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 House Move
Which details should you pull together before a household move? Begin with a room-by-room list of the furniture and boxes you intend to transport, noting anything with awkward dimensions such as wardrobes, sofas or dining tables. Record the number of boxes you expect, even as a rough estimate, and whether any items would need more than one person to move them. Confirm your preferred hire dates and think about whether you might need the van for an extra day if packing runs behind schedule. If storage is involved, ask the storage facility about their access hours and what they require on arrival, since those rules sit with them rather than the hire team. When requesting a quote, include this information and ask which van options could suit your list.
Coordinating the People Helping You
Who is assisting on the day, and what do they need to know? Make a note of each helper's availability across your chosen dates, including anyone who can only attend for part of the day. Share your item list with them in advance so they can flag concerns about particular pieces of furniture. Collect mobile numbers and a backup way of reaching each person, then agree a simple check-in arrangement for the morning of the move. If a helper is collecting or returning the van on your behalf, mention this when you enquire so the team can explain what documentation would be needed. Any questions about parking or entry at the properties themselves should go to the relevant contacts there, and you can ask the hire team about van availability for your dates.
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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.