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.
Listing Your Boxed Belongings First
Start by writing down every box you plan to move. Note how many there are, the rough size of each, and whether any are unusually heavy or fragile. It also helps to record which room each box belongs to, since that detail is useful when you come to unload at the other end and want items to end up in the right place. If some boxes will stay in storage rather than travel to the new address, mark those separately so the totals are clear. Once the list is complete, you can pass the numbers to the hire team and ask how they compare across the small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van options, which keeps the conversation grounded in what you actually need rather than a guess.
Allowing Realistic Time for Packing
How long will packing honestly take? Rather than guessing, work backwards from your collection slot and count the rooms still to be boxed, plus any furniture that needs wrapping or dismantling. Note the date you hope to start, the evening before collection if that suits, and flag anything you expect to be slow, such as a garage or loft. If helpers are joining, record who is coming and when, and keep their contact numbers to hand. You can also ask the team what happens if the job overruns into a second day, so the answer is sorted before you commit. These notes give you a clear picture of the schedule and leave the open questions with the people who can answer them.
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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.