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 Furniture Before You Book
The first decision worth making is which items actually need to travel in the van. Walk around your home with a tape measure and note the height, width and depth of each large piece, whether that is a wardrobe, a sofa or a dining table. Record the figures on paper rather than guessing, and include anything awkward such as a rolled mattress or a dismantled bed frame with its separate slats. If an item comes apart, note the dimensions of the largest resulting section, since that is the figure that matters when discussing vehicle options. You can then pass the full list to the team and ask which van size they would suggest for those measurements. Any item you can rehome or sell beforehand simply comes off the list.
Building a Clear Box Inventory
Once the bulky pieces are measured, turn your attention to everything that will travel in boxes. Rather than packing blindly, sketch a room-by-room list: kitchen, living room, bedroom, garage, and estimate how many boxes each area might produce. Note unusual items that do not fit standard cartons, such as lampshades, pictures or a vacuum cleaner, since these still need space alongside the furniture. If some boxes are destined for different addresses, perhaps a storage unit or a relative's house, mark that on the list so you can plan the trip in stages. When you contact the team, share the box count and the furniture measurements together, and ask whether the dates you have in mind suit the van you are considering. Questions raised early are usually the easiest to answer.
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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.