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.
Planning a Household Move on Paper First
Where do you even begin with a house move? Start with a room-by-room inventory of what is coming with you, noting the biggest pieces of furniture with their approximate dimensions and the total number of boxes you expect. Write down anything awkward, such as a sofa that comes apart, a wardrobe that does not, or fragile items needing particular care on the manifest. Record the addresses at both ends, the access arrangements at each, and the contact details for anyone receiving goods at the destination. When you request a quote, this list lets you discuss whether a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van suits the job, and how many trips you are budgeting the day for, so the hire dates you give match the workload.
Setting Up a Business Delivery Correctly
What does a delivery customer need from you before anything moves? For trade and business work, prepare a consignment note for each drop: item descriptions, quantities, dimensions of the largest pieces, and the recipient's name and phone number at every address. Note any time windows the customer has specified and whether someone will be there to receive the goods, since that detail shapes the running order of your day. Questions worth settling early include how many drops fit within your planned hire period and whether a crew van is needed if a colleague is coming along. When asking for a price, share the full delivery schedule so the team can talk through van options and dates that line up with the work you have taken on.
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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.