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.
Planning the order of your items
If your move or delivery involves several stops, sketching what goes where on paper before you enquire can settle several questions at once. List each item or group of boxes and note which address it belongs to, along with approximate sizes and anything that comes apart into sections. Record any items with fixed collection times, such as furniture bought from a seller or stock collected from a supplier, and note whether someone will be present to receive them. Keep the list with your hire dates and access notes, and the team can discuss which van options suit the job and where availability allows, so the details are all in one place when the quote is prepared.
Allowing time for packing and loading
A realistic timeline keeps hire days from feeling rushed. Work backwards from your collection or delivery slots and note roughly when each part of the day needs to happen, including when helpers arrive and when the van must be returned. If helpers are joining, record their availability so you can see where the gaps fall. Note the hire start and end times you would prefer, and whether an early start or a late finish matters for the dates you have in mind. Check whether any items need collecting from a third party and add a contact for them. With these timings written down, the team can help match the job to the right van where available.
Explore other van hire areas
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.