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.
Listing your boxed belongings before booking
Start by writing down what you actually plan to move. Count the boxes room by room, note roughly what each contains, and record the dimensions of the largest items, such as wardrobes, sofas or appliances, since those measurements often determine which van category makes sense. If some boxes are fragile or oddly shaped, mention that too. Once you have a full inventory, you can share it with the team along with your hire dates and the access arrangements at each end, then ask which vehicles they could offer for the load you have described. You might also ask whether the items would be better split across two shorter hires or one longer booking, and whether any of your belongings raise questions you have not yet considered.
Arranging helpers around your hire dates
Who is going to be with you on the day, and when are they free? Settle those questions early, because helper availability usually shapes the dates you request. Ask each person to confirm the times they can commit, and keep a note of their phone numbers so you can update everyone if the schedule moves. Record which address each helper should travel to, whether they will follow on in another vehicle, and where they need to be afterwards. If someone might drop out, think about a backup and note their availability as well. When you contact the team for a quote, you can mention the confirmed dates and times, the items involved and the access arrangements, and ask any open questions about collection or delivery before the booking is finalised.
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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.