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 what goes on the van
Suppose you have a house move booked and a growing pile of boxes in the hallway. Before requesting a quote, take twenty minutes to write an inventory of everything you intend to carry, from the largest wardrobe down to the smallest bag of bedding. A simple numbered list with a one-line description of each item works well, and noting approximate sizes for the bulky pieces gives the team something to match against a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van. You could also record which items belong to which room, which helps if storage forms part of the plan. Where a collection from a shop or a private seller is involved, keep their contact details with the inventory so you can confirm item dimensions before the hire dates are fixed. Any questions about access at a destination belong with the people there.
Deciding the order of the day
If your day involves several stops, sketch the sequence before you finalise the hire. Note which addresses you will visit, roughly how long each stop might take, and whether any collections depend on shops or sellers being open at particular hours. Where a recipient is expecting goods, record their name and phone number alongside the delivery address, since a quick call can settle questions about entrances, parking bays or preferred delivery windows that only they can answer. You might also decide whether the whole job fits within one day or whether the dates should stretch across two, and write down your reasoning so the team can advise on the right vehicle. Ask them what they need to know about your proposed schedule, and keep the inventory close at hand when you do.
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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.