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 Down Your Boxed Belongings
Start with a list. If your move involves boxed belongings, write down roughly how many boxes you expect, their approximate sizes and which rooms they come from. Note anything with an awkward shape, such as rolled carpets, mirrors or dismantled flat-pack panels, and record the dimensions of the largest pieces in centimetres or inches. If some items belong to other people, add a name against each so nothing gets separated from its owner. Keep the list somewhere you can update it as packing continues, since numbers often change once cupboards are emptied. When you contact the team, this record lets you describe the load clearly, and any open questions, such as whether a particular van size will suit your boxes, can be asked at that point.
Checking Entrances and Item Dimensions
Which measurements matter for your job? Note the height, width and depth of your bulkiest items, plus any doors, gates or corridors they must pass through at both ends of the journey. Record ceiling heights in underground car parks, width restrictions on access roads and any lift dimensions if furniture is travelling to an upper floor. If a seller or storage facility is involved, ask them directly about loading arrangements, opening hours and any paperwork you should bring. Keep these figures with your hire dates so everything sits in one place. You can then share the full set of details when enquiring, and the team can respond to whatever questions remain about matching the load to a vehicle.
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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.