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.
Organising a Household Move
What needs a written plan before a house move begins? Start with a room-by-room list of everything being transported, from sofas and wardrobes down to boxes and loose pictures. Note the dimensions of the largest pieces, including whether any can be dismantled, and record roughly how many boxes you expect. Decide which items belong to which room at the new address, since this helps you keep track on the day. Write down the access arrangements at both ends, such as parking availability or any restrictions the property contacts have mentioned, and keep their phone numbers to hand. If storage forms part of the move, note the unit details too. When you ask for a quote, share the item list, the dates and these access notes, and ask anything still unclear about matching the job to an available van.
Measuring Bulky Items
Before requesting a price, spend some time with a tape measure and note down the size of anything awkward. For each large item, record its height, width and depth, and note whether doors, legs or shelves can be removed to change those figures. A sofa, a fridge or a wardrobe each presents different considerations, so treat them individually rather than estimating. Write down where each piece currently sits and where it is heading, along with a contact at the destination if someone needs to be reached on the day. If several bulky items are spread across different rooms, group them on paper by location so nothing is overlooked. These measurements and notes give the team a clear picture when matching your job to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van, and they let you ask specific questions about your dates and access arrangements.
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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.