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.
Recording What Goes in Each Box
Which items are going into boxes, and how many boxes will there be? Note the answers before anything is packed. List each box with a number, the room it came from, and a short description of its contents, since this record helps you plan the collection and delivery sequence. Measure larger items such as wardrobes or televisions and write the dimensions alongside them. Record the hire dates and the times you expect to arrive at each address, plus the phone number of whoever receives the goods at the far end. If some belongings are still undecided, mark them as pending rather than guessing. When you ask for a quote, these notes let the team see the full job.
Keeping a Simple Load Inventory
What should a load inventory contain? At its simplest, a running list of every item you intend to move, updated as things are added or removed. Give each entry a description, an approximate size, and, where relevant, the condition it is in at the point of hire. Note any pieces that come apart, such as bed frames, together with the number of parts. Alongside the inventory, keep the hire dates, the addresses involved, and the contact details for anyone receiving items at either end. If your list changes between requesting a quote and the hire starting, tell the team so the vehicle choice can be reviewed. Open questions about quantities or access can be raised at any point.
Explore other van hire areas
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.