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.
Listing Hobby Equipment Before You Book
One decision worth making early is exactly which hobby equipment the trip involves, because a written inventory answers most questions before they arise. If you are moving sailing gear, camping kit, musical instruments or bicycles, note each item, its approximate dimensions and whether it breaks down into smaller pieces. A bag of poles, a folded trailer tent and a rigid kayak each present different questions, and recording the figures lets the team advise on the right van type. You might also list anything fragile or awkwardly shaped, plus whether roof bars or extra straps of your own form part of the plan. Finishing with your preferred dates and a contact number for whoever is collecting or receiving the equipment completes the picture and gives the team a solid basis for confirming availability.
Measuring Entrances and Awkward Items
DIMENSION CHECKING IS A TASK YOU CAN COMPLETE AT HOME BEFORE ANY BOOKING CONVERSATION. MEASURE THE DOORWAYS, CORRIDORS, GATES AND STAIR LANDINGS THAT ITEMS WILL PASS THROUGH AT BOTH ENDS OF THE JOURNEY, AND WRITE THE NUMBERS ALONGSIDE EACH OBJECT ON YOUR LIST. NOTE CEILING HEIGHTS IN CELLARS OR LOFT SPACES IF FURNITURE IS COMING DOWN FROM THEM, AND RECORD WHETHER GARDEN GATES OPEN FULLY. IF SOMETHING MUST BE TURNED ON ITS SIDE OR DISMANTLED, MARK THAT ON THE LIST AS A QUESTION RATHER THAN AN ASSUMPTION, SINCE SOME PIECES CANNOT BE TAKEN APART. ASK THE RECEIVING LOCATION ABOUT THEIR OWN ACCESS, INCLUDING PARKING ARRANGEMENTS AND OPENING HOURS, SINCE THEY HOLD THE MOST UP-TO-DATE ANSWERS. HAVING ALL THESE MEASUREMENTS AND ANSWERS GATHERED TOGETHER MAKES THE EVENTUAL QUOTE REQUEST FAR MORE STRAIGHTFORWARD.
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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.
















