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 Items Before You Enquire
Decide early which items are genuinely bulky, because those measurements shape your whole enquiry. Take a tape to the largest pieces: wardrobes, sofas, chests of drawers, rolled mattresses or anything with an awkward projection such as a mirror or a headboard. Write down the height, width and depth of each in centimetres, and note whether anything can be dismantled, such as legs that unscrew or a bed frame that comes apart, along with whether you intend to take it apart. If an item is already flat-packed, record the box dimensions instead. These figures, plus your hire dates and the access arrangements at each address, give the team something concrete to work with when matching the job to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van, and any questions about which one to choose can go in the same enquiry.
Keeping a Load Inventory as You Plan
A load inventory is simply a running list of everything that needs to travel, and it is worth starting one as soon as the move or collection is agreed. Group items by destination if there are several, and by room if it is a house move, then keep a running count as things are added or crossed off. Note anything that belongs to a third party, such as furniture bought from a private seller, including the collection address and the seller's phone number. Mark which items are fragile and which are going to storage rather than the new address. When you ask for a quote, you can send the whole inventory, the dates and the access arrangements together, which gives the team a full picture and leaves you with a clear record of what was agreed should travel on the day.
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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.