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.
Listing hobby equipment before enquiring
The first decision worth making is exactly which pieces of hobby equipment are travelling and which can stay behind. Whether it is a set of kayaks, a model railway layout, tents and camping kit or band instruments, write down every item with its approximate length, width and height, plus any quantity that matters, such as four chairs or two tables. Odd shapes deserve a note too, since a folded dinghy trailer behaves differently on paper than a stack of crates. Record the hire dates, including whether the equipment is needed for a return journey or a one-way drop at an event. With that list in hand, the team can discuss which van types might suit, and you can ask whether anything on it raises questions before a booking is made.
Keeping a load inventory as you plan
Alongside the equipment list, an inventory of everything else going into the van keeps the planning tidy. Group items by destination: what goes to a storage unit, what is being delivered to a buyer, what returns home. For each group, note quantities, box counts and any item that is unusually long or awkwardly shaped. If goods are heading to someone else, record their name and contact details so arrangements can be confirmed directly with them. Access questions, such as whether a gate will be open or whether the site has restrictions, belong with the destination contact rather than the hire team, so ask those separately. When you request a quote, sharing the inventory and dates lets the team match the job to the right van and flag anything that needs discussion.
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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.