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 Details for a Business Delivery
If your delivery serves a commercial customer, gather the key details before you contact the hire team. Write down the hire dates and times, the address, and the name and phone number of whoever receives the goods at the far end. Note the access arrangements: whether there is a loading bay, a shared entrance or restricted hours, and any gate codes the driver of your own arrangements might need. List the items being sent, their approximate dimensions and how many there are. Questions to raise include whether a crew van is available if colleagues travel along, what happens if the recipient is unreachable, and which vehicle options the team could suggest for a load of this size. Clear information keeps the quote accurate.
Measuring Bulky Items Before You Enquire
Before choosing a van, measure the largest items you plan to move and write the figures down rather than estimating. Note length, width and height for each piece, plus anything protruding such as handles, feet or packaging, and record whether any item can be tilted or dismantled. A sofa, a wardrobe and a stack of flat-pack boxes each present different considerations, so list them separately with their dimensions. If some goods go to one address and the rest to another, mark which measurements belong to each drop, along with the relevant contact details. When you enquire, share the full list and ask which vehicle options the team would suggest for a load of these dimensions, whether a dropside is among the options for awkward shapes, and whether the dates you have in mind work. Precise measurements help the team answer your questions.
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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.