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.
Organising a Household Move
How do you start planning a move with a hired van? By listing what is coming with you. Go room by room and write down the furniture, boxes and loose items, noting rough sizes for anything large. If some pieces belong to a storage unit rather than the new address, mark which is which so the day keeps its shape. Record the hire dates and think about whether one day is realistic for everything on your list or whether the job might spread. This inventory is also what the team needs in order to suggest a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van, so bring it with you when you ask for a quote rather than guessing at quantities.
Setting Aside Time for Packing
Packing nearly always takes longer than people expect, so build the schedule before the van arrives. Note which rooms need sorting first, which items require wrapping or dismantling, and roughly how many hours each stage might take at a steady pace. If helpers are joining, agree their arrival times and note them alongside the hire dates so everyone can see the shape of the day. Decide whether anything can be packed the evening before and record that too. When you contact the team, it is worth asking whether the hire period could be extended if your list suggests the move may overrun, and what the collection arrangements would be if it does.
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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.