Choosing a van is easier once you separate what must fit from what could wait for a second run. Work through the checklist below in order, and you will arrive at the hire desk knowing exactly which vehicle suits your job and your timetable.
Start With the Load, Not the Vehicle
Measure the longest, tallest and heaviest items before anything else. A wardrobe that just clears the load length on paper may still jam against wheel arches, so check internal width too. Weight deserves equal attention: dense materials such as sand, tiles or machinery can reach the payload limit while the cargo area still looks half empty. Note which goods cannot be stacked, as these define the floor space you genuinely need.
Time the Job Around Real Availability
Fix your dates as early as you can, then confirm them against the supplier's calendar. Weekends and school holidays see demand spike, so a vehicle you assume will be waiting may already be spoken for. If your schedule has any give, ask which days are quieter and whether midweek collection makes the whole exercise simpler.
Agree the Booking Terms Before You Commit
Read the conditions rather than skimming them. Check what licence categories are accepted, which documents you must present, and how the deposit is taken and returned. Look closely at insurance excess and any protection products on offer, plus the fuel policy at handover. If your plans might shift, raise extension and cancellation terms now rather than later; most providers can accommodate changes, but only when the agreement allows it.
Bring the Right Details to Your Enquiry
A precise question gets a precise answer. When you first make contact, have your approximate load dimensions, your collection and return windows, and your driving licence details to hand. Ask specifically about vehicle dimensions in metres, gearbox type, and whether tail lifts or side doors are available on the models in question. Write down the answers, because these details settle most debates later.
Questions before you book
Which van size should I book for a house move from Caterham?
Measure your largest furniture pieces and your heaviest boxes separately, then match both against the payload and internal load dimensions the hire company quotes. A van that copes with the weight but not the length, or the reverse, will force a second trip regardless.
Can I change my collection date after booking a van in Caterham?
Policies differ between providers, so raise date flexibility during your first enquiry and get the terms confirmed in writing. Early communication gives the depot the best chance of holding a vehicle for your revised window, particularly during busy periods.
