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.
Measuring Bulky Items Before You Book
The first decision worth settling is which items actually need to travel and which could stay behind, be dismantled or be collected later. Once you have that list, measure each bulky piece and note the height, width and depth alongside its name. A tape measure and a few minutes spent writing the figures down gives the team something concrete to work from when matching the job to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available. If an item comes apart, record the dimensions of the largest section rather than the assembled piece, and note whether any parts are awkward shapes. Where you are unsure whether something counts as oversized, include the measurements in your enquiry and let the team advise.
Checking Entrances and Item Dimensions With Contacts
Access is a question for the contacts at each address, so ring them before you finalise the hire. Ask about the width and height of doorways, gates, corridors and stairwells that items must pass through, and whether there are lifts, tight corners or narrow approaches involved. Note down the answers next to your measurements so you can spot any piece that could cause difficulty. If you discover a restriction, you might ask the site contact whether doors can be temporarily removed or whether there is another route inside the building. Record the name of whoever confirms the arrangements, along with their preferred times, and pass anything relevant to the team when requesting a quote so the vehicle choice reflects the whole job.
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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.