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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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.
Recording your boxes before moving day
Start with a written list of everything going into the van. Count your boxes, estimate their sizes, and measure any furniture, appliances or awkwardly shaped pieces so each item has a note beside it. Mark which boxes are fragile and which rooms they came from, because a room-by-room record makes it far easier to track progress while loading and unpacking. If some belongings are bound for storage rather than your new address, keep those separate on paper as well. When you get in touch with the team, share the hire dates, both addresses and any access details you already know, and describe roughly what you plan to carry so the right size of van can be suggested for the job ahead.
Checking entrances and item dimensions early
Before moving day, walk the route at both ends and look honestly at the space. Check gate widths, narrow lanes, shared driveways and anywhere a van might struggle to park or turn, and note anything the driver should know in advance. Inside, measure doorways, hallways, staircases and lifts so you know whether large furniture will pass through, come apart, or need a different approach entirely. Compare those measurements with the pieces on your list and flag anything questionable early, when there is still time to plan around it. Passing all of this on when you book helps the team picture the job properly, suggest a suitable van from the range, and avoid surprises on a day when you would rather be concentrating on the move itself.
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Things to check 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.