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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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.
Deciding the Order for Your Drop-Offs
If your day involves more than one stop, think about the sequence before you request a quote. Note each address, the person expecting goods there and a phone number for them, so you can confirm arrival windows on the day. Record which items belong to which delivery, perhaps by labelling your list with the recipient's name, and keep item dimensions to hand in case the team need them to match a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van to the job. Where a stop depends on someone being present, it is worth asking them about parking or access arrangements directly. Any questions about gate widths or opening hours sit with the destination contact rather than the hire team.
Keeping a Clear Load Inventory
A written inventory can save a lot of back-and-forth, whether you are moving house, collecting furniture or completing storage runs. List every item with its approximate length, width and height, and group them by destination if they are not all going to one place. Photographs of awkward pieces, such as a wardrobe or a dismantled table, can be useful when discussing van sizes with the team. Alongside the inventory, note your hire dates, the addresses involved and any time windows the recipients have given you. When you ask for a quote, send this information across so the team can suggest where available the vehicle that matches your list, and raise any remaining questions before you commit.
Explore other van hire areas
Things to check before booking
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.