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.
Recording Which Items Go Where
Suppose one van is covering a house move and a furniture collection on the same day. Before calling for a quote, sketch which items belong at each address and note any piece the recipient will want brought into use straight away, such as a bed or a kettle box. Recording destinations against item descriptions, rather than relying on memory, gives you a checklist to read out when discussing the job. You might also note whether any stop has a named person receiving goods and their phone number, in case a timing question comes up on the day. Ask the team how a two-stop itinerary affects the hire length, and whether the vehicle you have in mind is available across the whole window. These notes stay useful whichever van is confirmed.
Measuring Items and Checking Entrances
If a sofa or wardrobe is part of the load, measure it before choosing a van. Note the height, width and depth of each large piece, then ring the person at the delivery address and ask them to check doorways, hallways and any stair turns, since they know the property. Write both sets of figures next to each other so any mismatch is obvious at a glance. Where a collection is from a shop or a seller, ask them for the packaged dimensions. You can then pass all of these measurements to the team with your quote request and ask which vehicle they would suggest. Keeping the recipient's contact details with the measurements means any follow-up question can be answered without a second round of calls.
Explore other van hire areas
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.