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.
Carrying hobby equipment to events
The first decision is usually one trip or two. If you are moving hobby equipment to a fair, a match or a seasonal storage unit, list everything before choosing a vehicle, since awkward shapes often take up more room than their size suggests. Mention the longest and widest items when you enquire so the team can suggest a suitable body type. It also helps to say if anything needs keeping flat or separate from other cargo. Ask the venue or recipient where you can pull up and how long you can stay, as this shapes your schedule on the day. Describing your requirements clearly makes the vehicle choice far easier.
Allowing enough time for packing and loading
How long does packing a van actually take? Most people underestimate it. An unhurried morning of wrapping, grouping and carrying items to the door saves a rushed afternoon at the van itself. Set your collection time with a buffer in mind, particularly if you are also dismantling furniture or emptying a garage. If friends are helping, agree a start time in advance rather than assuming availability on the day. Keeping a note of what goes in last means you can reverse the process quickly at the other end. Build spare time into the hire period too, so a delayed handover does not put pressure on your return.
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.