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.
Getting Helpers on the Same Page
Who is going to be there on the day? If friends or colleagues are lending a hand, it is worth confirming their availability before you finalise the hire dates, since a change of helper numbers might alter how long you need the van for. Keep a list of names with phone numbers so you can message everyone if timings shift, and agree in advance when each person should arrive and roughly how long they can stay. Recording who is responsible for what on the day helps avoid confusion, whether that is looking after keys, meeting a seller at a collection point or waiting at a storage facility. Any questions about whether a crew van's extra seats suit your group can be raised with the team when you ask about availability for your chosen dates.
Measuring Bulky Items Before You Book
What exactly are you planning to carry? Before requesting a quote, measure the largest items you expect to move and write down their height, width and depth, along with an approximate count of everything else. A sofa, wardrobe or fridge freezer is far easier to describe in numbers than in guesses, and these figures can inform the discussion about which van groups might suit. Note whether any furniture comes apart, whether drawers stay in, and whether mattresses or mirrors need special handling arrangements of your own. It also helps to record awkward details such as items that will not go through a standard doorway at your end. Keep the measurements with your notes so you can quote them accurately when you contact the team about matching a van to the job.
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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.