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.
Organising a Household Move
Which rooms should you list first? A room-by-room inventory is a practical starting point for any move. Note each item you plan to take, recording approximate measurements for the bulky pieces such as beds, cabinets and appliances, and mark anything that comes apart into sections. Write down the addresses for collection and delivery, plus the dates you have in mind and any spare days if the schedule could move. If items are destined for a storage unit rather than a new home, list those separately with their unit reference. Ask helpers to confirm their availability and give you a contact number for the day. Sending this summary, along with your access arrangements, to the team when you enquire helps them match the load to a suitable van option.
Checking Entrance and Item Dimensions
Will that wardrobe actually fit through the door? Measuring before hire day turns guesswork into a clear record. Take the height, width and depth of your largest items, then measure the doorways, hallways and stairwells they will pass through at both ends of the journey, including any tight corners or narrow landings. Write each figure down rather than relying on memory, and note whether doors can be removed from hinges if needed. If something exceeds a measurement, you can decide whether to dismantle it in advance or leave it behind. Sharing these dimensions and your access arrangements with the team, together with the hire dates, helps them confirm which van option to offer for the 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.