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.
Writing Down Your Load Inventory
What exactly needs to travel in the van, and have you written it all in one place? Start with a room-by-room or job-by-job list that names each item, from furniture and appliances to boxes, tools and materials. Next to every entry, jot down rough dimensions and an estimate of how many people will be needed to move it, purely as information to keep on record. If some pieces could be left behind or collected another day, mark them as optional so the final list stays flexible. This inventory is also what you can send to the team when asking them to match the job to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available. Questions worth keeping open include whether every item must travel in a single run and whether the list might grow between now and the hire date.
Allowing Time for Packing
How long will it take to get everything ready before the van is due back? It is worth sketching a rough timeline that works backwards from the return, noting when each phase of the job needs to be finished. If you are emptying a property, consider recording which rooms will be tackled first and whether any dismantling or wrapping needs to happen beforehand. For trade work or deliveries, note the hours when items must be ready to go and any slots when the site or recipient is expecting you. Building this schedule before you request the quote means you can be clear about the hire dates, and it highlights anything still undecided, such as whether an extra day might be needed if the list turns out longer than expected.
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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.