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.
Keeping a Written Load Inventory
Start by writing down everything that needs to travel, one line per item. For a house move this could be room by room; for a trade job it might follow the order in which tools and materials will be needed. Beside each entry, note anything useful: whether it is boxed, whether it is fragile, and its approximate dimensions if it is large or irregular. If some items might be left behind or collected later, mark them clearly so the list reflects what is actually going. A count of boxes and bags is worth recording too, since totals are easy to check against what arrives. Keeping this inventory with you during the hire means you can answer questions about the load quickly, and it gives the team concrete figures to work from when matching the job to a van type.
Organising Boxed Belongings on Paper
What details make a box list genuinely useful? Consider numbering each box and keeping a note of its contents and which room it belongs to, so anything you need early can be found without opening everything. Record roughly how many boxes there are, their general size, and whether any are particularly heavy or contain delicate items, since this is information worth passing on when you enquire. If a friend is receiving some of the boxes at the far end, take their address and phone number, and agree a window when they will be around. You might also note which boxes travel with you in a car, if any, so the van list stays accurate. These records are quick to prepare and can be shared with the team alongside your hire dates.
Explore other van hire areas
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.