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 Hobby Equipment Before You Book
Deciding which weekend the van is needed is often the easy part; the harder question is what exactly is travelling with you. Hobby loads tend to grow in the final days before an event, so make your list early and add to it as items come to mind. Record each piece of equipment by name, note whether it breaks down into parts, and measure the longest and widest items, such as folded tables, model boats, tent poles or display boards. If some gear belongs to other people in your club or group, note whose is whose, in case anything needs returning separately. When you contact us for a quote, share the item list, dimensions and dates, and ask which van option, from a small van through to a Luton, dropside or crew van, suits the load you have described.
Measuring Entrances and Awkward Items
Dimensions decide many hire questions, so gather them while you are still at the planning stage. Measure the equipment itself at its longest points, including any handles, straps or wheels that extend beyond the body, and write each figure on your list rather than relying on memory. If the items will pass through a doorway, gate or corridor at either end, note the width and height of those gaps as they were described to you, and keep the name and number of whoever supplied those details. Where something seems borderline, mark it on the list as a question. When you ask about a van, you can then raise the borderline items directly, confirm the access arrangements you have recorded, and check that the hire dates you want still work, leaving fewer unknowns before the booking is made.
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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.