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.
Coordinating helpers on the day
Who is actually going to be there when the van arrives? Settling that question early makes every other part of a move easier. Confirm which friends or colleagues can help, agree arrival times with them, and make sure everyone knows the address at both ends of the journey. If helpers are only available for part of the day, plan the heaviest items for the period when the most hands are present. Ask anyone at the destination, such as a partner or a storage facility contact, to expect you and to be reachable on the day. Passing a clear picture of the job to the hire team also helps, since they can then suggest a vehicle that suits the workload you have described.
Allowing time for packing and loading
Almost every move takes longer than the estimate people give themselves, so build slack into the schedule from the start. Rather than treating packing and loading as a single morning's work, spread preparation across the days before the van arrives, starting with items you will not need. On the day itself, plan for loading to take a good while longer than unloading, as decisions about where things go slow everything down. Keep a box of essentials separate so nothing urgent ends up buried at the front of the load. If the hire period could run tight, mention this when you enquire, as the team can talk through the timing options available. A realistic plan is far better than a rushed one.
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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.