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.
Getting Delivery Details Ready
If your van booking supports a business delivery, the paperwork can start before you contact the team. Note the delivery date and any window the recipient expects, then list each item going out, with its dimensions and an approximate count of how many of each there are. Where a consignment goes to more than one address, separate the lists so nothing gets mixed up. Record a contact name and phone number for the person receiving the goods, plus any reference numbers they use. Questions worth asking when you request a quote include which van types suit your item list, how the delivery or collection of the van itself would work, and whether anything about the consignment needs flagging in advance.
Building a Simple Move List
Should the hire be for a household move instead, begin with a room-by-room inventory rather than a vague sense of the job. Write down the furniture, boxes and awkward pieces in each room, and measure the longest or tallest items so you can share those figures when asking about a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van. Note the dates you want the van for, including any spare day if the move slips, and the access arrangements at both ends, such as parking or gate details you already know. If friends are helping, list their availability too. Anything still undecided, like whether one item stays or goes, can be marked as a question rather than left off the list entirely.
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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.