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.
Organising a household move by van
Start by listing what is actually moving, room by room, including anything awkward like wardrobes, mattresses or shelving. Note the approximate dimensions and how many boxes you expect, then use that list when describing the job. Ask everyone helping on the day to confirm their availability early, since a move depends on several people being free at once. Agree a loading order with the people at the other end so the van is packed with the first drop-offs in mind. If some items are staying behind or going elsewhere, mark them clearly before the day. A clear inventory also helps you judge whether one trip will be enough or whether the schedule should allow for a second run.
Preparing a business delivery run
For commercial work, put the delivery schedule in writing before the van is booked. List each drop-off point, the expected items at each one and any time windows the recipients have given you. Contact the receiving sites to check their arrangements, including where vehicles should stop and who will receive the goods. Share the full run details when you enquire so the hire covers every leg without gaps. Think about how the day would be affected if a recipient is unavailable, and have a fallback contact for each address. When the run involves several customers, a written order of stops keeps the driver and the recipients working from the same plan and reduces delays across the day.
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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.