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
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.
Coordinating Helpers for the Day
Who is actually going to be there when the van arrives? That question is worth answering before you book anything. Make a list of the people helping, with their arrival times and mobile numbers, and note how long each can stay. If helpers are only free in the morning, you may want the van for an early slot, so record the window that works for everyone. Share the job list with them too: what is being carried, from where and to where, along with any dimensions you have measured. When you request a quote, you can include the access arrangements, your dates and the items' sizes, and ask which van type matches. Whether a helper can enter a particular building is a matter for the site contact, not the hire team.
Preparing a Business Delivery
If the van is needed for a delivery to a customer, gather the paperwork details first. Note the recipient's name, address and direct phone number, plus any reference they expect with the goods. List each item being sent, with dimensions and a short description, so you can describe the load clearly when enquiring. Fix the delivery date and decide whether a return load is likely, since that may affect how long you keep the van. Check with the recipient what hours they can receive goods and whether they need advance notice, then write those answers down. When you ask for a quote, you can present the full list, the access arrangements and your dates, and ask whether a small van, Transit or crew van suits the consignment and your schedule.
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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.