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.
Taking measurements before you enquire
Begin with the awkward pieces rather than the easy ones. Anything oversized, rigid or oddly shaped tends to dictate the vehicle, so think first about whether beds can be dismantled, whether table legs unscrew and whether drawers come out of chests to lighten and slim them down. Where a supplier is delivering boxed goods, check the packaged size instead of the dimensions listed on the product page, because packaging can add noticeably to bulk. Note lengths separately for anything long, whether that is a rolled rug, a ladder or a length of timber, since an item that fits the load area in width may still be too long to carry safely. Writing each measurement beside the item it belongs to keeps your enquiry clear and helps the team suggest a suitable van from the range on offer.
Weighing one trip against several
How many journeys you are willing to make shapes the hire almost as much as the cargo itself. A household clearing a whole property faces a different decision from someone fetching a single sofa, and the right answer depends on how the day is organised. If helpers are only free for part of the day, a larger vehicle used once may be simpler than repeated runs squeezed around their availability. Think too about what genuinely needs moving now and what could follow later, since splitting the load might let you hire something smaller for the urgent portion. When you contact the team, describe what you are carrying and how much time you have, and they can talk through whether a single bigger van or a couple of shorter hires fits better. Having the delivery contact reachable helps if timings need adjusting on the day.
Explore other van hire areas
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.