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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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 Boxed Belongings Before You Book
Start by writing down what will actually travel in the van. Count the boxes room by room, note roughly how many are large, medium or small, and record any fragile ones separately so they are easy to identify later. Add the awkward items that are not boxed, such as rolled rugs, vacuum cleaners, tools or folded furniture, since these often decide whether one trip is realistic or a second run is worth considering. If a friend or family member is helping, share the list with them, because a second reader may remember something forgotten. Keep the list handy when you contact the team, as the number of boxes, their general size and any unboxed items all help the discussion about matching the job to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available.
Setting Aside Enough Time for Packing
How many hours will packing genuinely take, and when can it start? Write down the answer before fixing the hire dates. If boxes are still arriving from a shop or storage unit, note the delivery date and build the schedule around it. Record the times when helpers are free and any fixed commitments such as work shifts that sit in the middle of the packing window. If the collection point has set opening hours, list those too. A written timeline showing the start of packing, the expected finish and the pick-up of the van gives the team a clear picture when you ask about dates, and it highlights early on if the plan needs another look before anything is booked.
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Things to check 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.