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.
Planning a collection with a seller
Say you have arranged to collect a wardrobe from a seller a few streets away; a short list of questions for them can remove most of the guesswork. Ask for the item's height, width and depth, whether the doors or legs come off, and whether it will be moved to the doorway before you arrive. Note the agreed collection time, the seller's phone number and any helpers they expect to be present. If the item sits in a garage or an upstairs room, record that too, since the route out may involve turns worth measuring. Keep the seller's answers together with your quote request so the team can respond to the full picture, and list anything the seller could not confirm as an outstanding point rather than filling the gap with assumptions.
Moving boxed belongings
If your belongings are already boxed, a simple count and description of the boxes often tells the team more than a guess at van size. Note how many boxes there are, roughly what each contains, and whether any are unusually heavy or fragile. Measuring a few representative boxes, particularly the largest, gives useful dimensions to include in your enquiry. Where some boxes are bound for storage and others for a new address, keep the two groups tallied separately and record which destination each count belongs to. Add the dates you have in mind, the addresses involved and a contact number for each end if someone will meet you there. Any uncertainty about access at either address is best listed as an open question in the quote.
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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.