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.
Picking a suitable van
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.
Comparing a Single Trip With Multiple Runs
Your first decision is often whether to move everything at once or spread the work over several runs. Start by listing every item, noting approximate dimensions for large furniture and a rough count of boxes, bags and tools. That inventory lets you discuss with the team whether one Luton for a single day or a small van across two days suits the job. Think about the schedule for each leg: a storage run in the morning and a furniture collection in the afternoon could sit on one hire or two, depending on your dates. You might ask whether a booking can be extended partway through, what happens if a collection is delayed, and how access arrangements at each stop should be recorded. Clear notes make the quote more precise.
Allowing Time for Packing and Preparation
Building padding into your schedule is a decision worth making before you confirm hire dates. Rather than booking a van for the exact hours you expect packing to take, consider adding a buffer at either end of the day. Write down when packing will start, who is helping, and which rooms or items still need attention, so you can judge realistically how long it will run. Record the items that need dismantling, along with their dimensions once flat, and any bags or boxes still to be sourced. If helpers are only free for part of the day, note their windows. Questions for the team might include whether an earlier start or later finish is possible, how a change of dates is handled, and what access details they need for each address on your list.
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Last checks 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.