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
Before choosing between a small van and something larger, the first decision worth making is which items actually need measuring. Anything that cannot be carried flat under one arm, such as a sofa, a wardrobe, a workbench or a stack of sheet materials, should be measured with a tape: height, width and depth, written down in centimetres. Note whether legs, doors or handles can be removed, and record the measurements of the pieces once dismantled if that is how they will travel. If an item came through a doorway before, measure that doorway too, since the same gap has to be cleared again. These figures, kept with your list of goods, give the team something concrete to discuss when matching the job to a van.
Checking Entrances and Item Dimensions Together
Dimensions only tell half the story, so pair them with notes on the spaces each item must pass through. Measure the narrowest door, gate, corridor or stairwell on the route, and record the numbers alongside the item sizes rather than separately. Where a receiving address is involved, such as a customer's home or a storage facility, ring their contact and ask about their own entrance widths, lift availability and any restrictions they apply, since those details sit with them rather than the hire team. Note any tight corners, low ceilings or steps you already know about at either end. Keeping these measurements in one place means you can answer questions about the job quickly and accurately when the van is being arranged.
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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.