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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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.
Getting your helpers organised
Who is actually free on moving day? That question deserves an answer before anything else is arranged. Confirm your helpers a few days ahead, agree a meeting time, and make sure everyone knows the address at both ends. If people are coming from different directions, a group message with the plan avoids a string of calls on the morning. Give each person a sense of how long the job should take so nobody has to leave halfway through the unload. It also helps to have a second contact for anyone at the destination, whether that is a neighbour holding a key or the recipient of the furniture. When you speak to the team, mention how many people will be travelling in the van, since crew options may be relevant.
Thinking through the unload in advance
The order in which things come off the van shapes the whole afternoon at the other end. Before you load, ask the recipient which rooms the items are going to and which pieces are needed first. Items destined for upstairs generally come off early, while anything going straight into storage can wait. If several deliveries or drop-offs are planned, agree the sequence with everyone involved so the driver is not making decisions on the doorstep. Find out whether there is a suitable place to stop at the destination and whether anyone will be there to receive the goods. A short call to the recipient covering these points makes the day run far more predictably.
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Things to check 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.