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.
Listing Boxed Belongings Before the Move
Start with a sheet of paper and a simple question: what is going into boxes? Walk through each room and note the categories you plan to pack, from kitchenware and books to clothing and electronics, then keep a running count as the boxes are filled. Labelling each box by room and contents, and numbering them in sequence, gives you a checklist you can verify at both ends of the journey. If some boxes are heavier than others, that is worth recording too, purely as information for your own planning. The finished list can be shared with anyone helping on the day and attached to your enquiry, since knowing roughly how much is travelling helps the team suggest a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available.
Building a Load Inventory You Can Trust
An inventory is more than a box list. It should cover the furniture and loose items as well, with measurements for anything large such as a wardrobe, sofa or dining table, and a note of anything that comes apart. Record where each piece is starting from and where it is heading, along with a contact name and number for the recipient or the storage facility at the far end. If a seller is supplying part of the load, ask them for the dimensions of the item before you commit to dates. Keeping this record in one place means you can answer the team's questions about what you need to carry and the access arrangements without guessing or phoning around while the hire is being arranged.
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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.