The right van depends less on the town and more on what goes in the back and who rides up front. Work through the load and the crew first, and the size question for an Alton job usually answers itself.
Long, flat materials
Sheet goods set the minimum load length. Coomers, whose Alton branch is on Waterbrook Road, GU34 2UD, lists board cutting among its services, so an order may be supplied in sizes you have specified rather than full sheets. Check the cut dimensions on your order, then compare the longest piece with the internal load length the hirer quotes. Boards resting between the wheel arches need enough width as well.
Dense, heavy loads
The same branch also lists brick matching and click-and-collect. Bricks take up little room but add weight quickly, so payload matters more than volume. Ask the hire company for the payload of each van on your shortlist and work out a rough total from the quantity on your order. Compare the published figures rather than assuming a bigger body always carries more.
Bulky household items
Collecting from storage is a different puzzle. Where an operator describes indoor storage for household and business items, as Barn Store Alton does, the load could mix furniture, mattresses and boxes. Here internal height and overall volume count most. Measure the tallest piece both upright and on its side, and ask whether a tail lift is offered if anything is too heavy to lift safely.
Passengers and drivers
Count heads before choosing. Cab seating varies between models, so ask how many seats each option has, and arrange other transport for any helpers who will not fit. Tell the hirer who will drive, and check any age or licence conditions on larger vehicles along with the charge for a second driver.
Questions before you book
Which matters more, load space or payload?
It depends on the job. Sheet materials test length, bricks test payload and furniture tests height and volume, so measure against whichever figure limits you.
Can helpers travel in the van?
Only in proper seats in the cab. Confirm the seat count for each van and plan separate travel for anyone left over.
