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.
Writing a load inventory first
Start with a written list of everything going into the van, room by room or job by job. An inventory does more than anything else to keep a hire on track, because it gives you a realistic sense of the volume involved. Note each item's rough size and any that are fragile, awkwardly shaped or able to be dismantled. Group similar things together, such as boxes, flat-pack furniture and loose tools, so you can see at a glance what dominates the load. Keep the list with you on the day and tick items off as they go in and come out again. Sending the same inventory to the team lets them advise on which van type fits the job.
Thinking through the unloading order
Spend a few minutes deciding what needs to come out of the van first at the other end. If certain boxes are wanted immediately, perhaps kettle, tools or documents, they should be within easy reach rather than buried behind everything else. Talk to the person receiving the goods about where each item is going, whether that is a particular room, a storage unit or a site area, since that shapes the order of work. Ask them about access arrangements at the destination too, including any parking constraints they know about. Agreeing the sequence in advance means the van can be emptied in a logical way rather than everything landing in one pile.
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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.