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.
Writing Out Your Unloading Order
Where a hire involves deliveries to more than one address, a written record of what goes where can reduce guesswork. Begin by listing every stop, then note the items and quantities destined for each. Beside each entry, record the recipient's name and contact number, plus any reference they use for the delivery. If a particular piece has awkward dimensions, such as a long worktop or a tall cabinet, write that measurement down so it is to hand when the vehicle group is confirmed. Recipients can tell you their own receiving arrangements, including preferred hours and entrances. Once the list is drafted, you might ask the hire team how your planned stops fit with the van options available, and whether anything on your list deserves a mention at the quote stage.
Getting a Business Delivery Ready
If the van is being used for commercial work, preparation usually centres on accurate information. Compile a manifest of everything going out: item names, quantities, dimensions where relevant, and any handling notes the recipient has provided. Note who should receive the goods at each address, along with their direct phone number, so any question on the day can be resolved with a call. Where a customer has requested a specific time window, record it beside their entry rather than relying on memory. It may also be useful to note which deliveries are time-sensitive and which can slip if the day runs long. When you contact the team for a quote, these details let you ask precise questions about matching the job to a van, and anything unclear about a destination's access arrangements can be checked with the people based there.
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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.