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.
Checking Entrance and Item Dimensions
Will that sofa actually pass through the door? Measuring before you book saves a difficult conversation later. Record the width, height and depth of each large item, then measure the spaces it must travel through: doorframes, hallways, staircases and the entrance at the other end. Note the narrowest point on the whole route, because that figure matters more than the widest. If an item can be dismantled, write down which parts come off and how the size changes once it does. When you contact the team, share these measurements so the vehicle discussion is grounded in real numbers rather than estimates. Ask any storage facility or destination contact about their entrance restrictions yourself, since they hold that information. A simple list of dimensions keeps every decision anchored to what you have actually measured.
Keeping a Load Inventory
Alongside dimensions, a full inventory of what you are carrying gives the hire conversation a solid foundation. List every item you intend to move, grouping them by room or by type, and count the boxes rather than estimating. Note anything unusually shaped, such as a lawnmower, a mirror or a rolled carpet, and record whether it can lie flat or needs to stay upright. Flag items you are unsure about, including things you might sell or leave behind, so the team can discuss how they affect the vehicle choice. Keep the list on your phone or a notepad and revise it as packing progresses, since the final tally often differs from the first draft. Reading from an accurate inventory when you ask for a quote makes it easier to compare small van, Transit, Luton, dropside and crew van options on your own terms.
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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.