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.
How Should You Organise a Household Move?
The short answer is to plan it on paper before you book anything. Walk through your home and write a room-by-room list of what is coming with you, from beds and wardrobes to the boxes you have already packed. Note approximate dimensions for the largest items and a rough total for the boxes, since this helps the team judge whether a small van, Transit or Luton is the right match. Record the addresses for collection and delivery, the dates you have in mind, and how many trips you expect to make if that is already clear. Add a contact name and number at the new address. Send the whole list with your enquiry so the quote reflects the actual job.
What Should You Confirm With a Seller?
If part of your hire involves collecting furniture you have bought, the details sit with the seller rather than with you. Before the hire date, ask them for the exact address, a phone number for the day, and the earliest and latest times you can collect. Confirm the dimensions of each piece and whether it comes apart, and note whether they can help at their end or whether you are arriving with friends. Write down the delivery address for afterwards and the name of whoever will receive the items there. Keep your own list of questions for the hire team too, such as whether a crew van is available for your dates, and include access arrangements you already know about when you ask for a price.
Explore other van hire areas
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.