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.
Allowing Time for Packing and Loading
How much time should you set aside on the day? Before you confirm hire dates, think through the jobs on either side of the journey. Write down when you plan to have everything ready, when the van is needed and when it must be returned or collected. If you are collecting furniture or moving boxes, note how long you expect each stop to take and whether anyone is meeting you there, along with their contact numbers. Building a little slack into your written schedule means you are not rushing decisions on the day. If timings look tight, you can ask the team whether a longer hire period would work better than squeezing everything into one day and adjusting your plans accordingly.
Preparing a Business Delivery
What details does a commercial delivery require? Start by writing down the goods, their approximate sizes and any quantities involved, plus the addresses on the route and the contact names at each end. Record the delivery window the customer expects and a phone number for whoever signs for the goods, so you can update them if plans shift. Note whether the items are boxed, palletised or loose, and whether the recipient has mentioned any access considerations at their premises, since those questions sit with them to answer. Think about the paperwork too: order references, invoices or return documents you may need to hand. Once this information is gathered, the team can discuss which vehicle option suits the load, and you can confirm dates that line up with the customer's expectations.
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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.