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
What should you measure before requesting a van? Start with the items themselves: note the height, width and length of the largest pieces, from wardrobes and sofas to workbenches and palletised stock. Then record the situation at each address, including lane widths, gate openings, low beams and whether there is room to pull up near the door. If a lift, corridor or staircase is involved at either end, that is worth writing down too. You do not need to solve the access questions yourself; the person at the destination can tell you about parking or entry restrictions. Pass everything you gather to the team with your dates, and ask which van groups they would recommend given the sizes involved, so the choice rests on recorded numbers rather than guesswork.
Weighing One Trip Against Several
If your belongings could fit into a larger van or be split across two runs in a smaller one, compare the two options on paper before you enquire. List every item with its rough dimensions, then decide which pieces would travel in the first load and which in the second, assuming you make multiple trips. Consider the hours available on the day, how far apart the addresses are and whether anyone needs to be present at the destination for each arrival. A single run means recording one set of timings and one delivery contact, while repeated runs mean checking that both ends remain accessible throughout. Ask the team about the vans available on your date and which size they would suggest for the volume you have described.
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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.