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.
Weighing One Trip Against Several
One early decision is whether to move everything in a single outing or spread the work across several. Start by listing what you need to carry and noting roughly how bulky each item is, since that gives you a basis for the comparison. If a single trip would require the largest van for a full day, while two trips could use a smaller one for a morning each, the totals may point in different directions. Think about how many people can help on each date and whether any items are needed urgently at the far end. There is no universal answer, so treat it as a choice to work through with your own list, and raise both options when you ask for a quote so the team can price each approach.
Recording the Order You Want to Work Through
Before the job begins, it is worth writing out the details of each stop in advance. Record what belongs at each address so nothing is mixed up between stops, and note any recipient contact details so you can confirm arrival windows with them directly. Add the hire dates, the access arrangements you already know, and any questions still open, such as how the team handles multi-address jobs. This written plan is simply information you control: it does not need to be perfect, and having it recorded means you can revise it if plans change, share it with anyone helping, and refer back to it throughout the job.
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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.