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.
Planning the Order of Your Load
If you're moving house or delivering furniture, think about the sequence in which items will be dropped off before the hire begins. Make a simple list that groups things by destination, and note which pieces belong to each stop if you're making more than one call. Record the approximate dimensions of the largest items, such as wardrobes, sofas or shelving units, along with any furniture that comes apart, and keep the fittings with each piece. If someone at the receiving end needs to be present, write down their name and number and the window they've agreed to. This information is useful when discussing which van suits the job, because the team can only suggest options once they know what's being carried. An ordered list also helps you spot anything unaccounted for while there's still time to measure it.
Setting Aside Time for Packing
If the van is booked for a single day, work backwards from the return time to see how long packing will realistically take. Note how many rooms' worth of goods are involved, roughly how many boxes you expect, and whether any items need wrapping or dismantling beforehand. It's often worth recording the dimensions of bulky pieces and the quantity of each item type, as this shapes both the vehicle discussion and your own schedule. If friends or helpers are involved, agree in advance when they'll arrive and what they'll bring. Consider whether anything could be packed the evening before, and whether the receiving address has agreed a time for the handover. Leaving a buffer between packing and departure means a delayed start doesn't immediately derail the plan.
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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.