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 your helpers organised
Who is actually going to be there on the day? That question deserves an answer before anything else is arranged. Helpers are often the difference between a job that finishes on schedule and one that runs long, so agree commitments early rather than assuming people will appear. Write down who has confirmed, what time each person can start, and how long they can stay, since a helper who can only spare the morning changes your loading order of priorities. If anyone is bringing their own vehicle for extra runs, factor that in when deciding how many trips the van itself needs to make. Communication matters just as much as numbers: tell everyone the address, the time, and what you expect them to do, and ask them to flag cancellations as soon as they know.
Planning a business delivery run
For business deliveries, the planning that matters is mostly about recipients. Contact each drop-off point in advance to establish when someone will be available to receive the goods, and ask whether the entrance they expect you to use has any particular arrangements, such as a preferred door or a named contact on site. Recording these details per stop turns a day of deliveries into a straightforward checklist. Group your drops into a sensible running order and allow more time than you think each one needs, because a single delayed handover can push every later stop back. It also helps to note what is going to each address, so that if a recipient queries an item you can resolve it on the spot.
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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.