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.
Transporting hobby equipment by van
The first decision is usually which pieces of equipment actually need to travel. If you are moving kit for a hobby, such as model railway boards, kayaking gear, workshop tools or band instruments, start by listing each item with its approximate length, width and height, plus any cases or stands that go with it. Note whether anything comes apart, since a dismantled item may record very different dimensions from an assembled one. Once the list is written, you can share it with the team and ask which van from the range suits the load, mentioning your dates and any access limits at either end. If a friend is collecting equipment on your behalf, have their contact details to hand as well.
Preparing a business delivery run
If the van is for commercial deliveries, the paperwork you prepare before booking often matters as much as the vehicle itself. Begin with a delivery schedule listing each drop, the expected date and time window, and a named contact with a phone number for every recipient, so nothing depends on a single address line. Record the size and quantity of each item going out, including packaging, and note anything fragile or unusually shaped that the team should know about when matching you to a small van, Transit or crew van. Questions worth asking at quote stage include whether the van can be collected early on your first delivery day, and what happens if your schedule shifts and the dates need to change.
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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.