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.
Putting a household move on paper
How do you turn a house full of belongings into a van booking? You start with a written inventory. Go from room to room and list the furniture, the boxes and the loose items, marking anything that comes apart or has an unusual shape. Against each entry, note roughly how many people will be needed to move it and whether it is bound for the new address, storage or disposal. Record the hire dates, the collection and delivery addresses, and a named contact with a phone number at each end. If the move spans more than one day, set out which rooms are being handled when. Presenting this inventory when you enquire allows the team to consider the full job and respond with a suitable van option.
Checking sizes before you commit
Measurements decide more of a move than people expect, so collect them while the inventory is still fresh. For each large item, record height, width and depth, and do the same for boxed or bagged goods that are oversized. Then turn to the buildings: the width and height of doorframes, hallways and stair turns at the old property, and the equivalent at the new one, including any external gates or narrow lanes on the approach. If parking outside either address is restricted, note what you know about it and who to ask. Keep these figures with your item list, and when you contact the team, include them in the enquiry. You can also ask whether they see any issues with the sizes you have recorded before the hire is arranged.
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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.