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.
Organising the details of a house move
Which rooms are you moving, and when? Answering that early gives the whole plan structure. Walk through the property and list the furniture room by room, noting anything that dismantles and anything that stays behind. Decide the dates for collecting the van, the move itself and arriving at the new address, and check whether both ends have time restrictions you should record. If friends are helping, confirm their availability for the specific day rather than a vague weekend. Note where keys will be collected and returned. Once the inventory and timetable are written down, the team can discuss van options and hire dates against a clear picture of the job rather than a rough outline.
Keeping a load inventory as you pack
A written inventory turns a van hire enquiry into something concrete. As you pack, number each box and jot down its contents and the room it belongs to, which also helps at the other end. Note the total count of boxes, bags and loose items, and record the dimensions of the largest pieces of furniture. Flag anything fragile or oddly shaped so it can be mentioned when discussing van choices. If some items are going to storage and others to the new house, keep two separate lists with the addresses for each. A photo of the packed boxes can serve as a quick reference. Sharing the inventory with the team lets the conversation about vehicle size start from facts.
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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.