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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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.
Building a Room-by-Room Inventory
If the move involves three rooms of furniture, the first job is a written inventory rather than a van. List each item with its rough dimensions, noting anything that comes apart, and group the list by the room it belongs to. That record shows the total volume you are dealing with and gives the team something concrete to work from when matching the job to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van. Add the destination details: the contact name and number for whoever receives the goods, plus any access notes they confirm, such as parking or entry arrangements. If measurements are uncertain, mark them as estimates in your quote request and ask which figures would need checking before the booking is finalised.
Weighing One Trip Against Several
If you are weighing one large load against several smaller runs, write both options as simple lists. For the single-trip version, note every item, its size and the total count; for the multiple-run version, note how many journeys you expect and what each would carry. Putting the two versions side by side gives you a clear record to discuss. It also produces the questions worth asking for a quote: whether one vehicle across the full period suits the job, or whether a shorter hire repeated on separate days works better for your dates and helpers' availability. Keep the destination contact details handy either way, since they can confirm opening times or access arrangements that shape the schedule.
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Things to check 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.