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.
Transporting hobby Equipment
The first decision with hobby equipment is usually whether anything travels whole or comes apart, so begin by listing each item and noting its dimensions as it stands today. A sailing dinghy, a model railway layout or a set of workshop machinery each raises different questions, and a written record of lengths, widths and heights lets you describe the load accurately. Note how many separate pieces there are, whether any come in their own cases or crates, and which items you would be reluctant to stack anything on top of, purely so the team understands the job. Add your preferred dates and the addresses at both ends, plus a contact number for anyone receiving the equipment. Asking which van would typically suit a load of your recorded dimensions is a sensible question for your enquiry.
Keeping a load inventory
An inventory written before the hire day gives you a single document to work from, and it is worth building one even for a modest load. Number each item, give it a short description, and note where it is going, whether that is a storage unit, a friend's garage or a customer's address. Record any items that belong to someone else, along with that person's contact details, and keep a copy of the list on your phone as well as on paper. If some pieces are due at one address and the rest at another, mark them clearly on the list. When you contact the team, mention roughly how many items the inventory covers and ask how this fits with the van types available, so the quote reflects the whole job.
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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.