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.
Planning the unloading order
Suppose you are moving a household's worth of items to a new address; the order in which everything comes off the van matters as much as how it went on. Think about which rooms you will want to set up first, typically the kitchen and bedrooms, and make sure those boxes are within reach when the doors open. Items bound for the loft or garage can wait their turn at the rear. If appliances or heavy furniture need to go upstairs, plan for that before the van arrives so the path is clear through the house. Tell anyone helping which items take priority so the first hour is spent where it counts. A rough sketch of the unloading sequence can save a surprising amount of rework on the day.
Coordinating helpers on the day
If friends or family are pitching in, agree the arrangements with them well before the van turns up. Set a start time and stick to it, and let each person know roughly how long you expect the job to take so they can plan their own day. Assign general roles in advance, such as who handles boxes, who directs traffic at the van and who looks after any children or pets. Make sure everyone knows the destination address and has a way of contacting you if plans shift. Provide refreshments if the work spans several hours, as goodwill goes further with a break built in. A coordinated group turns a long job into a much shorter one, and the day runs far more smoothly for it.
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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.