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.
Checking Dimensions Before You Book
Will your largest item actually fit through the spaces it must pass? Measuring before you enquire removes guesswork from the process. Take the height, width and depth of the bulkiest pieces you plan to move, then measure the doorways, corridors, gates and stairwells they will travel through at both ends. Note any awkward angles, low ceilings or tight landings on paper, and mention whether items can be dismantled into smaller sections. If you are collecting from a shop, yard or another property, ask the staff there about loading points and any restrictions they apply, since they know their site best. Recording all of this means the team receives a complete picture and can suggest a suitable van from the options available.
Listing Boxed Belongings
How many boxes are you really moving? When belongings are packed into cartons, an accurate count matters more than a rough guess. Work through each room and tally the boxes, noting roughly what each contains and whether any are fragile, heavy or an unusual shape. Label the totals by destination if the load is going to more than one address, perhaps some items headed to storage and others to a new home. Keep a note of loose pieces that will not be boxed, such as lamps, mirrors or garden tools, so they are not forgotten in the final count. If you are still packing, estimate conservatively and update the figure as cartons are sealed. This tally helps the team match the job to a van size when you ask.
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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.