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
Pick the van to match the load. Small vans are ideal for boxes, tools and light collections. Medium or long-wheelbase vans handle furniture, stock and trade equipment, while Lutons are the better choice for bulkier house-move loads. The range on offer includes the Volkswagen Caddy, Ford Transit SWB, VW Transporter Automatic, Ford Transit MWB and Ford Transit LWB, depending on dates, driver details and availability. The exact make, model, transmission, seats, payload and licence position are all confirmed at quote stage, so treat the vehicle examples as a guide to the type of hire available rather than a guaranteed reservation of a particular model.
Moving Boxed Belongings
How many boxes are you actually moving? Begin by counting them, room by room, and writing the total next to your intended hire dates. Note the rough size of each box and any items that will not fit into one, such as rolled carpets, long shelving or picture frames, since the team can then judge whether a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van suits the load where available. Record where the boxes are going, whether a storage unit, a new address or a family member's garage, and the name and number of whoever receives them. If some belongings are staying behind, mark those clearly on the list. When you ask for a quote, these counts and destinations let you pose specific questions about vehicle choice and collection or delivery arrangements without leaving gaps the enquiry might otherwise fall into.
Checking Entrance and Item Dimensions
Which measurements matter before you commit to a vehicle? Note the width and height of the entrances involved, including any gates, corridors or doorways at both the pick-up and drop-off ends, and record the dimensions of your largest items, particularly sofas, wardrobes, white goods or workbenches. If an item can be dismantled, note that alongside its reduced size once taken apart. Keep a note of the access arrangements too: who unlocks the property, whether a vehicle can pull up close, and which contact expects you on the day. These figures belong in your enquiry, because they let the team suggest whether the vehicle you have in mind is workable for the job or whether another option fits better. Raising any access questions with the destination contact beforehand also settles matters the hire team cannot answer for you.
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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.