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.
Transporting Hobby Equipment
The first decision is what the equipment actually is, in full. Band instruments, model railway boards, kayaks, diving cylinders and craft fair stands all behave differently from household boxes, so write down each item with its approximate length, width and height rather than a general description. Note whether anything comes apart for transport and whether the pieces then differ in size, since a dismantled item may still be awkward in one dimension. Record how many of each item you are carrying if the hobby involves multiples, such as several instruments or a set of stands. Questions worth raising with the team include whether the equipment travels in cases and whether any single piece is longer than a standard doorway is wide.
Planning the Unloading Order
Think about the sequence at the far end before the day arrives, and write it down rather than keeping it in your head. If some items are going to a different room, floor or even a second address, note which ones belong where, because that affects how you might organise the run and what you tell the team when asking about vehicle options. Record the contact details for anyone receiving items at each stop and the arrival windows you have agreed with them. The open questions are usually whether the destination has a specific unloading spot you should confirm with them directly, and whether any item requires a second pair of hands from a friend or neighbour who needs arranging in advance.
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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.