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.
Fitting the van to your route
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.
Recording What Goes in Each Box
Start by writing down every boxed item before you contact the hire team. A simple list with the room it came from, a short description and an approximate size works well, so kitchen boxes, book cartons and wardrobe boxes each appear separately. Count the total number of boxes and note any that are unusually shaped, such as long flat picture cartons or tall lamp boxes. If some boxes hold fragile items, record that too, since it may influence how you plan the day. Once the inventory is complete, you can share it with the team alongside your dates and access details, and ask which vehicle groups they would consider for the quantity you describe. Keeping the list also gives you a reference when unpacking at the other end.
Thinking Through the Order of Stops
If the journey involves more than one destination, sketch the sequence before the hire begins. Note which address receives furniture first, which boxes go to a storage unit and whether anything is being dropped at a family member's house. For each stop, record the name and phone number of the person who will receive the items, plus any time window they have given you. Where a building has a service lift, restricted hours or a particular entrance for deliveries, the recipient is the person to ask, since they know the arrangements on site. Having this sequence written down means you can confirm dates and vehicle requirements with the team in one enquiry rather than piecing the details together later.
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What to confirm on the phone
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.