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.
Listing Everything You Plan to Move
Start your hire enquiry with a complete written list of the items going into the van. For a house move, work through each room and record furniture, appliances and boxes with a note of any piece that is unusually long, wide or heavy. Measure wardrobes, sofas and mattresses where you can, since dimensions matter when a vehicle group is being chosen. Count the boxes as you pack them and keep the tally updated, because a figure from a fortnight ago rarely matches the final number. Set aside anything fragile with a label so it stands out on the list. Presenting this inventory with your dates and access details gives the team a concrete basis for suggesting a van, and it leaves fewer questions open at the quoting stage.
Planning the Timeline Around Your Boxes
Once your belongings are boxed, think through the sequence of the day rather than the packing alone. Write down when the van is due, roughly how long you expect each stage to take, and the order of addresses from first pickup to final drop-off. If items are heading to a storage unit, record the site's opening hours and your access details, and note the same for anyone receiving furniture at the other end. Decide in advance which boxes travel in which vehicle if you are considering more than one trip, and keep an essentials box separate with the things you will want first. Ask the storage facility or recipient about parking and entry arrangements yourself. Sharing this timeline when you book helps confirm whether the hire window you have chosen covers the full job.
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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.