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.
Writing Down a Load Inventory
Start by listing every item you intend to move, from the largest wardrobe down to boxes of books and loose tools. Beside each entry, note the approximate dimensions and, if you can estimate it, the number of people needed to carry it. Mark anything fragile or oddly shaped, and flag pieces that can be dismantled, such as bed frames or shelving, since flat-packed components may be recorded separately. A written inventory also helps when you ring for a quote, because the team can only suggest a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van if they know what the job involves. Keep the list handy during the hire in case you need to check whether something was left behind or added at short notice.
Planning a Collection With a Seller
Before the hire date, gather the seller's contact details, the collection address and any time window they have set, and write all three at the top of your notes. Ask whether the item is upstairs, in a garage or waiting in a hallway, and record what the seller says about dimensions, detachable parts and the number of pieces involved. If the address has a particular entry arrangement, such as a buzzer, a side gate or parking restrictions the seller has mentioned, note that too. Then list your own open questions: how long the collection might take, whether a second stop is needed on the same day, and who to call if the seller is delayed. These details shape the quote you request.
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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.