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.
Agreeing Collection Details With a Seller
If you have bought something from a private seller, the conversation you have with them before hiring can shape the whole booking. It is worth confirming the exact address, the hours they will be available, and whether anyone else needs to be present for handover. Ask whether the item can be kept safely if you arrive slightly later than expected, and record a phone number for the person you will meet on the day. Where a receipt or proof of purchase is needed, note who signs it and when. Once those details are written down, you can share the collection date and any timing constraints with the hire team as part of your enquiry. Questions worth raising include whether the hire period could cover a contingency day and what information the team would need about the seller's arrangements to confirm a vehicle choice.
Recording the Dimensions of Bulky Items
For awkward loads, the numbers you gather in advance often matter more than descriptions. Measure each large item and note its length, width and height, along with whether anything protrudes, detaches or folds. A sofa, for example, might have removable feet, while a wardrobe could come apart into two sections, and recording those details gives the team a clearer picture than simply calling it big furniture. Photographs can support your notes if you plan to send them across. Alongside dimensions, list how many items there are in total and any that are unusually shaped. You can then ask which vehicle options would suit the recorded measurements and whether anything on your list would benefit from being discussed separately. If some items are still undecided, flag them as tentative so the enquiry reflects what is confirmed rather than what is assumed.
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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.