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.
Measuring hobby equipment first
The choice between a Transit and a Luton frequently hinges on measurements, so gather yours before anything else. List every piece of hobby equipment you intend to move, whether that is cycling gear, woodworking tools, camping kit or model aircraft, and record each item's length, width and height as best you can. Where something is stored disassembled, note both the packed and assembled sizes. Count duplicates such as chairs, trestles or storage boxes, since totals matter as much as individual dimensions. Add the hire dates you are considering and whether the equipment travels to one destination or several, along with a contact name at each end if known. When you contact the team about access arrangements, these recorded details let you ask precise questions and receive a vehicle suggestion based on what you actually plan to carry.
Writing a household move inventory
An inventory is the backbone of a household move, and starting it early keeps the hire enquiry grounded. Go room by room and list the furniture, boxes and appliances you expect to take, marking anything that can be flat-packed or dismantled beforehand. Note approximate sizes for the larger pieces and a rough count of boxes by type, such as books, kitchenware or clothing. Alongside the inventory, record the addresses involved, the access arrangements at each, and a phone number for anyone receiving items at the far end, whether that is a family member or a storage facility contact. If some belongings are still undecided, keep a separate maybe column rather than guessing. When you ask about a small van, Luton or crew van, the team can respond to a clear picture of the job rather than a vague outline of it.
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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.