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.
Deciding Between One Trip or Several
Your first decision is whether everything travels in a single run or across several visits. If the job involves two addresses, note what sits at each one and whether any items are needed urgently, since that may shape which loads go first on your list. It can help to group belongings by destination and by how fragile they are, then decide whether splitting the work over two days would suit you. Consider the hire dates for each option and whether a longer booking window gives you room to pause between runs. If you would like a view on how many journeys a particular plan might involve, describe the full inventory to the team and ask which van size they would suggest before you commit to dates.
Measuring Bulky Items Before You Book
Before requesting a quote, take a few minutes to record the dimensions of your largest pieces. Measure wardrobes, sofas, chests of drawers and any flat-packed boxes at their widest points, including handles and protruding feet, and write down height, width and depth for each. Note whether anything can be dismantled, and if so, whether you have the tools and fixings to do it. If furniture will travel upright, measure it in that orientation. Keep this list to hand when you call, along with the approximate number of bags or boxes, so the team can discuss which vehicle options suit the load. Any awkward shapes, such as rolled carpets or long shelving, deserve a note of their length so nothing is left to guesswork.
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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.