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.
Recording What You Need to Move
A written inventory is the natural starting point for any house move involving boxes. Go from room to room and list every boxed item, along with an estimated count for each size of box. Note the dimensions of anything large or awkward, such as a wardrobe, a mattress or a rolled rug, and record whether any item comes apart into smaller pieces. If some belongings are heading to storage rather than your new address, mark which boxes belong to each destination and keep the lists separate. Add the hire dates you have in mind and any access arrangements at both ends, such as parking restrictions or shared driveways. With this information recorded, you can ask the team how your list maps onto the available van options and whether anything needs discussing.
Planning the Order of Your Move
Labelling your boxes and agreeing timings in advance makes the day itself far less stressful. Mark each box with the room it belongs to and, if helpful, a short description of its contents, so the people helping you can direct items without opening anything. If some belongings are going to storage and others to your new address, keep the two sets clearly distinguished on paper and on the boxes themselves. Where someone is receiving furniture on your behalf, record their contact details and confirm a time window with them directly. When you speak to the team, ask whether your planned dates allow enough flexibility for the volume you have listed, and whether any item on your inventory needs a particular van from the range. Written notes like these keep everyone working from the same plan.
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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.