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.
Getting a business delivery ready
If a delivery of stock or equipment is on the horizon, a short conversation with the recipient settles most of the unknowns. Ask where the vehicle should park, which entrance the goods should go through, and who will be there to receive them. Find out whether the site has any restrictions on arrival times or vehicle sizes, and whether a lift, trolley or extra pair of hands will be available at the far end. Write down the full list of items, including anything fragile or boxed, and share it with the team so the vehicle can be matched to the consignment. Where the recipient cannot answer a question, it is better to raise it when you enquire than to discover a gap on delivery day.
Thinking through the unloading order
The order in which goods come off the van is worth planning before loading begins, not when you arrive at the destination. Items destined for the furthest room or the top floor generally need to come off first, while things going straight into a storeroom or handed over at the door can wait. Talk with the recipient about where each category of goods will end up, and mark or label boxes by destination so nothing gets buried. If some items are being delivered to a second address, keep those near the doors so they can be lifted out without unpacking the rest. Describing this sequence to the team when you enquire helps them judge how much space and access the job really needs.
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.