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.
Fitting the van to your route
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.
Organising a Household Move
How do you turn a house full of belongings into a single organised job? Start by walking through each room and listing what will travel with you, from furniture and appliances to boxes and loose items. Note which pieces can be flat-packed and which must stay whole, and mark anything fragile so it's easy to identify. Decide whether the move happens in one hire or several stages, and write down your preferred dates with a fallback if plans shift. If you're collecting items from more than one address, record each location and a contact number there. This inventory, together with the access arrangements, gives the team a clear basis for matching the job to a suitable van where available.
Measuring Bulky Items
Before the move, take a tape measure to the largest things on your list. For each one, record the height, width and depth, and note whether handles, feet or headboards add to those figures. If a bed frame or a dining table can be dismantled, measure both configurations and keep the smaller numbers handy. Awkward pieces such as an L-shaped sofa or a tall wardrobe deserve a short written description alongside the measurements. If you're moving several items to a storage unit, note the unit's dimensions too, since that context can be useful when discussing the job. With these figures recorded, you can tell the team what you need to carry, and they'll help match it to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available.
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What to confirm on the phone
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.