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.
Planning a collection from a seller
If you have bought a sofa or a set of drawers from a private seller, a little preparation before the hire date helps the collection go smoothly. Ask the seller for the exact address, a phone number you can reach on the day, and the collection window they will allow. Request the item's dimensions in writing, along with the number of pieces and whether anything detaches, then note it all down for your quote request. It is also worth asking whether the item is upstairs, in a garage or on the ground floor, purely so you can describe the situation accurately. Open questions for the team include which vehicle size suits the dimensions given and whether your preferred dates remain workable if the seller changes the collection time.
Preparing details for a business delivery
If the van is needed for a customer delivery, gather the paperwork before contacting the team. Start with the recipient's name, phone number and full delivery address, then record the items going out, their dimensions and the quantity of each. Note the date and time window the customer has agreed, plus any reference numbers they expect on arrival. If several drops are planned, list them in the order you intend to make them and keep each contact beside its entry. Questions you might raise with the team include whether a crew van suits a job with a second person, and how a change to the delivery date would be handled. A tidy set of notes lets you describe the job precisely when asking for a quote.
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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.