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.
Measuring Awkward Items in Advance
The first choice to make is which items in your load actually need measuring, and that usually means anything bulky or fixed in shape. Take a tape to sofas, wardrobes, fridges, desks and any flat-packed furniture, recording length, width and height for each. Where something can be dismantled, note the dimensions of the largest surviving piece instead of the assembled whole, and mark clearly on your list which items break down and which do not. Pay attention to protruding parts, such as table legs, door handles or bed frames with overhanging headboards, since these change the space an item effectively needs. A simple written record of these figures gives the team what they need to judge between a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available.
Comparing One Trip with Several
Once your item list is written, consider whether the job might run as a single journey or as several shorter ones, and note what each option would involve. One trip means everything travels together on one date; several trips spread the load across multiple hires or runs, which changes the dates you request and possibly the van size. Ask yourself whether all items must arrive together, whether some could wait a few days, and whether splitting the job by destination makes sense if items are heading to more than one address. Write down your preferred option and a fallback, then raise both when you enquire. The team can then look at availability and help you settle on the arrangement that matches your dates and load.
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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.