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.
Recording your boxed belongings
Begin your inventory by walking through each room and listing every box you intend to move, noting what is inside and whether the contents are fragile. A room-by-room approach keeps the task manageable and helps you spot anything forgotten in lofts, garages or sheds. Mark boxes bound for storage separately, along with the site they are heading to, so nothing is unloaded at the wrong place. Keep the list somewhere reachable during packing, because it is far easier to update a written record than to rely on memory once the van arrives. When you get in touch, mention roughly how many boxes you expect and the size of your bulkiest item, which helps the team suggest a van suited to your dates and access arrangements.
Deciding what travels first
Think through which belongings matter most on arrival day before anything leaves the house. Items you will need straight away, such as the kettle, a basic toolkit, bedding, paperwork and children's things, deserve a clear place in your plan so they stay easy to reach later. Keep valuables, documents and medications with you rather than packed away, and set aside anything you would not want shifting among larger pieces. If part of your load is bound for storage rather than your new address, group those boxes by destination so the day stays organised. Sharing these priorities when you enquire helps the team understand how your move is arranged and recommend a vehicle that matches your plans.
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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.