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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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 Enquire
The moment you realise a wardrobe or a large sofa is on the list, measuring those items becomes the first job worth doing. Take the height, width and depth of each bulky piece, note whether handles or feet add to those figures, and record whether the item can be dismantled before the trip. If a piece comes apart, measure the sections separately, since that often changes the picture considerably. Add these measurements to a simple sheet alongside the names of each item, and keep it handy when you make your enquiry, because the team can only match the job to a van if they know what the load actually involves. You can also note any narrow doorways or tight stairwells at either end as access information to pass on.
Building a Load Inventory You Can Share
Once measurements are done, turning them into a full inventory keeps every part of the job visible in one document. List the furniture, the number of boxes, any appliances and the odd items that tend to get missed, such as rugs, tools or garden equipment. Mark anything fragile, anything valuable and anything that might need special handling, purely so the information travels with your enquiry. If the load spans more than one location, note which items belong where and who will receive them at each stop, including a phone number for each recipient if you have one. This record is for organising your own plans and briefing the team, not a guarantee of anything about the journey itself. When you contact the team, share the inventory with your dates and access details, and ask any remaining questions about matching the job to the right van.
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Things to check 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.