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.
Getting a Business Delivery Ready
Suppose a customer has ordered several palletised items from your workshop and expects them on a set morning. Before contacting the hire team, gather the details that shape the booking: the delivery date and any window the recipient has given, a full list of what is going out, and the dimensions of the bulkiest pieces. Note whether the recipient has a loading bay, a side entrance or a narrow lane, since you will need to pass those access arrangements on when you enquire. Record the recipient's name and phone number so the driver can confirm arrival, and decide whether a crew van is worth considering if a colleague is coming along. When you ask for a quote, check which van types could suit the load, whether the dates you want are open, and what the team needs to know about the collection point.
Listing Boxed Belongings Before a Move
If your move consists mainly of boxed items, a written inventory will make the enquiry far simpler to handle. Go through each room and count the boxes, then note any that are unusually shaped or large, such as those holding lampshades or kitchen appliances, along with their approximate measurements. Jot down the date you plan to collect the van, how long you expect the job to take, and the address you are moving from and to, including any parking or gate details at both ends. Where furniture is mixed in with the boxes, list those pieces separately with their sizes. Once you have this information, ask the team whether a small van, Transit or Luton would be the better match, what availability looks like for your preferred day, and whether a crew van option would help if someone else is travelling with you.
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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.