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.
Keeping a clear inventory of your load
What should you write down before requesting a van? Begin with a full list of everything you plan to carry, grouped by room, job or delivery, and note roughly how many boxes, bags or larger pieces are involved. Alongside each item, record its approximate dimensions and any odd shapes, such as rolled materials, long lengths or items that cannot be laid flat. If some things belong to different recipients, perhaps a customer, a storage unit or a family member, jot down the name and phone number for each drop-off point. Mark which pieces are fragile or need particular care on the day. Keeping this list on paper or on your phone means you can read it out when you contact the team, and it gives you a reference point if plans change before the hire begins.
Allowing sensible time for packing the van
How long will packing realistically take? Rather than guessing, work backwards from your hire window and think through each stage of the job. Note when you can start collecting items together, whether that is the evening before or the morning itself, and how many people will be available to help at each address. Record any time slots imposed by others, such as a collection window at a shop, a key handover at a storage facility or a delivery slot a recipient has agreed to, along with the relevant contact numbers. If some items are still being dismantled or wrapped, add those jobs to your notes so nothing is forgotten. When you ask for a quote, you can share this rough schedule and ask any questions about the hire period, which keeps the whole arrangement easier to discuss.
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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.