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.
Weighing One Trip Against Several
Sketching the sequence of your day before you book helps you spot questions worth asking. Write down each address in the order you plan to visit, alongside what is collected or dropped at each stop, and note any time windows attached to them. If a storage unit or business premises has set opening hours, record those next to the relevant leg of the journey so the plan reflects when each stop is actually possible. Confirm with whoever is receiving a delivery when they can be present, and ask them about parking or access on their side. Questions to raise with the team include whether the hire dates cover every planned run comfortably, and whether any access arrangement still needs to be confirmed with the relevant contact before the booking is made.
Noting the Order You Want to Work Through
Sketching the sequence of your day before you book helps you spot questions worth asking. Write down each address in the order you plan to visit, alongside what is collected or dropped at each stop, and note any time windows attached to them. If a storage unit or business premises has set opening hours, record those next to the relevant leg of the journey. Consider which items are needed first at the destination, such as tools for a job starting the next morning, and mark them on the list so they stand out when you pack. Confirm with whoever is receiving a delivery when they can be present, and ask about parking or access on their side. Any part of the sequence you are unsure about can be raised with the team when you discuss dates.
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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.
















