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.
List Every Boxed Item in Advance
If your belongings are going into boxes, a written inventory is the place to begin. Count the boxes room by room and note any that are unusually large or heavy, along with furniture that cannot be flat-packed. Where possible, measure the biggest items so you can pass the figures on when you enquire. Mark fragile boxes in your notes and keep a separate tally of items staying behind. If some boxes are being collected from a shop, a friend's house or a storage unit, record the contact name and number at each address. Once your list is complete, share it with the team along with your dates and access arrangements, and ask any questions you have about matching the load to a vehicle.
Deciding Between One Run and More
Consider early on whether the plan involves a single journey or several. If you are determined to move everything at once, state that clearly, as it shapes the vehicle you ask about. If the dates are flexible, you might instead split the load: non-urgent boxes one weekend, furniture the next, for example. Sketch the sequence of addresses you expect to visit and roughly what goes where, which keeps your own planning tidy. It also helps to note opening hours for any storage facility involved, since these can constrain the schedule. Whether one trip or several works out best depends on your circumstances, and any questions about the options can be raised with the team before you finalise the hire.
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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.