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.
Planning a Collection with a Seller
Suppose you have agreed to collect furniture from a private seller and need to arrange the hire around it. Before requesting a quote, confirm the collection date and any time window the seller has set, then write both down alongside your preferred hire period. Ask the seller for the dimensions and approximate weight of each item, plus how many pieces there are in total, so you can pass accurate figures to the team. It is also worth noting the seller's phone number in case plans change on the day. Think about where the items are going afterwards and whether anyone will be there to receive them. Questions you might raise include which van sizes suit the load you have described and what access details are helpful to include with your enquiry.
Checking Entrance and Item Dimensions
Before settling on a vehicle, take a tape measure to the items you plan to move and record each measurement, including height, width and depth for anything bulky. Note whether furniture can be separated into smaller pieces, such as legs that unscrew, and write down the number of boxes or bags accompanying them. It can also be useful to ask whoever controls the destination about entrances, doorways, lifts or gates, since they know their property and can confirm what fits through. Keep these figures together with your dates so the whole enquiry is in one place. When contacting the team, you could ask which van options they would suggest for the dimensions you have listed and whether they need any further measurements before confirming a 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.