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.
Listing Your Boxes Before Hire Day
Start by writing down what you plan to move. If your belongings are going into boxes, count them and note roughly what each contains, since a stack of identical containers is easy to miscount. Record the dimensions of the largest boxes and any awkward pieces, such as a rolled rug or a dismantled shelf unit, because those measurements matter when a vehicle class is being matched to the job. Labelling each box by destination room also helps once you arrive, letting you see at a glance which items belong where. Keep the list somewhere reachable, perhaps photographed on your phone, so you can add late additions without starting again. If some items are still undecided, mark them separately rather than guessing. A written inventory gives you something concrete to refer to when discussing the job.
Getting Your Helpers Organised in Advance
If friends or family are lending a hand, agree the arrangements with them well before the van arrives. Note who is coming, what time they are expected and how long they can stay, since a helper who must leave halfway through changes your plans. Share the address of both ends of the trip, along with your own mobile number, and confirm whether anyone is following in a separate car. It is useful to tell helpers about any particularly large or heavy items on your list, purely so they know what to expect when they turn up. Decide in advance who holds keys to the destination, and record a contact number for anyone at the far end, such as a storage facility or a neighbour taking delivery. Questions about access at the destination itself are best directed to 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.