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.
Fitting the van to your route
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 and Belongings
A written list of what you intend to move saves a great deal of back-and-forth later. Go through each room and count the boxes, noting anything unusually shaped that will not fit a standard carton, such as mirrors, plants or a bicycle. Measure the longest and tallest items and record these dimensions, because they matter when choosing between a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van. Write down the hire dates you have in mind, including any spare day in case the move runs longer than expected. Access arrangements belong on the list too: gates, narrow lanes or parking restrictions at either end are worth describing. With this information gathered, you can ask the team to match the job to a vehicle and raise any remaining questions alongside your quote request.
Measuring Entrances and Awkward Items
Before you finalise a van hire, it is worth checking that your largest items can leave one building and enter another. Take a tape measure to the doorways, hallways and stair turns at both addresses and record the figures, since a sofa or wardrobe that cannot pass through a door may need a different plan altogether. Measure each awkward item separately, noting its length, width, height and whether it can be tilted or dismantled, and keep these notes with your inventory. If furniture has removable legs or shelves, mark that down as well. Where an item simply will not fit, consider whether it could travel on a dropside if one is available. These measurements and any access questions can then be shared with the team when you ask about a vehicle.
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What to confirm on the phone
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.