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.
Allowing Time for Packing and Loading
Begin with a written timeline for your moving day. Note when the van hire starts, when you plan to begin packing the last boxes, and when everything needs to be on the road. If you are still packing on the morning of the move, allow a realistic window rather than a best-case one, and note which rooms still need attention. Record how many people will be present to help and whether any items need dismantling before they fit through doorways. If collection or delivery addresses have restricted hours, note those alongside the contact details for each recipient. Sharing this timeline with the team when you request a quote opens a useful conversation about hire duration and which van option suits the schedule you have sketched out.
Moving Boxed Belongings
Before the van arrives, get your boxed belongings into a clear, countable state. List how many boxes you have, grouped by size, and add any bags, baskets or loose items that will travel alongside them. Note the approximate dimensions of anything that is not a standard box, such as a mirror, a rug or a bedside cabinet, and mark which boxes contain fragile things. Decide whether anything is being left behind or sent separately, and adjust the list accordingly. If belongings are going to a storage unit, record the unit reference and the site's contact details, plus their opening hours if you know them. This written list supports the discussion about vehicle choice when you enquire and serves as a tally on the day.
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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.