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.
Measuring Bulky Items Before You Enquire
Your first decision is often simply which tape measure to reach for. If a sofa, wardrobe or chest of drawers is on your list, take a few minutes to record the height, width and depth of each piece, and note anything that comes apart, such as legs that unscrew or a bed frame that splits into sections. Write these figures down rather than guessing from memory, because a few centimetres can change which van makes sense for the job. It is also worth listing the total number of items and any unusually shaped pieces like mirrors or bicycles. When you tell the team what you need to carry and the hire dates, this recorded information helps them talk through whether a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van fits the work where available, and any questions you still have can be raised before booking.
Checking Entrance and Access Dimensions
As well as measuring what goes in the van, think about the spaces it must pass through at both ends of the journey. If you are collecting furniture from a shop or moving items into storage, note the width of doorways, corridors, stairwells and any gates, plus whether lifts are involved and their internal measurements if you can find them. If a destination has a contact person, such as a warehouse supervisor or site manager, ask them directly about access arrangements, opening hours and any restrictions on where vehicles can pull up. Write down what they tell you so you can pass it on when enquiring. Sharing this alongside your item list and dates lets the team match the job to the right van type where available, and it flags early anything you may need to resolve with the destination before your hire begins, keeping your planning on a clear footing.
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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.