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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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 in advance
The most useful first step is a written inventory. Go room by room and note how many boxes you expect, along with an estimate of their sizes, so you can describe the load clearly when you enquire. Mark which boxes contain fragile items and which need to stay reachable, since that information may influence how you plan the day. If larger pieces such as furniture are travelling too, measure their length, width and height and add them to the same list. Photographing awkward items gives you a quick reference if the team asks for more detail. A copy of the list also helps at the other end, because you can tick items off as they come out and spot anything missing while the record is still fresh.
Setting aside time for packing
Think about your schedule before you confirm hire dates. Work backwards from the day the van is needed and decide when packing will actually happen, whether that is evenings during the week before or a single long session. Note the hours you can realistically give it, and identify anything that cannot be packed early, such as items you use daily or documents you need to keep with you. If belongings are coming from more than one address, record each collection point and a contact number for whoever will be there. Building a day or two of buffer into your plan means a slower packing session does not force a change to the booking. Once the timings feel workable, the dates you pass to the team will match what you can genuinely manage.
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Things to check 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.