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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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.
Weighing One Trip Against Several
The first decision many customers face is whether to move everything in a single outing or spread the work across two or three shorter ones. To make that choice, list every item or box you need to transport, note the dates you have available, and mark which belongings are needed urgently at the new address. If you split the job, record which items belong to each leg and who will be present to receive them. A single trip may mean a longer day, while several trips might stretch across a weekend, so noting your preferred start and finish times helps too. Write down any access arrangements at each address and a contact number for anyone expecting a delivery. When you ask for a quote, the team can discuss the van options alongside the schedule you have sketched out.
Sketching Out a Household Move
For a full house move, a room-by-room list gives you something to work from and something to check against at the far end. Note the number of boxes per room, the large furniture in each space, and any items with awkward dimensions, such as a wardrobe, a corner sofa or a treadmill. Record the move date, any fallback dates if completion slips, and the addresses for collection and delivery, along with a contact name and number at each. If anything is going into storage rather than to the new house, list it separately with its destination. Keep a note of which items you plan to dismantle yourself and which will travel as they are. When you contact the team for a quote, share this outline and raise any questions about van types, hire duration or anything still undecided.
Explore other van hire areas
Things to check 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.