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.
Measuring Bulky Items Ahead of Your Move
The first job is often the tape measure. Before contacting the team, measure the height, width and depth of your biggest items, taking the figures at the widest points and including handles, feet and any fixed protrusions. Sofas, wardrobes, fridges and mattresses are the usual candidates, so note each one separately on paper. Where furniture comes apart, record the dimensions of the largest remaining section and note which pieces dismantle. Do not forget vertical measurements, since ceiling height in a van matters for tall items like bookcases. Estimate the total number of boxes and bags as well. Supplying these figures with your access arrangements and hire dates lets the team judge between a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available.
Weighing One Trip Against Several
Once you know what needs to move, think about how many journeys you are prepared to make. If some items are going to storage and others to a new address, note the destinations and what belongs where, since a split load changes the arithmetic. Consider whether everything must travel on one date or whether the move can span two days, and whether anyone is available to help at each end on each occasion. Record your preferred hire dates and any deadline, such as a handover of keys. There is no single right answer: one larger van and a single journey suits some situations, while several smaller runs suit others, particularly if access is tight. Sharing your thinking with the team helps them match the job to the right vehicle.
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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.