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.
How should you plan a household move?
Which rooms actually need to move this time? Start by walking through your home and writing down every item you intend to take, room by room, from sofas and wardrobes down to boxes of kitchenware. Note approximate dimensions for the largest pieces, such as the length of a sofa or the height of a wardrobe, since these figures help when discussing which van category suits the load. Add the hire dates you have in mind, including whether the move happens over one day or several, and any deadlines such as key handovers. If some furniture might be dismantled beforehand, record that too. Once the list, the dates and the access details are written down, you can pass them to the team and ask any remaining questions about availability.
Coordinating helpers before the move
If friends or family are helping, agree the arrangements with them before the hire dates are fixed. Write down who is available on which day, what time they can start, and whether any of them can only spare part of the day. Check whether they can assist at both ends of the move or just one, and note anyone who might arrive late because of work or childcare. Sharing the item list with your helpers gives them a sense of the scale of the job, and you can ask whether they think anything has been missed. Keep a phone number for each person so you can send updates if timings shift. Any open questions about tools or timing are worth settling before you request a quote.
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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.