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.
One Trip or Several: Weighing It Up
The first decision many customers face is whether to move everything in a single outing or spread the job across several shorter runs. To decide, note the full list of items, their rough sizes, and the distance between the two ends of the journey. If the list is mostly small boxes, several trips may be worth considering; if it includes large furniture that will not come apart, one outing with a bigger van could be the route you prefer. Neither choice is automatically right, so treat it as an open question to put to the team when you enquire. Share your list and dates, and ask how the small van, Transit, Luton, dropside and crew van options compare for the job you have described.
Give Yourself Realistic Time on the Day
However many trips you settle on, it pays to sketch a rough timetable for the day before booking. Write down when you would collect the van, how long you expect packing at the first address to take, and when you hope to finish at the destination. Allow extra room in the schedule for dismantling furniture, finding parking, or a break if the day is long, and note anything that must be completed by a set hour, such as a storage unit closing time. If the timetable looks tight, ask the team whether an earlier start or a longer hire period is possible. Having these timings written down also makes it easier to adjust the plan calmly if the day unfolds differently.
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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.