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.
Coordinating the People Who Are Helping
Who is actually available on the day you're planning to move or collect items? That question deserves an answer before the hire dates are fixed. If two friends can help on Saturday but only one on Sunday, the choice of day may follow from that. Note each helper's availability, arrival time and contact number, and whether they can stay for the whole job or only part of it. Where children or pets need watching during the move, record who is covering that, since it affects who can be present. You might also note whether any helper has a vehicle that could carry small items separately. When you contact the team, the confirmed dates and helper numbers give a clearer basis for matching the job to a van.
Measuring Entrances and Items Before Booking
Which measurements should you write down first? Generally, the largest items and the tightest gaps. For furniture, record the height, width and depth of each piece, and whether legs, doors or handles can be removed, since sellers or previous owners sometimes know this. For the buildings involved, note the width of doorways, corridors and stairwells where relevant, and any turns that items must navigate. The people who know a property best are the ones to ask about its access, whether that's a seller, a landlord or a storage facility. With these figures recorded, you can ask the team which vehicle option suits the dimensions, and include the item list in your quote request so nothing is left to memory.
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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.