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 Detailed Load Inventory
Before anything is packed, start a written inventory of what will travel in the van. List furniture by item, measure the largest pieces, and count boxes by room rather than as one total, since the breakdown is easier to check against later. Note anything fragile or oddly shaped, and record approximate dimensions for each significant piece, because those figures feed directly into the conversation about which van suits the job. Photographing items before a move can also help you verify their condition afterwards. Keep the inventory with you on the day and tick entries off as they come off at the other end, so nothing is left behind unnoticed. If you are still deciding whether certain items will go, list them as optional rather than omitting them, since the final count may change what you discuss with the team.
Noting What Is Needed First at the Destination
It is worth recording which items you will want access to soonest once you arrive. If the kettle, bedding or a child's cot should be reachable on the first evening, mark those on your inventory so they stand out from everything else. Similarly, if certain boxes belong in specific rooms, label them clearly and keep a note of which labels correspond to which rooms, so the layout at the far end is straightforward to work through. Where some items are destined for a storage unit and others for a house, separate them on the list and note the addresses for each. If a recipient is taking delivery of particular pieces, add their contact details beside those entries. These notes are simply a record to guide the day, and any questions about access at the destination itself can be put to the people there.
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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.