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
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.
Breaking a House Move Into Stages
How do you turn a whole house into a manageable hire plan? Start by walking through each room and listing what will travel, then sort the list into categories such as furniture, appliances, boxes and fragile items. Note the dimensions of the biggest pieces, including anything that comes apart, and decide whether the whole move happens on one date or spreads across two. If some items are going to storage and others to the new address, mark which is which so nothing is mixed up. Keep a phone number for anyone at either end who can answer questions on the day. When asking for a quote, share the itemised list and ask how the plan changes if you hire for an extra day.
Agreeing Roles With Your Helpers
If friends or family have offered to help with the move, settle the details before the van arrives. Write down who is available on which dates, who holds keys to the old and new properties, and who will be at each address if the move happens across two days. Note any helper who can only stay for part of the day, and record a contact number for each person in case timings slip. Where helpers are bringing their own equipment, such as blankets, trolleys or straps, list what is being supplied so nothing is assumed. For the quote, ask whether the hire window you are considering covers the hours your helpers can give, and how the plan would change if extra items appeared once people start emptying cupboards.
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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.