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.
Measuring items and entrances first
Will everything actually fit through the door? That question is worth answering before hire day arrives. Measure your largest items and the entrances, stairwells or corridors they must pass through at both ends of the journey, then write the figures down. If a piece of furniture can be dismantled, note which parts come apart and how much room the pieces will take up once separated. Pass these measurements to the team when you enquire so they can suggest a suitable van for the load. It also helps to describe the type of items involved, since a mix of long, awkward shapes behaves differently from a set of uniform boxes.
Moving boxed belongings with a plan
A load of boxes is far easier to handle when someone has thought about the order of events. Decide in advance which items need to come off the van first at the destination, and label boxes by room so the recipient can direct things quickly on arrival. Tell that person roughly when to expect you and where the van will be able to stop, since unloading goes faster when someone is ready to receive the goods. Keep a note of how many boxes you have so nothing gets left behind. Communicating the plan with whoever is at the other end turns a simple move into a smooth one.
Explore other van hire areas
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.