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.
Listing Boxed Belongings for the Move
A written inventory of your boxes gives you something concrete to work from. Number each box, note the room it came from, and jot down its contents in a line or two. Record the approximate dimensions of the larger boxes and flag any that contain fragile items. Keep the list with you during the move so a missing box is spotted from the numbering rather than from memory. If some boxes are heading to storage and others to the new address, mark which is which, since that split may affect how you plan the days. The finished inventory can also be shared with the team if you want advice on the van size for the job, and it doubles as a checklist at both ends.
Preparing a Business Delivery
For a business delivery, the details worth recording start with the recipient. Note the delivery address, a named contact, a direct phone number, and any reference or purchase order the site will expect. Ask the recipient about access — gates, opening hours, unloading windows — because those answers sit with them, not with the hire company. List the goods with their quantities and the dimensions of the largest items. Decide whether a signature or a photo is required as proof of delivery and write that into the plan. If several drops are scheduled for one hire period, order them on paper first, with contact details for each, so the day can be discussed with the team when you book.
Explore other van hire areas
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.