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.
Allowing Time for Packing and Loading
Before your hire begins, sketch out a rough timetable working backwards from the day the van is needed. Think about how many evenings or weekend slots you genuinely have for sorting, wrapping and dismantling, and be honest about how long each stage tends to take. Furniture that must be taken apart, lofts that need clearing and garages full of odds and ends usually eat up far more time than expected, so allow a buffer rather than filling every spare minute. Note when helpers are free as well, since lifting bulky pieces alone slows everything down. When you contact the team, mention this schedule alongside what you plan to carry, the access arrangements and your preferred dates, and they can suggest a suitable van and hire length.
Planning a Move with Boxed Belongings
Once your belongings are boxed, a little structure saves a great deal of effort on moving day. Keep heavier items in smaller boxes so nothing becomes impossible to lift, and fill any gaps with soft goods to stop contents shifting. Label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief note of what is inside, which makes unloading at the other end far quicker. Set aside a box of essentials, kettle, mugs, phone chargers, tools and paperwork, so the first hours in the new place run smoothly. Stack finished boxes near the door in size order, keeping a clear walkway through the house. Tell the team roughly how many boxes you expect along with furniture and any awkward items, the access arrangements and your dates, and they can advise on a van that suits the load.
Explore other van hire areas
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.