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.
Listing Hobby Equipment Before Booking
Start by writing an inventory of everything the hobby involves, whether that is model railway boards, diving gear, canvases, tents or a set of instruments. Beside each item, note its approximate length, width and height, and whether the seller or manufacturer describes it as separable. Record the number of boxes and any awkward shapes, such as telescopic poles or a folding table. If a friend is meeting you to share the kit, note their availability on your list. Once the inventory is complete, you can tell the team what you need to carry, the access arrangements and the hire dates, and they will help match the job to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available.
Recording the Order You Want
Rather than planning how items are arranged, simply note what needs to reach each stop and who will be there to receive it. If the destination is a storage unit, jot down the unit number and the site's opening hours; if it is a shop or hall, add a named contact and their phone number. Note roughly how many boxes or bags belong to each destination so the people meeting the van know what is arriving. Keep a copy of this list on paper as well as on your phone. These notes are the sort of detail worth sharing when you request a quote, and any question about access at the far end is best answered by the contact you have listed.
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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.