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
Start by deciding which pieces actually need to travel, because those choices shape the rest of your enquiry. If a wardrobe, sofa or workbench is on the list, note its height, width and depth, and remember to record any protruding feet, arms or handles that add to the overall footprint. Photographs of awkward shapes can be worth keeping on your phone so you can describe them without guessing. Write down whether items come apart, how many boxes you expect, and roughly how many bags of soft goods are involved. If anything is unusually shaped, such as a ladder or rolled flooring, note its longest dimension too. When you contact the team, these recorded figures let you ask directly whether the vehicle category you have in mind suits the load, and which alternatives might be worth considering instead.
One Trip or Several: Questions Worth Settling
Before the van arrives, it helps to have a written outline of what the packing stage involves. List the items you expect to prepare, note the approximate number of boxes and the dimensions of the largest pieces, since those figures often shape which vehicle makes sense for the job. Record the hire dates and how much of the day the move is likely to occupy, including any deadline attached to the collection or return of the vehicle. If friends are helping, agree a time with each of them and keep their contact details to hand in case plans change. Questions you might ask the team include how long the handover paperwork usually takes and whether the vehicle can be collected earlier in the day. Anything concerning access at the destination - gates, kerbs or parking - is a matter for the site contact there.
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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.