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.
Getting organised for a household move
Where should you start when a house move needs a van? With an inventory. Go room by room and list what will travel, grouping items into furniture, boxes, appliances and anything awkward such as mirrors or lamps. Against each large piece, note its approximate dimensions and whether it can be dismantled. Set your preferred dates, and think about whether one long day or two shorter ones suits your situation better, noting both as options. If items are going to different addresses, perhaps a new home and a storage unit, record a contact name and number for each destination. When you ring the hire team, this inventory becomes the basis of the conversation, and any questions they ask about quantities or sizes can be answered straight from your notes.
Deciding between a single run and several
Is one trip realistic, or would several smaller runs suit your move? To answer that, split your inventory into hypothetical loads and look at what each contains. If the furniture fills most of one load on its own, a second run for boxes might be worth planning; if the totals look modest, a single trip could be the natural choice. Consider your dates too: a hire spanning two days opens the option of spreading the work, while a one-day booking keeps everything on a single timetable. Note how urgently each group of items is needed at the new address, since some things may be able to wait. Present both versions when you enquire, and ask how each would affect the vehicle category and hire period under discussion.
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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.