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.
Writing Down a Clear Load Inventory
Start by putting the load details on paper before anything else. A written inventory, covering every box, appliance, tool or piece of furniture, gives you a reliable reference when discussing van sizes and hire dates. Note each item's approximate dimensions and any awkward shapes, since a three-seater sofa and a stack of flat-pack wardrobes present different considerations. Record quantities too, such as the number of boxes or rolls of material, so nothing gets overlooked. If certain pieces are being collected from a shop or a private seller, write down the collection addresses and any recipient contact details. Questions worth asking at the quote stage include whether a specific van type is available on the chosen dates and what access information the team needs. Anything uncertain, such as items still to be measured, can be flagged for follow-up.
Organising a Move of Boxed Belongings
When the move involves mainly boxed belongings, the preparation centres on lists and timings rather than the handling itself. Decide the hire dates first, then count the boxes room by room and note their approximate sizes, which helps when weighing up a small van against a larger option. If friends or family are helping on the day, record who is available and when, since this may influence how the dates are planned. Where boxes are destined for a storage unit or a new address, note the recipient contact details and any reference numbers, and keep a list of which boxes go where if the delivery is split. Questions to raise when seeking a quote include availability of particular vehicles, access arrangements already known to you, and whether the team needs anything further confirmed before the booking is completed.
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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.