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.
Organising a Household Move
What should you write down first when a house move is on the horizon? A room-by-room inventory is a good starting point, listing the furniture, boxes and awkward pieces you intend to transport, with quantities beside each entry. Note the dates you have agreed for keys, collection and handover, and mark which items are staying behind or going to storage rather than the new address. If friends are helping on the day, record how many people will be present, since that may influence whether a crew van is worth requesting. Once the list is complete, you can ask the team which of the available vehicles would suit the volume described, whether the move fits within one hire period or needs a different arrangement, and share the access details you have already gathered for both ends.
Checking Entrance and Item Dimensions
Before settling on a vehicle, it is worth measuring the things that cause hold-ups on moving day. Take the height, width and depth of the largest pieces, such as wardrobes, sofas and mattresses, and note whether any of them come apart or have handles that protrude. Then think about the doorways, stairwells and lifts involved at both ends, writing down the narrowest measurements you can find. If the new property has a shared entry, a timed loading bay or a particular entrance for large items, add that to your notes and ask the destination contact to confirm the arrangements. When you contact the team, you can share the full set of figures and ask which option in the range would carry everything, along with any questions about hire dates and access that remain open.
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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.