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.
Measuring Items and Entrances Before You Book
Which measurements actually matter when you are choosing a van? Start with the largest item you plan to move: note its height, width and depth, and whether it can be dismantled or turned on its side without damage. Then measure the entrances it must pass through, including doorways, hallways, stairwells and any gate at the destination, writing each figure down rather than estimating. Count the total number of items and boxes so the team can consider the load as a whole, not just the biggest piece. If something is unusually tall or long, flag it in your enquiry, since the team can weigh up whether a Luton or a Transit better matches the job. Any questions about access at the destination end belong to the people there, so keep their contact details to hand.
Weighing One Trip Against Several
Should you try to move everything in a single run or spread it across two? If your list includes a large sofa plus a dozen boxes, compare the combined volume against what one vehicle could reasonably hold, then consider whether a second trip would suit your dates better. Note the distance between addresses and how many hours you can set aside, since repeat runs take longer than a single visit. If you split the job, decide which items go in the first run and which can wait, and record that list so nothing is forgotten. Ask the team whether hiring for a full day rather than a half day changes the van options or price. Whichever approach you choose, share the item list and dates when requesting a quote.
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.