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
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.
Organising a Household Move
What should you write down first when a house move is on the cards? A room-by-room list is a sound starting point, naming each piece of furniture and estimating how many boxes each space will produce. Note any items with unusual proportions, such as a sofa, mattress or wardrobe, including their approximate measurements if you have them, since these often shape the conversation about van size. Alongside the inventory, record the addresses involved, the dates you have in mind, and a contact number at the new property if someone else will be there. If storage features in your plans, note which items are going into storage and which are travelling to the house, so the split is clear. This written record can accompany your enquiry and be refined as moving day approaches.
Preparing a Business Delivery
For trade and delivery work, the notes you keep serve a different purpose, so start with the order details themselves. List each consignment or batch of materials, the quantities involved, and the addresses they are destined for, then add a named contact and phone number for every recipient on the route. Where a customer has specified a time window or a particular entrance, record that alongside their details, and flag anything still unconfirmed, such as a site that has not yet replied about access. The person managing each destination is the one to ask about parking, gates or unloading arrangements there, so note their answers as you gather them. Bringing this organised information to the team when you request a van helps them see the pattern of your working day and respond to your enquiry with the job properly understood.
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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.