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 Bulky Items Before You Enquire
Deciding which measurements to write down is often the first job worth doing before you request a van. If you are moving a wardrobe, a sofa or a workbench, note the length, width and height of each piece, and include any parts that stick out, such as feet, handles or detachable legs. It also helps to record whether an item comes apart, since a bed frame that separates into pieces may be listed differently from one that stays whole. Add a rough count of everything on your list, including the awkward pieces and the smaller boxes, so nothing is guessed at later. With those figures to hand, you can ask the team which van sizes they would suggest for a load of those dimensions, and whether any single item raises a question they would want to look at before confirming.
Listing Your Load and Access Details
A written inventory gives you something concrete to refer to when you phone or email. Group your items by room or by job, mark anything fragile or unusually shaped, and note the quantity of each entry rather than relying on memory. Alongside the load itself, think about the access arrangements at both ends: whether there is a driveway, a shared entrance, a lift or a narrow corridor, and any time limits on parking. If someone needs to accept or hand over goods, include their name and contact number with your enquiry. It is also worth asking whether the hire dates you have in mind are typically busy, whether a longer hire period would change the vehicle suggested, and what the team would need from you to hold a booking once you have settled on a van.
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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.