time around the booking.
Planning a Collection with a Seller
Before agreeing a collection date with a seller, gather the details that will keep the arrangement clear. Write down the item's dimensions and approximate weight as the seller describes them, plus any packaging that comes with it. Confirm the collection address, the name and number of the person handing it over and the hours they are available. If the item is being kept in a garage, an upstairs flat or a locked unit, ask the seller about access so you can pass those arrangements on when requesting a vehicle. Questions worth raising with the team include which van types suit items of the size you have noted and whether the dates you have in mind currently have availability. Keeping the seller's details together means you can resolve any query quickly without searching through messages.
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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.