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 rooms before a house move
Which rooms are actually moving with you? Answering that on paper gives you a clear brief for the hire. Go through the property room by room and note the furniture and larger items in each, along with a rough count of boxes, bags and loose pieces. Mark anything that disassembles, anything with awkward dimensions, and anything destined for storage rather than the new address. If friends or family are helping, list what each person is responsible for and a contact number for the day. Note the hire dates, including a possible buffer day, and the access arrangements at both properties as you understand them. Where access details remain unclear, the site contact or landlord is the person to ask. Passing the finished list on helps the team match the job to the right van.
Measuring bulky items in advance
Before requesting a quote, it is worth measuring the largest things you plan to move and keeping the figures to hand. For each item, record the height, width and depth at their widest points, and note any protruding parts such as legs, handles or headboards that could affect the overall size. If something comes apart, measure both the assembled piece and the separated components, since the smaller figures may influence which vehicle group you discuss. Note the quantity of similar items, such as three wardrobes or a dozen chairs, rather than describing them in general terms. Write down where each piece is going as well. These records give the team something concrete to work from when matching the load to a small van, Transit or Luton.
Explore other van hire areas
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.