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.
Writing Down a Clear Load Inventory
Start by writing down every item you expect to move, however ordinary it seems, because a full inventory gives the team an accurate picture when matching your job to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van. Group the list by room or by collection point, and note quantities alongside each entry, such as six tea chests, two armchairs, one wardrobe and a rolled rug. Record any items that fold, dismantle or come apart, since that detail often changes which vehicle group suits the run. If some things belong to another household or business, note whose they are and where each batch is headed. Keep the list somewhere you can update it, because belongings tend to be added between your first enquiry and the day itself.
Planning the Movement of Boxed Belongings
Boxed items deserve their own line of planning, since a run of tea chests, archive boxes and cartons usually carries different requirements than loose furniture. Before your hire dates are fixed, count the boxes you expect, note their rough sizes and flag any marked fragile or documents. Record which boxes must reach which address, particularly if the trip involves a storage unit, a new home and a workplace drop in one day. It can help to label boxes by destination room or recipient so the recipient can confirm what arrived. Note the contact details for anyone receiving boxes on your behalf, and ask the storage facility or estate agent about their receiving hours before you finalise times. When you request a quote, mention the number of box runs you anticipate and the access arrangements at each stop, and the team can talk through which van group matches the plan.
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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.