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.
Keeping a Load Inventory
Before anything else, write out what the van will carry. Whether you are moving house, delivering for your business or fetching furniture, an itemised list with quantities gives the team a clear picture. Group things by room, job or delivery address if that helps you keep track, and flag anything fragile or awkwardly shaped. Note the approximate size of the biggest pieces, and add a line for items you have not yet bought or collected, marked as possible. If the hire covers several jobs, list each one with its own dates and addresses. Keep the inventory with your enquiry notes, and update it if plans change before the van is booked, so the vehicle matched to your job reflects what you will actually carry.
Allowing Time for Each Stage of the Day
Timing deserves its own line in your plan. Work backwards from your deadlines: if furniture must reach the storage unit by closing time, note the closing time and the journey before it. Allow generous blocks for each stage of the day, including collecting the van, gathering everything at the start, and arriving at each address. If other people are involved, such as helpers or a recipient waiting for a delivery, record their availability and phone numbers so you can adjust if something slips. Decide whether the hire needs to span an extra day in case the schedule stretches, and ask the team what that would involve. Building slack into your own timings is a choice you control, and it is best planned before the booking is confirmed.
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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.