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.
Preparing a Business Delivery
If the delivery is for a customer, begin by listing what is going out and who is receiving it. Record the item descriptions, their dimensions and the quantities involved, since these details determine which van group makes sense for the run. Note the delivery window the customer expects, who should be contacted on arrival and a phone number for that person, in case the address has its own access arrangements worth confirming with them directly. Ask yourself whether anything needs to reach its destination by a particular time, and write that deadline alongside the hire dates. When you contact the team, share the load list and access notes together, and ask which van options could suit the job so the quote reflects what you are actually moving.
Organising a Household Move
Suppose the job is a house move rather than a delivery. In that case, a room-by-room inventory is the practical starting point: list the furniture, boxes and awkward pieces, then measure the larger items such as wardrobes, sofas and shelving so their dimensions sit alongside the counts. Decide whether everything travels in one go or across several trips, and note the dates that work for each stage. If friends are helping, confirm which days they can attend before you fix the schedule. Flag any item that needs particular attention, such as a mirror or a flat-packed unit, simply as information for your own planning. Pass the full list and access arrangements to the team when enquiring, and ask which van group fits the inventory.
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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.