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.
Preparing a business delivery
If the van is for a commercial run, prepare the delivery details before anything else. Write down the items going out, the delivery addresses in the order you expect to visit them, and any time windows the recipients have given you. Check with each destination about where a van can stop and who will receive the goods, then pass anything relevant to the team arranging the vehicle. Consider whether the run fits comfortably into one day or would sit better across two shorter hires. Presenting the schedule when you enquire means the vehicle, the dates and the delivery plan can be discussed together, and any awkward access or timing can be raised while there is still time to adjust.
Coordinating helpers
Should friends or colleagues be helping with the move, agree their availability before you fix the hire dates. A van booked for a morning only works if the people doing the lifting are there too, so match the vehicle period to the hours your helpers can commit. Share the address list with everyone involved and decide who meets at which property, particularly if there are several stops. Ask helpers to flag any change of plan early, since one late dropout can stretch the schedule. When you speak to the team, mention the shape of the day and who is involved, as it helps the whole arrangement reflect how the job will actually run rather than how it looks on paper.
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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.