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 Clear Load Inventory
A written inventory of everything going into the van is one of the most useful things you can prepare. Work room by room or job by job, listing each item with a short description and, where relevant, a note of who it belongs to or where it is heading. For trade work, this might mean counting toolboxes, materials and equipment separately from personal belongings. For a house move, note which boxes belong to which room so nothing gets mixed up between addresses. If some items are being delivered to different recipients, record each person's name and contact number alongside their goods. Keep the list somewhere you can reach it on the day, and consider numbering boxes to match the inventory. Handing this list over when you ask for a van helps the team see the scale of the job at a glance.
Measuring Items That Take Up Space
Bulky pieces deserve individual attention before you enquire. Take a tape measure to the largest items and note their length, width and height, writing each figure down rather than estimating. A three-seater sofa, a wardrobe or a workbench may each present different dimensions, and having exact numbers allows the team to talk through which vehicle could suit. Remember to measure with any detachable parts in mind, such as table legs, mirror frames or shelves, and note whether these can be removed and packed flat. If an item is an awkward shape, a brief description of its form can be just as helpful as the raw numbers. Where several large pieces are involved, list them together so the overall picture is clear. These measurements give the team something concrete to work with when matching your job to a van.
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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.