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.
Planning a Household Move Around Your Dates
Which rooms are you actually moving? Begin by listing each one and counting what sits inside it, from wardrobes and beds down to boxed items and loose bags. Note anything that comes apart, such as a bed frame or a dining table, and record whether the legs detach. Write down your preferred hire dates plus a fallback in case the move slips, and mention roughly how many trips you expect to make. If friends are helping, confirm which days they can attend before you commit. You might also ask the hire team whether a Luton or a crew van suits your list, and what happens if you need the vehicle an extra day. A written inventory keeps the quote conversation straightforward.
Measuring Items and Entrances Before You Book
Before requesting a quote, spend a few minutes with a tape measure. Record the height, width and depth of the largest pieces, including any sofa, wardrobe or fridge, and note whether handles or feet add to those figures. Then measure the entrances involved: the doorway at the old address, any hallway turns, the lift if there is one, and the door at the new address. If an item will not pass through in one piece, write down whether it can be dismantled and what tools that might need. Pass these figures to the hire team when you ask about a van, since the numbers help them suggest a suitable option. Where access is tight, note parking arrangements too, and raise any questions you still have about gaps or awkward angles.
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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.