A van booked for an early morning collection can make or break a moving day, so it pays to think through the details before you commit. This guide walks through what to sort out in advance, from measuring what you're carrying to working out who drives and where they'll park.
Put the Load on Paper and Measure It
Before you ring anyone, list everything going into the van. A wardrobe, six boxes and a dismantled bedframe reads differently to a guess. Measure the longest item, especially anything rigid like a sofa or a plank. Write the figures down, then compare them with the load bay dimensions of the van you're considering.
Raise the Licence and Deposit Questions Early
Different van sizes carry different licence requirements, so ask which categories apply before you pick. If you passed your test after a certain point in the 1990s, there may be limits on what you can drive. Also ask how the deposit works, what card it needs, and roughly when the money comes back to you.
Build the Day Around the Hour the Van Returns
Say you collect at seven in the morning and return it by five; that gives you a working window, not an endless one. Sketch the day backwards from drop-off, leaving slack for traffic or a second trip to the tip. Whoever is loading first should be ready when the van arrives, not still hunting for straps.
Be Honest About the Driver and the Access at Both Ends
If your neighbour offers to drive the larger van because you'd rather navigate, mention this when booking, since additional drivers usually need adding in advance. Then think about driveways, gates and low branches at each address. A lane that fits a car may still defeat a Luton, so describe the access honestly.
Questions before you book
How do I plan a van hire booking in Cranage?
Start with your load list and measurements, confirm the licence category you hold, then arrange collection for an hour that suits the whole day, such as an early start before traffic builds.
What size van should I ask for in Cranage?
Match the van to your longest item rather than the number of boxes. Ask the depot to compare your measurements against their fleet, since the exact vans on site vary by date.
