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.
Picking a suitable van
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 Bulky Items Before You Book
The first decision worth settling is which of your items are the awkward ones, because a single large wardrobe or a long workbench can shape the whole hire. Before asking for a quote, take a tape measure to anything that will not fold down, noting the height, width and depth of each piece. Write the figures on the same list as the item names so nothing gets forgotten when you ring or email. If furniture comes apart, note which sections detach and roughly how big each section becomes. A written list of quantities also helps, since three identical boxes and one odd-shaped chair tell a clearer story than a general description. With those numbers recorded, the team can talk through the options rather than guess.
Planning a Furniture Collection With a Seller
If you are collecting something second-hand from a seller, the date and time you agree with them should come before anything else, since hire days usually need to fit around that arrangement. Note the seller's phone number and any preference they have stated about morning or afternoon, plus whether they expect the item to be collected from a house, a shop or a garage. It is worth recording the full address and any details about parking or gates the seller mentions. Ask whether the item is already dismantled and, if not, whether tools or fixings are involved. Once you have those answers, you can pass the collection details and dimensions together when requesting a vehicle, which keeps the whole enquiry in one place.
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Last checks 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.