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 Boxed Belongings Before You Book
What exactly is going into the van? Before requesting a quote, write down every boxed item you plan to move, noting the quantity of boxes, their approximate dimensions and any unusual shapes such as rolled carpets or flattened wardrobes. Record which room each box belongs to and whether anything is fragile or needs particular care on the day. If some items are still undecided, mark them separately so you can revise the list without starting again. This written inventory gives the team a clear picture of the job when you enquire about a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van, and it lets you ask specific questions about which option matches your load. Keep the list handy so any changes to the number of boxes can be raised before the hire is arranged.
Weighing Up One Trip Against Several
Should everything travel in a single journey or would splitting the job work differently? Note down your hire dates, the total volume of items, the address at each end and any deadlines you are working towards, such as a handover time or a storage facility's opening hours. Consider the recipient's contact details at the destination and whether they need warning of a specific arrival window. With these figures in front of you, ask the team whether a Luton, dropside or crew van suits a one-trip approach, or whether a smaller vehicle across multiple journeys is worth discussing instead. Record the access arrangements at each stop as well, since narrow lanes or restricted parking may shape the plan. These are questions to raise when you request a quote, so the answers can inform your final choice.
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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.