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.
Noting Where Each Item Is Heading
If your move involves several rooms or destinations, a written plan of where each item belongs can be drawn up long before the van is booked. Go through the house room by room and list the furniture, boxes and awkward pieces separately, marking each with its destination: the new address, a storage unit, a relative's garage or the tip. Note the dimensions of the largest items and whether anything separates into parts. This record serves two purposes: it feeds into the choice of van, and it gives you a checklist to work through on the day. If access differs between locations, perhaps with restricted hours at a storage facility, note those details and confirm them with the site concerned. Sharing the full list with the team keeps the vehicle matching accurate.
Deciding Between One Journey and Several
When the total load looks ambitious, one early decision is whether everything needs to travel together or whether a second run is workable. Sketch two versions of your list: a complete inventory on one side, and a reduced version containing only the items needed immediately on the other. If a split is possible, note what would remain behind and roughly how much space it would take, since that shapes whether a smaller van could cover the first leg. Consider your dates too, as a second journey may need a longer hire period or a different day. Questions about access, keys or opening hours at either property belong with the relevant contact there. Presenting both versions to the team lets them suggest options based on what you actually plan to move.
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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.