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.
Checking Entrances and Item Dimensions
Will your sofa actually fit through the doorways on your route? That is the question worth answering before anything else. Walk the journey each item will take, from the room it sits in now to the space it needs to reach, and note the narrowest points along the way, including hallways, stair turns, lifts and garden gates. Measure the items themselves, recording height, width and depth, and add those figures to your enquiry. If anything can be dismantled, note which parts come apart and how the pieces change the overall sizes. Where a destination has particular access arrangements, such as a shared entrance or restricted hours, record those too, since the team will ask for access details when matching the job to a vehicle.
Weighing One Trip Against Several
How do you decide between a single larger van and multiple runs in a smaller one? Start by listing everything that needs to move, then group the items by destination. If most things are heading to one address, a single trip in a bigger vehicle may be worth discussing; if the load splits across several locations, several shorter runs could fit the plan instead. Consider your available time, the number of people who can help on the day, and whether any items have deadlines attached. Once you have a rough split, share the list and your preferred dates with the team, and ask which vehicle options they could offer. It is also worth asking what happens if your plan changes on the day.
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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.