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.
Measuring your largest items
Before choosing a van, take a tape measure to the biggest things you plan to move and write the figures down. Wardrobes, sofas, mattresses and dining tables are the usual shape-setters, so measure their height, width and depth rather than guessing. If an item comes apart, note whether you have the tools and time to dismantle it, since a bed frame in pieces takes up far less room than one left whole. Compare your measurements against the load space descriptions the team provides rather than assuming every van in a category is identical. Mention any unusually long or tall items when you enquire, as these often determine which vehicles are even worth considering. A few minutes with a tape measure saves a great deal of uncertainty on moving day.
Packing boxes efficiently
Once your belongings are boxed, sort them so the van can be loaded in a logical order without any special technique. Group boxes by the room they belong to at the destination and label each one clearly on more than one side, so the labels stay visible however the boxes sit. Set aside anything you will need immediately, such as kettle, tools or paperwork, and tell whoever is unloading that these should come off first. Consider which boxes contain fragile items and keep the recipient informed so nothing heavy ends up resting on them. If some things are going to storage rather than a new home, separate those boxes into their own group. Communicating the layout to everyone helping means the unloading end goes quickly and calmly.
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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.