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.
Prepare a business delivery properly
If the van is needed for a business delivery, start by writing out what each drop involves. List the goods, their approximate volume and the order in which customers expect them, since a planned route with the first drop last causes needless handling. Contact each recipient ahead of the run to agree where the van should stop, who will receive the goods and whether any paperwork is expected at handover. Note any time windows the customers have mentioned and build the route around them. If a delivery address has restricted access or specific unloading arrangements, record what the contact tells you rather than assuming. Pass the summary to the team with your enquiry, so the vehicle suggested matches the shape of the round rather than just its total volume.
Organise a household move room by room
If a house move is behind the hire, work through the property one room at a time and list what will travel on the day. Label boxes by destination room so helpers at the new address know where each one belongs without asking. Set aside anything needed immediately, such as kettle, bedding and tools, and tell the team this group exists so it can be discussed as part of the plan. Note the access at both addresses, including where the van can park and any distance to the door, and share what you learn from the contacts there. Agree the moving date and a fallback with everyone involved. A room-by-room list turns a vague job into something the team can match to a vehicle confidently.
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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.