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.
Planning the Unloading Order
If you expect to unload in several stages, perhaps dropping some items at a new address and the rest at a storage unit, a written order of drops can be worth preparing before you contact the team. List what belongs to each stop, note any items that need to stay reachable, and mark anything fragile that you want to keep track of during the journey. Recording the sequence of stops, the approximate time you expect at each one, and the total hire window helps the team suggest whether a small van, Transit or Luton matches the job. You might also note whether any drop point has restricted hours or a specific contact who will receive goods, since those details often shape the schedule. The more complete your list, the more precise the match between job and vehicle.
Planning a Collection with a Seller
Suppose you have bought a large item from a private seller, such as a wardrobe, a dining table or a pallet of materials, and need to collect it yourself. Before requesting a hire, ask the seller for the item's dimensions, its approximate weight if known, and whether it comes apart into smaller pieces. Note the collection address, the times the seller is available, and whether the item is inside the property or waiting in a garage or driveway. It is also worth confirming who will be present to hand it over and whether they can assist with moving it to the van, if that is part of your arrangement. Sharing these details with the team, along with your hire dates and access arrangements, allows them to consider whether a crew van or dropside fits the job where available.
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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.