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.
Writing Your Load Inventory
Start by writing down every item you expect to put in the van, however obvious it seems. A move might involve twenty boxes, a sofa, a dining table, six chairs, a washing machine and assorted bags, while a trade job could mean tools, ladders and stock for the week. Note the rough quantity of each thing, whether anything is fragile, and which pieces belong to which room or job. If the list grows between your first draft and the hire date, update it rather than guessing later. Sharing an accurate inventory lets the team discuss which of their van options might suit the work, and it gives you a checklist to work from on the day. You might also flag items that need particular care or that other people are bringing separately, so nothing is overlooked when the vehicle is booked.
Measuring Bulky Items
Alongside the inventory, take a tape measure to anything large. Record the height, width and depth of furniture such as wardrobes, mattresses, chests of drawers and shelving units, and note whether any of these can be dismantled before the van arrives. A three-door fridge, for example, may have different dimensions from a standard model, and a corner sofa measured across its widest point tells you more than a rough estimate. Write the figures next to each item on your list, including whether doors or drawers stick out when open. If you are collecting furniture from a shop or a private seller, ask them for measurements in advance rather than discovering them on arrival. Including these numbers in your quote request gives the team a fuller picture of the job, and it gives you a record to check against if plans change.
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.