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.
Measuring Entrances and Items First
Which measurements should you write down before hiring? Start with the largest things you plan to move: a wardrobe, a sofa or a workbench all have length, width and height worth recording, and a note of each figure saves guesswork later. Then think about the spaces they must pass through, including doorways, hallways, staircases and any gates on the route. If you are collecting from a shop or a friend's house, ask them to check their own entrances and share the numbers with you. Where a lift is involved, note its internal dimensions as well. Add the measurements to a simple list alongside each item's name, so nothing relies on memory. If any figure looks tight, flag it when you enquire; the team can then talk through which vehicle options might suit the job and where the limits sit.
Keeping a Clear Load Inventory
A written inventory is one of the most useful things you can prepare, whatever the job involves. List every box, bag, tool or piece of furniture you intend to carry, and give each entry a rough description, such as three medium boxes of kitchen items or one dismantled bed frame. If some items belong to different people or destinations, note that beside each line. Numbering the boxes and writing the numbers on tape helps you match the list to what actually travels. For trade work, the same approach works for tools and stock, with a column for anything fragile or needing particular care. Bring the inventory when you discuss the hire, since it gives the team a concrete picture of the job and lets you ask directly which vehicle would handle the quantity you have recorded.
Explore other van hire areas
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.