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.
Writing Down the Unloading Order
If you are moving house or clearing a storage unit, it pays to record the order in which items will come off the van before the day arrives. Work from your inventory and note which pieces go into which room at the new address, which items the recipient or household needs immediately, and which can wait. Mark anything that cannot be dismantled and anything with awkward dimensions, such as a sofa or wardrobe, since these shape what the list looks like. This is a planning exercise rather than a loading instruction: what matters is that the information exists on paper and can be shared. When you discuss the job with the team, the list helps confirm whether a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van matches the volume, alongside the access arrangements and hire dates you have noted.
Checking Entrances and Item Dimensions
Before settling on a van, spend an hour measuring the things that matter. Record the height, width and depth of the largest items, plus the dimensions of doorways, corridors, stairwells and lift openings at both ends of the journey if you can access them. Note any gates, narrow lanes or parking constraints at the properties involved, and keep a separate note of questions you could not answer yourself, since site contacts are best placed to respond. Take photographs of bulky pieces if that helps you describe them later. With these figures to hand, the hire conversation becomes concrete: you can ask which van option suits the recorded dimensions, whether a Luton or dropside is available on your dates, and whether anything on your list still needs clarifying before you commit.
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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.