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.
Planning Where Everything Will Go at the Other End
If your van arrives before anyone has agreed where things will go, unpacking tends to slow down. Preparing a simple destination plan in advance can help. Against each item on your inventory, write the room it belongs in at the new address, and copy the same label onto the box or wrapping. Mark one or two boxes as essentials, holding things you expect to reach quickly, such as kettle, bedding or phone chargers. If someone will meet you at the destination, perhaps a key holder or site manager, save their number and confirm the access window with them directly. A copy of the room list shared with everyone helping keeps the whole move coordinated from the first box onwards.
Building Spare Time Into Your Packing Schedule
Suppose your collection date arrives and half the garage is still unpacked. A written packing timetable guards against that. Split the job across the days you have, giving each room its own slot and noting when its boxes should be sealed and ready. Record the dates alongside your hire window so you can see whether the two match, and adjust one or the other if they do not. If helpers are involved, agree their times in advance and note their numbers, since a missing pair of hands on the day changes how long everything takes. Where a furniture seller or storage facility forms part of the plan, list their opening hours too, and raise any date questions with the team while the booking is still flexible.
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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.