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.
Working Through a Move Room by Room
Which rooms are actually moving with you? Walking through the house with a notebook, room by room, turns a vague move into a defined one. Mark each item as coming, staying, being sold or going to storage, and note anything that will be dismantled before the van arrives. If the move spans more than one date, record which items belong to which day so the schedule stays coherent. It also helps to note the address details at both ends, including floor numbers and any access constraints you already know about, since these form part of your enquiry. Where furniture will be collected from elsewhere, such as a shop or a relative's house, list those pickups separately with their own times. The finished list becomes the basis of what you tell the team.
Keeping a Written Inventory of the Load
A written inventory turns the move from guesswork into a checklist. For each item, note its name, approximate dimensions and any features worth flagging, such as glass doors or detachable parts. Count boxes as you pack and keep a running total rather than estimating at the end. If some items are fragile, mark them on the list so the information travels with the plan. Where a piece of furniture is unusually tall or wide, record its measurements at the widest points, since these figures help the team consider which van suits the job. You might photograph valuable items and keep the images with the inventory for your own records. When you enquire, share the finished list rather than a summary: the more complete the picture, the more precise the response can be.
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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.