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.
Confirming details with the recipient
If your business is sending goods to a customer, gather the delivery details before anything else. Note the item or pallet count, the dimensions of each piece and any handling notes the recipient has given you, then confirm the delivery address and a contact number at the far end. Where the customer has specified a time window, record it, and ask whether the site has any access arrangements worth passing on. Set the hire dates around your dispatch schedule, and flag any possibility of a repeat run. With this information, the team can discuss matching the job to a small van, Transit or Luton where available. Questions about collection or delivery of the van, and about crew van seating if colleagues are coming along, can be raised together.
Sketching out a house move
Before you request a quote for a house move, sketch the job in note form. List the rooms, the large items in each, and the approximate measurements of anything that will not come apart. If some belongings are heading to a storage unit and others to the new address, note both destinations and a contact for each. Choose the hire dates once the keys and access times are confirmed, and mention any chance of an extra day. The team can then talk through a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available. Anything still open, such as whether a friend will help, or whether a second run is possible, can be raised in your enquiry.
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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.
















