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.
Putting a Household Move on Paper
Can you list every item you are moving without walking through the house first? Most people cannot, which is why a room-by-room inventory is the sensible starting point. Write down the furniture, boxes and awkward pieces in each space, noting approximate dimensions for the largest ones and marking anything fragile or dismantlable. Alongside the inventory, record the hire dates, the addresses involved and the access arrangements at each end, including any parking constraints or narrow entrances worth flagging. Decide early whether the move is a single trip or several, since that shapes the conversation about which van suits. When you contact the team, share these details and ask about anything still unresolved, so the vehicle suggestion is based on a complete picture rather than a rough guess.
Setting Aside Realistic Time for the Job
How long does a move actually take once packing, travel and unpacking are added together? Working that out on paper before you book prevents a rushed day. Estimate the time needed to pack each room, add the journey between addresses, and consider the window available at the destination, including any restrictions the new occupier or site manager has mentioned. Build in a margin for the unexpected, such as a delayed key handover, and note the latest time the van can be returned if that forms part of your arrangement. If helpers are joining, confirm their availability for the whole period, not just the morning. Sharing your rough schedule with the team when you enquire means the hire length can be discussed properly, and any questions about timing can be raised before the date is fixed.
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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.