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.
Information Worth Writing Down
Start with a plain inventory of everything that needs to travel. Rather than saying a van load of boxes, count them: fourteen boxes, two armchairs, one wardrobe and a rolled rug tells the team far more than a rough guess. Beside each item, jot its approximate dimensions, especially for furniture, since a three-seat sofa and a two-seat sofa are different propositions. If you have photographs of awkward pieces on your phone, mention that you can share them. Next, note the hire dates, including whether you might need the van for an extra day if the move runs long. Finally, write down the access arrangements at each end, including any contact name and number for whoever receives the delivery, so nothing depends on memory on the day itself.
Moving Boxed Belongings
If most of your load consists of sealed boxes, a short session with a tape measure can settle several open questions before you ask for a quote. Measure a typical box and note how many you have, then note any that are unusually tall or wide. Think about what sits inside each one, not for lifting reasons but so you can describe the load accurately: a box of books, a box of bedding and a box of kitchenware are all boxes, yet they are not interchangeable in a conversation about vehicle size. If some boxes are going to storage and others to a new address, split the list by destination and note the contact details for each. Questions you might still ask include whether a crew van suits a job with helpers travelling along.
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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.