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.
Listing hobby equipment before you book
Start with a simple decision: will every piece of hobby equipment travel on the same day, or could some items wait for a later hire? If you are moving sailing gear, model railway boards, cycling kit or band equipment, note each item's approximate length, height and width rather than guessing. Measure anything awkward, such as a folded trailer, a long workbench or a boxed model aircraft, and write the figures down before you request a quote. Add a note about how many bags of loose accessories come along, since small items add up quickly. You can then share the recorded dimensions with the team and ask what they would suggest for the van categories you have in mind, and adjust the dates if a different day would change what needs to travel.
Notes that shape the unloading order
Before the hire begins, think about what you want to record about the order in which things will be needed at the destination. If furniture is going into storage, it may help to note which boxes should be reachable first, and you can label them accordingly with your own system. For a delivery to a customer or a friend, collect the recipient's name and phone number in advance so arrangements can be confirmed on the day. Ask yourself whether any item has to come off the van early, such as tools needed for a fitting job, and put that on paper too. None of this guarantees how the day runs, but clear notes give you something to refer to, and any questions about access at the destination itself are best directed to the people based 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.