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.
Measuring Bulky Items Before You Book
One of the first decisions to settle is which items are actually travelling, and measuring them gives you solid numbers to work from. Go through each large piece, note its height, width and depth, and record whether anything comes apart, such as legs that unscrew or shelves that lift out. Write the figures beside each item on your list rather than relying on memory, and add a note of any especially long or awkwardly shaped pieces. Once you have this inventory, you can tell the team exactly what needs to fit and ask which van groups they would suggest for those dimensions. Useful questions for your quote include which vehicle types are available on your dates, whether a Luton or dropside suits your list, and what access details they need from you to complete the booking.
Coordinating Helpers for the Day
If friends, family or colleagues are lending a hand, their availability can shape when you book the van. Ask each person which hours they can commit, whether they can travel between two addresses, and who has a phone number for the other side, such as a neighbour accepting a delivery or a site contact at the other end. Keep a simple list of names, arrival times and mobile numbers so everyone knows who is doing what and when. It is also worth agreeing what happens if someone drops out or a time slips, and whether a crew van with extra seats might be needed so your helpers can travel with you. When requesting a quote, mention your preferred dates, how many people need to travel in the vehicle, and any flexibility you have, so the team can match the job to the right van.
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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.