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 your load inventory
Start by listing every item you expect to move, working room by room if it is a house job or line by line if it is a delivery run. Beside each entry, note whether it comes apart, whether it is boxed, and roughly how many people it takes to carry. This written inventory is what you will use when asking for a quote, so keep it to hand rather than relying on memory. Include the awkward pieces people forget, such as mirror-fronted wardrobes, rolled carpets or garden tools, and mark anything with drawers or doors that could open in transit. If some items might be left behind or added later, flag them as optional. The more complete the list, the more precise the team's guidance on vehicle choice can be.
Measuring bulky items before you book
For the largest pieces, a tape measure and a note of the numbers save a lot of guesswork. Record the height, width and depth of each bulky item at its biggest point, including any handles, feet or packaging you will keep on during the move. If something dismantles, measure both the assembled size and the parts once separated, and note which fixings or tools are involved so you can decide whether taking it apart is realistic for your dates. Photographs of each item can be attached when you ask for a quote, which often answers questions faster than a description. Where an item will need to pass through a narrow doorway or stairwell at either end, note those dimensions separately, as access questions are best raised with the property contact directly.
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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.