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.
Fitting the van to your route
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.
One Trip or Several: Weighing It Up
A key decision is whether to move everything in a single run or spread the job across several. Start by listing every item, its dimensions and rough volume, then consider how those figures compare with the van categories on offer. If the total looks close to one larger vehicle's capacity, note the borderline items separately and ask the team how they would treat them. Weigh the practical side too: how many people are available, whether the dates allow multiple runs and whether the recipient can receive goods at different times. There is no universal answer, so record your constraints and pose the comparison directly when enquiring; questions about how the van categories suit a split plan are exactly the kind the team can answer once they see your list and timings.
Planning a Household Move Step by Step
Begin with a room-by-room inventory, writing down each item with approximate measurements and noting anything that dismantles or travels flat. Record quantities of boxes, bags and loose pieces, since totals often surprise people once written out. Next, note the access at both ends: stairs, lifts, door widths and any time limits on loading, gathering these details from the property contacts rather than assuming them. Set out your preferred dates and any flexibility around them, plus a phone number for whoever receives the delivery. Mark the items that matter most in case priorities shift on the day. Once the inventory, access notes and contact details sit on one page, you can ask informed questions about van categories, hire length and how the team would match your particular move.
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What to confirm on the phone
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.