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.
Keeping a helper list for hire day
Start by deciding who will be there on the day. If friends, family or colleagues are joining you, keep a simple list of names, arrival times and mobile numbers so you can reach anyone if the schedule moves. Note how long each person can stay and whether they are meeting you at the start or at an address along the way. If someone is holding a key, waiting with items or signing for a collection, record their name and role against that task. Agree how the group will communicate on the morning itself, whether by group message or a quick call. Sharing your inventory and access notes with every helper before the day means each person arrives knowing what is expected, and any gaps in the plan can be spotted while there is still time to fill them.
Preparing details for business deliveries
If the van is needed for business deliveries, put together a delivery list before you enquire. For each drop, record the recipient's name, a direct phone number, the delivery address and any reference the site expects, such as a purchase order. Note the opening hours you have been given and the name of the person who should receive the goods, so any questions about site access or unloading arrangements can be answered by the site itself rather than guessed at. List the items destined for each address along with their approximate sizes, and mark any that are fragile or awkwardly shaped. Where a delivery window is tight, flag it when you ask for a quote. Keeping this information in one document makes the day's sequence easy to check and adjust.
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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.