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.
One Trip or Several: Weighing It Up
A key decision is whether to move everything in a single outing or spread the work across several shorter hires. Start by listing what needs to travel and roughly how much space it occupies, then consider your available days. A one-off trip might suit a clear weekend with everything packed and ready, whereas splitting the job could fit around work commitments or staggered handovers at a storage unit. If a collection from a shop or a seller is involved, note their opening times, since these can shape the schedule. There is no universal answer; the right choice depends on your inventory, dates and how much time you can give each stage. Writing the options side by side helps you settle the question before enquiring.
Allowing Sensible Time for Packing
However many trips you settle on, the hours around packing deserve their own planning. Note when each room or batch of items will be dealt with, and decide whether dismantling furniture or wrapping fragile pieces happens the night before or on the day itself. If friends or family are helping, agree times with them in advance and record who is responsible for what. Where a delivery address involves a third party, such as a landlord or a site manager, keep their contact details handy so you can confirm access arrangements directly. Building this timeline means you can judge whether your hire window is generous enough, and it gives the team accurate dates to work with when they match a van to your job.
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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.