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
Choose the van around the load. Small vans work well for boxes, tools and light collections. Medium or long-wheelbase vans suit furniture, stock and trade equipment, while Lutons are better for bulkier house-move items. The available range includes Volkswagen Caddy, Ford Transit SWB, VW Transporter Automatic, Ford Transit MWB and Ford Transit LWB, subject to dates, driver details and availability. The exact make, model, transmission, seats, payload and licence position are confirmed at quote stage, so the vehicle examples should be used as a guide to the type of hire available rather than a guaranteed reservation of a specific model.
Decide What You Are Moving
Your first decision is the nature of the load itself. Are you moving a few pieces of furniture, a full house of boxed belongings, or materials for a trade job? The answer affects which van you enquire about, so settle it before making contact. If the load includes anything bulky, take a tape measure and record the height, width and length of the largest items, such as a sofa, a fridge or a wardrobe. Note whether any piece comes apart, and roughly how many boxes you expect once everything is packed. Write these figures down, because dimensions given from memory are often a long way out.
Organise Your Boxes and Belongings
If you are moving boxed items, a little record-keeping goes a long way. Note the number of boxes, their approximate sizes, and any awkward pieces such as rolled rugs, picture frames or flat-pack panels. Keep a simple numbered list alongside a note of each box's contents and destination room, so you can spot if anything is missing at the other end. Mark any boxes you will want first at the new address, such as kettle, bedding and toiletries, and keep that list with your hire notes. When you contact the team, mention the total number of boxes alongside your furniture, plus your preferred dates and the access arrangements at each address.
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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.