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 the Day
How many people will actually be available to help? That question is worth answering before anything else, because a van booking often depends on it. Make a list of who has confirmed, along with their availability across the whole day, not just the morning, in case the job runs long. Note their contact numbers so you can reach them if timings shift, and agree a clear start time and meeting point in advance. If helpers are only free for part of the day, record those windows and plan the schedule around them. It also helps to note what each person will handle, such as boxes versus bulky furniture, so you can describe the job accurately when speaking with the hire team. Any question about the hire hours needed can be raised when you ask for a quote.
Checking Entrances and Item Dimensions
Before settling on a van, spend some time measuring and noting. For each large item, record its length, width and height, and note whether it can be dismantled, how many sections it breaks into and whether doors, drawers or shelves come off. Then turn to the destinations: write down the address at each end, a contact name and number there, and anything they can tell you about entrances, corridors or gates, since access questions at the destination are best answered by the people on site. Note parking arrangements if you know them, and any time restrictions that might affect the schedule. With these measurements and details written down, you can describe the load clearly to the team and ask which van options might suit what you have listed.
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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.