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.
Who Will Help on the Day?
Who is going to be there when the van arrives? That is the first question to settle, because helpers shape the whole plan. Make a list of everyone who has confirmed, note the times they can attend, and ask for a mobile number for each so you can send updates if schedules change. If somebody can only come for part of the day, record when they arrive and leave so you can arrange the workload around them. It also helps to name one person as the main contact for the hire, so the team deals with a single point of information rather than several partial answers. Any helpers you cannot confirm yet are worth noting as maybes, along with when you expect to know.
Mapping Out Your Delivery Order
Before the hire date, sketch the route your van will take and note what belongs at each stop. If furniture is going to three different addresses, write down the items for each one, along with a contact name and number at every destination in case plans change on the day. Recording approximate item dimensions helps the team confirm which van size matches your load, so measure the larger pieces such as wardrobes or sofas if you can. You might also note any time windows, such as a shop closing at midday or a storage unit with restricted access hours. Questions about access at each address are best directed to whoever manages the property, since they know gates, doorways and parking arrangements better than anyone.
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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.