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 Before You Book
How many boxes are you really moving? Count them before anything else, then note the size of each, because twenty small cartons and twenty large ones are different jobs entirely. Write down what is inside the awkward ones, such as the box holding a lampshade or the one with a disassembled bed frame, and add rough dimensions for anything that will not fold flat. Keep a running total as packing continues and mark it clearly as an estimate if the number may rise. If some items are going to storage and others to a new address, split the list in two so the destinations stay clear. This inventory is what you refer to when discussing whether a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van suits the day.
Recording the Order You Want Things Unloaded
Which items do you need first at the far end? Answer that on paper before the van is booked, because it shapes how the day runs. If the beds and kettle are wanted immediately at a new home, or the tools are needed straight away on a job, note which boxes or pieces fall into that priority group. Write the delivery sequence as a simple numbered list, one line per stop or per room, and mark anything fragile without relying on labels alone. Record the recipient's name, address and phone number for each destination, and confirm they can receive the goods on the day. Ask with your quote about the hire dates, the van types open then, and the access details worth sharing.
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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.