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
Begin by writing down your hire dates and the hours either side of them that you could realistically devote to packing. If the collection or delivery of the van is fixed to a particular time, note that alongside. Then sketch backwards: which rooms or jobs need finishing first, which items you could pack in advance, and which must wait until the last day. Record how many people will be available and when, and note anything that might interrupt the schedule, such as a furniture delivery arriving mid-week. If you suspect the packing will overrun, it is worth asking the hire team whether your dates allow any adjustment before you commit, and which details they would need to change them.
Keeping a load inventory
What exactly is going into the van? An inventory answers that question and doubles as a checklist on the other side. Go room by room and list each item, from the large furniture down to the boxes of odds and ends. Against the bigger pieces, record the dimensions, noting whether anything can be taken apart and how many parts it then becomes. Mark items that are fragile or oddly shaped so they stand out on the page. If some things are bound for storage rather than your new address, separate them on the list. When you request a quote, send the inventory across with your dates and access notes, and ask what further information would help the team suggest a van.
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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.