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.
Keeping a clear load inventory
The first thing worth writing down is a full list of what the van needs to carry. Go room by room or job by job: furniture pieces, boxes, tools, materials or parcels, each with a rough count. Beside every entry, note the approximate dimensions and any oddities, such as a wardrobe that cannot be dismantled or a workbench that folds. If some items belong to different destinations, mark them clearly so nothing gets mixed up on the day. A written inventory also gives you something concrete to read out when requesting a quote, letting the team discuss which van groups might suit the job where one is available. Keep the list handy in case anything is added or removed before the hire begins, and update the counts if plans change.
Checking entrance and item dimensions
Before committing to a van size, measure the items that cause the most doubt and the openings they must pass through. Record the height, width and depth of the largest pieces, then note the width and height of doorways, corridors, gates or lifts involved at each end of the journey. If a storage unit or business premises has a restricted entrance, ask the site manager for the exact measurements rather than estimating. Write these figures next to the matching items on your inventory so the two sets of information travel together. When you contact the team for a quote, share both lists: what you are carrying and the access arrangements at each stop. That allows an informed discussion about the van groups that might suit where available. Any question you cannot answer yourself, such as whether a gateway is wide enough, belongs with the person who manages that property.
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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.