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.
Planning a Collection With a Seller
If you have bought furniture from a private seller, the arrangements you make before the hire day determine how the collection goes. Confirm the earliest time the seller allows, the address in full, and whether the item is on the ground floor or upstairs. Ask for a contact number for the day and agree a fallback time in case of delays. Measure the item where it stands, including any packaging, and record whether it separates into pieces. Note whether the seller can assist at the property or whether you are bringing help, and check that the street permits a van to wait. Writing these details next to your hire dates means the team can discuss the right van and access arrangements with a clear picture.
Mapping Out Where Each Item Goes
Where a hire covers several stops, a simple written plan of what goes where keeps the day legible. List each address, the items destined for it, and a named contact with a phone number at every drop. Note any time constraints, such as a shop that closes at five or a storage unit with booked access hours, and put the stops in the order you intend to visit them. Mark which items are fragile or needed soonest at the final address, purely so they can be identified quickly on arrival. If something is staying with a friend or relative, record their availability too. Sharing this itinerary with the team, together with the load details and access notes, helps match the job to the right van.
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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.