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.
Keeping a Load Inventory
Begin with a written list of everything you plan to move, because that list answers most of the questions a hire team will ask. Note each item individually, whether that is three boxes of kitchenware, a double mattress, a dismantled wardrobe or a stack of garden tools, and record a rough quantity against each line. Add the approximate dimensions and weight of anything unusually large, plus a note of which items are fragile or must stay upright if you know that already. Keep a copy of the inventory on your phone or on paper so you can read from it when requesting a quote, and refer back to it when the day arrives. If some items are still undecided, mark them clearly so you can flag the uncertainty in your enquiry and ask how it affects the vehicle options you are considering.
Measuring Bulky Items
Measurements are worth gathering before you contact anyone, so start by noting the length, width and height of your largest pieces, such as sofas, wardrobes, fridges or rolled carpets, and write each set of figures down. Include any protruding parts, like sofa feet, door handles or a bed frame that extends once dismantled, since those extras change the overall size. Note whether each item can be flat-packed, whether you plan to dismantle it yourself, and whether any fixings have been bagged and labelled. If an item is going to a third party, record the recipient's name, address and phone number, along with any time window they have given you. Questions about whether a doorway or lift at their end can accept the item should be directed to that recipient, so keep their contact details to hand throughout the planning stage.
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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.