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.
Recording Item and Opening Dimensions
Do you know the measurements of everything going on the van? Spend an hour before your hire date with a tape measure and a notebook. Record the height, width and depth of each significant item, from sofas and fridges to boxed tools and flat-pack furniture, and label each entry clearly. Then measure the relevant openings: the doorways, gates, corridors and stairwells the items must pass through at both ends of the journey. If anything is being collected from a shop or storage facility, ask them for the packaged dimensions rather than estimating. Keep this list with you when you enquire, because an accurate description of the load and access arrangements lets the team discuss which van options might suit the job and flag anything that needs further thought.
Building a Written Load Inventory
What exactly is coming with you, and where is each piece going? A load inventory is simply a written list of every item, and it is worth preparing even for a modest job. Group entries by destination if the van will make more than one stop, and mark which pieces belong to which address. Note the condition of valuable or fragile pieces, which can be useful if a dispute ever arises, and tick items off as they are handled. If the job involves several people, give a copy of the list to each of them so everyone works from the same record. An inventory also helps you notice forgotten items, such as the lampshade left in a spare room, before the hire period ends and the van goes back.
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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.