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.
Measuring items before you enquire
Before choosing a van, work through your load item by item and record the dimensions that matter. Measure length, width and height at each piece's widest points, counting handles, castors and anything else that sticks out. Where furniture can be dismantled, note the size of the parts and how many there are, since a wardrobe broken into panels presents a different picture from one intact. Keep the finished list beside your other notes, and add photographs of anything with an unusual shape. If two items are particularly large, note them separately so they stand out in your enquiry. When you ask for a quote, share the measurements and flag anything you are unsure about, letting the team talk through which van types could be offered on your dates.
Preparing a business delivery run
If the hire is for commercial deliveries, the details worth gathering start with your consignment list. For each delivery, record the address, a named recipient and a contact number, plus any time window the customer has specified. Note the size and number of items for each drop, and mark which ones are fragile or need careful handling. Check the access arrangements at every stop, including whether a vehicle can pull up close to the door, and write down any restrictions the recipient mentions. Sequence the drops in a way that makes sense to you, then note the total hire dates needed to complete the round. With this prepared, ask the team about crew van availability if a colleague is travelling too, and confirm the vehicle before you book.
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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.