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.
Noting which items you need first
If you are delivering a mix of furniture and boxes to two addresses, it helps to note in advance which items belong where. Write a list grouped by destination, recording the postcodes and any access notes you already know about for each stop. Note the approximate dimensions of the largest pieces and whether any will need a second person to move them indoors, since that tells the team more about your day than a simple item count would. Where a receiving address has a caretaker or neighbour listed as the contact, keep their name and number with the job details. Ask the hire team whether they would like the destinations noted on the booking, and whether anything about the items would change the vehicle they suggest.
Working out one trip or several
Should everything go in a single run, or would two shorter trips suit the plan better? That depends on what you record before deciding. Count the items, measure the bulky ones, and note any that cannot be tilted or dismantled. If some things are heading to storage and others to a new address, list the two groups separately with their postcodes and the opening hours of each stop, where relevant. Consider who is available on which day — a helper who can only do Saturday might shape the whole schedule. When you contact the team, lay out both options with your dates and item list, and ask what they would need to see before suggesting a vehicle or hire length. If quantities are still uncertain, you can ask whether the quote can be revisited once the list firms up.
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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.