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.
Comparing one trip with several
A key decision to make before contacting the team is whether everything will travel in a single journey or across several. Start by listing each item you expect to move, including approximate dimensions for anything bulky such as wardrobes or workbenches. If the list looks long, note which pieces could wait for a second visit and which must go on the first run. Consider the dates involved: does spreading the work over two days suit your schedule, or does everything need to happen within one hire period? Where a recipient is accepting delivery, record their phone number so they can confirm timing. You can then ask whether one larger vehicle or repeated use of a smaller one better matches your plan.
Organising a household move
When a whole house is changing address, the paperwork you keep matters as much as the vehicle. Walk through each room and write down what will travel, grouping items by fragility and destination room, and note the size of any oversized pieces. Decide the hire dates once you have an estimated volume rather than before, since a half-empty van is easier to extend than an overloaded plan. If friends are helping, agree in advance which day each person is free and who holds the keys at both ends. Record the contact details for anyone at the new property, such as a landlord or agent. Useful questions for a quote include whether the dates you prefer fall within a single booking and which vehicle size suits your measured list.
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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.