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 furniture or equipment from a private seller, the details you gather before collection day often decide how smoothly the whole job runs. Ask the seller for the exact address, the earliest and latest times they can meet, and a phone number that works on the day, then write all three down. Request the dimensions of each item, including height, width and depth, along with whether anything separates into parts, since this information helps when discussing which van size to request. Confirm whether the seller can help at their end or whether you are expected to arrive with enough people, and note any building constraints they mention, such as stairs or narrow corridors. Passing these details on when you ask for a quote allows the team to talk through vehicle options with the full picture in front of them.
Weighing one trip against several
Where a job involves stops at two or three addresses, it is worth pausing to decide whether a single hire period covers everything or whether separate days would work differently. List each address, what is being collected or dropped off, and the opening hours of every business involved, since these often constrain the order of stops more than distance does. Note the contact name and number for each location in case plans shift mid-journey. If some items are not ready until later in the week, record those dates rather than assuming everything can happen at once. When you contact the team for a price, describe the pattern you have in mind and ask how the hire length could be arranged, because the answer may affect whether one longer booking or several shorter ones suits your situation.
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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.