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.
Breaking a house move into stages
How do you turn a whole house into a manageable plan? Start by walking through each room and listing what will travel with you, marking items that belong to the new house, a storage unit or someone else entirely. Note the dimensions of larger furniture and count the boxes as you pack them, keeping a running total you can share with the hire team. Set out your preferred dates and any backup days, and record who will be at the old and new properties, with phone numbers for each. If friends are helping on one day only, note that constraint too. Questions about parking, keys or access at either property should go to the contacts there. When you request a quote, present the list, the dates and the access arrangements so the team can suggest a van type.
Keeping a clear load inventory
A written inventory is one of the most useful things you can prepare before hiring a van. For each item, record a short description, its rough dimensions and its destination, whether that is an address, a storage bay or a customer. Number the boxes and keep the list on your phone so it can be checked at each stop. Where someone is receiving goods, add their name and number, and note any time window they have given you. Photograph anything with existing marks so you have a record of its condition before the journey. When you contact the team for a quote, the inventory lets you describe the load precisely and ask which van from the available range would suit it. Any gaps in the list can be flagged as estimates until the packing is finished.
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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.