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.
Getting a Business Delivery Organised
If the van is needed for a customer delivery, the paperwork you prepare in advance often decides how smoothly the day runs. Start with a delivery list: item names, quantities and the dimensions of anything unusually shaped. Record the recipient's full address, a named contact and a direct phone number, plus any reference they expect on the paperwork. Note their opening hours and the time window they prefer, and whether they need warning before you arrive. If several drops are planned, list them in the order you intend to make them, with a contact for each. When you ask for a quote, you can share this schedule, the access arrangements at each stop and your hire dates, then raise anything unresolved, such as a recipient who has not yet confirmed a slot.
Keeping a Clear Inventory of the Load
A written inventory is one of the simplest things to prepare before any van hire. Walk through what needs to move and record each item, its approximate size and its condition, noting existing marks on furniture so nothing is disputed later. Where boxes are involved, number them and jot down the contents of each. Measure the largest pieces, including anything with awkward protrusions, and keep the measurements with your notes rather than in your head. If items are going to storage rather than a single address, note which things need to be reachable first. When you contact the team, you can send this inventory along with the access details and dates, ask which van sizes the list points towards, and confirm any questions about how the day should be sequenced.
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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.