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.
Picking a suitable van
Pick the van to match the load. Small vans are ideal for boxes, tools and light collections. Medium or long-wheelbase vans handle furniture, stock and trade equipment, while Lutons are the better choice for bulkier house-move loads. The range on offer includes the Volkswagen Caddy, Ford Transit SWB, VW Transporter Automatic, Ford Transit MWB and Ford Transit LWB, depending on dates, driver details and availability. The exact make, model, transmission, seats, payload and licence position are all confirmed at quote stage, so treat the vehicle examples as a guide to the type of hire available rather than a guaranteed reservation of a particular model.
Organising a Household Move
How do you turn a houseful of belongings into a plan a hire company can work from? Start with a room-by-room list. Note what is coming from the kitchen, the bedrooms, the lounge and the garage, and mark anything that is staying behind. Against each entry, record whether the item is boxed, loose or wrapped, and whether it belongs to a particular room at the new address. If some furniture is being given away or collected by someone else, note the recipient's name and contact number so the drop-offs can be coordinated. Set out your preferred dates, including any flexibility either side, and the access arrangements at both addresses as you understand them. The open questions for the team are then which van suits the list, and whether the dates you have chosen can be met with the vehicle suggested.
Measuring Bulky Items
Before asking about a van, take a tape measure to the largest pieces. Write down the length, width and height of each bulky item, and note whether doors, mirrors, legs or shelves can be removed, recording the dimensions with and without those parts. An item that seems unmanageable as one piece may separate into two, so it is worth checking before you enquire. Mark anything with an awkward shape - a corner sofa, a tall wardrobe, a rolled mattress - and keep those notes with the rest of your inventory. If items are being delivered to someone else, note their contact details and any time window they have given. The remaining questions concern which vans could take the items you have measured, and whether the access arrangements at each address affect the choice.
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Last checks before booking
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.