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.
Listing Boxed Belongings Before the Move
A written inventory of your boxed items gives you something to work from when discussing the hire. Count the boxes room by room, note roughly what each contains, and flag any that hold fragile or high-value things. Record the dimensions of the largest boxes and any awkward pieces that are not boxed at all, such as a mirror or a rolled rug, since these details help when a vehicle size is being considered. It can help to label each box with its destination room and keep the list with you on the day so nothing goes missing between addresses. Questions that remain open include whether your totals point towards one van size or another and whether anything should be reviewed with the team before the booking is finalised.
Building Time Into Your Schedule
Think through how the day will run and where the pressure points sit. Write down the hire start time, the moment you hope to arrive at the destination, and any deadlines such as a storage unit closing time or a handover slot agreed with someone else. Consider how long packing each room is likely to take, and whether the evening before could absorb some of it. It is worth noting who else will be present to help and when they are available, plus a contingency if a keyholder is late. Questions to raise with the team include whether extending the hire by a few hours is possible if the schedule slips, and what the latest return time would be on your chosen date.
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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.