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.
Comparing One Trip with Several
One of the first decisions to settle is whether your job needs a single journey or a series of them, and writing out both scenarios can clarify the choice. List everything that must travel, then sketch a schedule showing how the day would look with one larger van and one trip, compared with a smaller vehicle used several times. Note the opening hours of any storage unit, shop or collection point involved, since these can limit when each leg of the day can happen. If a seller or supplier is holding items for you, record their contact details and the window they have offered, and ask whether repeat visits would need to be arranged in advance. Consider also who else depends on the van during the day, such as helpers or colleagues, and whether their availability matches your planned timings.
Planning the Unloading Order
Once you know what is travelling, it can help to note down the order in which things will be needed at the far end, since that may influence how you think about the day as a whole. If some items are heading to a storage unit, some to a shop counter and some to a friend's address, list each destination and what belongs to it, along with a contact name and number for each. Ask whoever is receiving items whether they have a preferred time, and record that alongside their address. Where a collection point has its own rules about how goods are handed over, note who you should speak to when you arrive. You might also record which items belong to which person if the load is shared between households or jobs. These notes give you a clear picture of the day's structure and highlight any questions you still need to ask before booking.
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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.