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.
Keeping a Load Inventory
Begin with a written list of everything the van needs to carry, noting each item's name and any quantities involved. For a house move, this might mean recording two wardrobes, a double mattress, six boxes of kitchenware and a folding table; for trade work, it could be tools, materials and packaged stock. Furniture collections and storage runs benefit from the same approach, since a clear inventory helps the team understand the scale of the job. Business deliveries should include the number of parcels. It is also worth noting access arrangements at each end, such as who to contact on arrival, and raising any open questions with the team when requesting a quote, so nothing important is left to assumption on the day.
Planning the Unloading Order
Rather than deciding how items will be handled, customers can record information that keeps the day organised. Write down the sequence of stops, which items belong at each address, and the contact details of anyone receiving goods, so that furniture collections and business deliveries can be confirmed with the right people on arrival. For storage runs, note the unit number and opening arrangements, and for house moves, list which rooms items are destined for at the new property. Quantities matter here too: if twelve boxes are going to one address and three to another, noting this prevents confusion later. Questions about the hire dates, the access arrangements at each location and what the van needs to carry can all be raised with the team, who will help match the job to the right vehicle where available.
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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.