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.
Building a Load Inventory
A written inventory is one of the most useful things you can prepare before requesting a van. Work room by room or job by job, listing each item you expect to move: boxes, tools, furniture, materials or deliveries. Where a piece is awkward, record its rough dimensions and note whether it comes apart, since a dismantled wardrobe behaves differently from an assembled one. Keep a separate column for anything fragile or needing particular handling, and mark items that belong to other people, such as goods collected on behalf of a customer. Count boxes rather than estimating them. When you send the list to the team, they can discuss whether a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van suits the job, and you will have a record to check against at the end.
Scheduling Time Around the Job
Once the inventory exists, think about how the day itself might run. Write down the times when people, keys or goods have to be available, such as a storage unit opening slot or a shop collection window. If someone is receiving furniture, ask them for their phone number and a preferred contact window so you can confirm timing on the day. Where a job could run long, note whether the van could be kept an extra hour if needed or whether the return time is fixed. Sketch the order of the stops loosely rather than rigidly. Questions you might raise with the team include whether the hire covers the whole day and what happens if a collection runs over. Leaving slack in the plan keeps small delays from unravelling it.
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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.