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
Which jobs need to be settled before the van is booked? Begin with your moving dates, including any flexibility you have if one day turns out to be unavailable. Write a room-by-room plan showing what will be moved, what is being sold or donated, and what is staying behind, since this shapes the size of the job. Note down contact details for the people at both ends of the move, whether that is a friend with a set of keys or the staff at a storage facility, along with any reference numbers you have been given. If your itinerary involves collecting items from more than one address, list the order you intend to visit them. Sharing these details with the team when asking for a quote allows a proper discussion of dates, and any parts of the plan still undecided can be flagged as open questions.
Checking Entrance and Item Dimensions
What should you measure before settling on a vehicle? Start with the largest items on your list, noting their height, width and depth in writing, and whether any of them can be dismantled with tools you have to hand. Sofas, wardrobes and appliances are the usual candidates, but measure anything with an unusual shape as well. Next, think about the spaces these items must pass through at each end, and record the relevant figures, such as a doorway width or a corridor measurement, so you can share them if asked. If access at the destination involves a narrow lane, steps or a specific entrance, note that too, though questions about the destination itself are best directed to whoever manages it. Presenting these measurements alongside your hire dates gives the team the material needed to discuss which vehicle group suits the job.
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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.