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.
Coordinating Helpers for Your Move
Who is actually free on the day you have in mind? That is the first question to answer before you request a van. Ask each potential helper which dates they can commit to and note their answers, then settle on a day that works for the core group. Collect a mobile number for everybody involved and decide who is your main point of contact if plans shift. Write down who will meet the van, who holds keys for the properties at each end, and who is expecting items to arrive. If a helper can only spare part of the day, record that too. Once the date and the crew are confirmed, pass the hire dates and access details to the team, along with any questions you still have about vehicle choice.
Measuring Bulky Items Before You Book
Before choosing a van, what should you measure and record? Every large item, ideally, along with the spaces it must pass through. Note the height, width and depth of each piece of furniture, plus anything that dismantles into smaller sections, and keep the figures together in one list. Photographs of awkward shapes can sit alongside the numbers as a reminder when you discuss options. If wardrobes, sofas or tall cabinets are involved, write down their longest dimension separately, since that often matters most when matching a load to a vehicle. Check whether legs, doors or handles come off, and note it if they do. Present this recorded list to the team with your dates and access details, and raise any remaining fitting questions before you confirm.
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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.