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 a load inventory that works
What exactly is going in the van? A written list is the starting point for any well-matched hire. Go room by room or job by job and note every item: furniture, boxes, tools, materials and anything stored in a loft or garage that is easy to forget. Give each entry a brief description and, for larger pieces, a note of whether it comes apart. Count boxes rather than estimating them, and record oddities such as a bicycle, a ladder or loose shelving separately. Once the list is complete, keep it with your other trip papers so you can read it out when you call. If you spot gaps, such as items you have not yet measured or things a family member may add later, flag them as open points when you request a quote.
Measuring the bulky items
Some items deserve a tape measure before anything is booked, and it is simplest to decide which ones in advance. Anything tall, long or awkwardly shaped, such as a wardrobe, a sofa, a workbench or a rolled carpet, should be measured for height, width and depth, with the figures written down alongside the item name on your inventory. If a piece of furniture has legs, handles or a removable back, note those separately, since the recorded dimensions may change depending on whether they stay attached. Note whether doors on the item open or slide, purely as information for the hire conversation. Where a measurement is awkward to take, an estimate marked as approximate is still useful. Bring the full set of figures when you ask for a quote, and raise any item you are unsure about.
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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.