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.
Measure Entrances and Items Before Booking
Which measurements matter before you book? Start with the items. Record the height, width and depth of each large piece, noting whether anything can be flat-packed or has parts that come off, such as sofa feet or wardrobe doors. Then measure the constraints at both ends: doorways, gates, corridor turns, stairwells and any low ceilings. If part of the job involves collecting from a shop, storage unit or private seller, ask that site directly about access, parking and opening hours, since the hire team cannot confirm these for you. Send the full set of figures with your enquiry, and the team can help match the job to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available. Anything you have not measured should be flagged as an estimate.
One Journey or Several: Weighing the Options
Could one journey cover the whole job, or would several suit you better? Treat this as a planning choice rather than a rule. List what needs to move, then consider whether all of it belongs on the same day. Some customers split a house move into stages, taking fragile or urgent pieces first and leaving bulkier loads for later; others prefer to clear everything in a single hire period. Note the dates you have in mind for each stage, the total number of items, and whether any collection points have limited opening hours. Mention this breakdown when you enquire, along with the access arrangements at each stop, so the team can advise on vehicle suitability and hire length. How the stages divide up is yours to decide before booking.
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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.