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.
Choosing one trip or several runs
Begin by asking whether the whole job could reasonably happen in one go, or whether splitting it over two days would suit you. List every item you intend to move, mark the ones that belong to other people, and note any deadlines attached, such as a tenancy end date or a delivery promised to a customer. If some goods can wait a week, that flexibility is worth recording. When you contact the team for a quote, set out the dates you have in mind, the option of a second run, and the sizes of your largest pieces. They can then talk through the van types available while you decide how the workload divides.
Planning a collection with a seller
When part of the job involves collecting a purchase, gather the details before you enquire. Note the seller's address, phone number, the agreed collection window and any reference they have given you, plus whether they expect the item to be dismantled or collected as one piece. Measure the item if you can, or ask the seller for its dimensions and note their answer. If they are only available on certain weekdays, write those days down, since they narrow your hire dates. Sharing this information with the team, along with what else you plan to carry that day, lets you ask sensible questions about the van sizes before anything is booked.
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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.