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.
Choosing Which Items to Measure First
Decide early which items in your load are the awkward ones, because those determine the questions you will need to ask. Wardrobes, three-piece suites, fridges, dining tables and rolled carpets are the usual candidates, so measure each one's length, width and height and write the figures beside its name on your list. Note whether anything dismantles, and if it does, record the size of the biggest remaining piece. Count the smaller items as batches rather than individually, but keep the bulky entries precise. If goods are heading to someone else, ask that person to confirm their own access details and note their phone number alongside the delivery address. These measurements give you something concrete to discuss when requesting a van.
Preparing a Business Delivery Record
When the job involves delivering goods for a business, start by writing a dispatch list that pairs each item or consignment with its destination. Record quantities per line, the dimensions of any non-standard packaging, and a named contact plus direct number for the recipient at every address. Note your preferred delivery window for each stop and whether any recipient has specified particular hours, since that information belongs to them rather than to guesswork. Sketch the order of stops as you currently imagine it, and mark which timings are fixed by customer commitments. Keep your own hire dates flexible on paper, with a first choice and a fallback, so you can adjust if a recipient changes their arrangements before you confirm the booking.
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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.