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.
Building Enough Time Into the Schedule
Write down the hours you expect each stage of the job to take before you book. Packing a flat, waiting at a storage unit, or collecting furniture from a shop all consume time that a hire period has to cover, so note when each stage would start and finish. If an appointment is attached to any stop, record its time window and a contact number for whoever is expecting you. Decide whether the van is needed for a single day or longer, since that choice shapes the quote you request. It can be worth asking the team how the hire period is counted, for instance whether the return time is fixed or flexible. Anything uncertain belongs on the list as an open question rather than a guess.
Putting a Household Move on Paper
Start the move with a written plan covering both ends. Note the hire dates, the address you are leaving, the address you are heading to, and any storage stop in between. Record the access arrangements at each location, including a name and number for whoever controls entry, and any restrictions you already know about. List the rooms in the order you intend to deal with them and mark which items belong to which room at the destination. If friends or a removals company are helping, add their times to the same plan so the van hire lines up. When you request a quote, this document gives the team what they need to discuss a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available.
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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.