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.
Planning the Unloading Order
Should the job involve more than one destination, sketching an order for the unload can settle several decisions at once. Begin by listing every item, then mark the address it belongs to and the order you expect to take things off, numbering each entry so nothing is missed. Where a piece is awkward, note its dimensions and whether it separates into parts, since those figures are worth having to hand when you speak to the team about van options. You might also record who should be contacted at each stop and what time they expect you, keeping those numbers with the itinerary rather than in your head. None of this changes the booking itself, but the cargo list and dates you pass on become more precise, and if a drop is cancelled the numbered plan can be adjusted without starting again.
Checking Entrance and Item Dimensions
Before requesting a van, it pays to gather measurements from both ends of the journey. At the collection point, note the width and height of any doorway, corridor or gate the items must pass through, and do the same at the destination, recording the figures in the same place so nothing gets lost. Then measure each large item, including its packaging if it will stay wrapped, and write down whether anything disassembles. If a recipient is receiving the goods, ask them to confirm their own entrance sizes rather than relying on estimates, since access at their end is their information to provide. Once you have the numbers, questions for the team become specific, such as whether a Transit or crew van suits the load and dates you have in mind. A complete set of measurements also flags any item worth reconsidering before the hire is arranged.
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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.