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.
Organising a Household Move
Planning a house move with a hired van starts with a clear written plan rather than guesswork. Begin by listing every room and noting roughly how many boxes, bags and pieces of furniture each one contains. Set the moving date early, and decide whether the whole move happens in one day or across several hire periods. Record the address arrangements at both ends, including any time windows you have agreed with the buyer, landlord or estate agent. If friends are helping, confirm who is available and when, so the van hire dates line up with their schedules. Keep a separate list of items going to storage or for disposal, since these may need different arrangements. Sharing this outline with the team helps them suggest the right vehicle group.
Measuring Bulky Items Before You Book
How do you know whether your furniture will suit the van you have in mind? The answer is a tape measure and a written record. Measure the length, width and height of each bulky item, including sofas, wardrobes, mattresses, fridges and any flat-pack boxes still in their packaging, and note the figures alongside the item names. Remember to allow for protruding parts such as legs, handles and headboards, and record whether anything can be dismantled before the move. Count the number of large pieces separately from the boxes, as both figures matter when matching a van. If an item is unusually shaped, photograph it and describe the dimensions when you enquire. This information lets the team advise on vehicle choice without anyone guessing.
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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.