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 a business delivery run
Say a customer has ordered several pieces of equipment and expects them on a given morning; that expectation is where the notes begin. Record the hire date and any delivery window, then list every item with its dimensions and a rough weight if the supplier has provided one. Note the recipient's full name, telephone number and address, and contact them directly about gates, parking or access at their premises, since those arrangements rest with them. If the load mixes items for different customers, mark which pieces belong to which drop and the order you plan to visit them. When asking for a quote, include the whole list and put open questions to the team, such as whether a Transit or crew van is available and whether anything about the job needs clarifying first.
Organising a household move
If a house move is coming up, a room-by-room inventory can be built well before the van is booked. Go through each space and note the furniture, boxes and awkward pieces, recording measurements for the largest items such as wardrobes, sofas and mattresses. Label each entry with the room it belongs to and, if helpful, the new room it is destined for. Write down the move date and any backup date, plus the address details and contact numbers for both ends of the journey. Access questions at the new property belong to the people there, so ask them about parking or entry directly. For the quote, share the inventory and ask which of the small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van options might suit the load, keeping the decision open until availability is confirmed.
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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.