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.
Measuring bulky items before you enquire
The first decision worth making is which items actually need to travel. Once you have settled that, measure each bulky piece before you enquire. Note the height, width and depth of wardrobes, sofas, tables and appliances, and record whether anything can be dismantled, along with which fixings or tools that would involve. Add the approximate number of boxes, bags and loose items so the overall load is clear. Keep these figures written down rather than estimated from memory, because the team will use them to suggest whether a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van suits the job where available. If an item has an awkward shape, such as a corner sofa or a long ladder, describe it plainly in your enquiry so nothing is left to assumption.
Planning a collection with a seller
When you are collecting furniture or equipment from a seller, gather their details before the hire begins. Ask for the collection address, a phone number for the day and the times someone will actually be there to hand over the item. Confirm whether the item sits on the ground floor or upstairs, and note whether it comes apart for transport. Agree in advance how you will pay and whether the seller can hold the item if your timings slip. Record the item's dimensions and condition, ideally with photographs, so you have a reference if any question arises later. All of this can be passed to the team alongside your dates and access arrangements, which helps them match the job to the right van from the range available.
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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.