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.
Allowing Time for Packing and Loading
Start by writing down your intended schedule for the day, including when you hope to begin packing, when the van is due to start its hire period, and when everything needs to be at the destination. Note how long you expect packing to take, whether items are spread across several rooms or already gathered in one spot, and whether anything needs wrapping or dismantling first. If your dates have some give, record the earliest and latest workable slots so the team can suggest options. When you ask about a hire, you could ask how the period is measured, whether an extra day can be added if packing runs long, and what the cut-off points are for changing your dates. Keeping these notes in one place makes the conversation far more straightforward.
Coordinating Helpers for the Day
If friends, family or colleagues have offered to help, list their names and contact numbers, along with the hours each person can commit. Some may only be free in the morning, others after work, so noting availability helps you arrange the day around everyone. Record who will be at the pick-up address, who will travel with the van, and who will receive items at the other end, including a phone number for the recipient in case plans change mid-journey. It is also worth deciding who holds keys, paperwork and contact details on the day. Questions you might put to the team include whether helpers can travel in a crew van, what the seating arrangements are for each option, and what to do if your helper list changes before the hire begins.
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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.