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.
Transporting hobby equipment
Deciding how to move hobby gear often comes down to the measurements rather than the weight. Whether you collect model railways, play in a brass band or race remote-controlled cars, list every piece of equipment with its length, width and height when assembled, and note anything that cannot be dismantled. Record how many trips you are willing to make if the load is awkward, and whether any items belong to a club or another person who should be contacted about timing. Share this inventory when you enquire about a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van, and ask which option the team would suggest for the shapes involved. If some equipment is seasonal, mention it, since that may affect how you plan the booking.
Recording dimensions before you book
Accurate measurements save a great deal of back-and-forth when matching a load to a vehicle. Use a tape measure rather than estimates, and capture the height of tall items, the diagonal of anything rectangular and the thickness of flat-pack pieces still in their packaging. Note whether furniture legs, handles or packaging add to the listed size, and write down the total number of boxes alongside the larger pieces. If goods are going to more than one address, add each recipient's name and phone number to the same document. Send the full set of figures to the team with your hire dates, and ask whether anything on your list needs clarification before a vehicle is confirmed.
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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.