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.
One Trip or Several
An early decision is whether you plan to move everything in a single outing or spread the job over several. Before deciding, walk through each room or workspace and note every item that needs to travel, with rough dimensions for the large pieces and a count of boxes and bags. This list lets you see the total volume involved and discuss with the team whether a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van suits the job where available. If you are leaning towards multiple trips, record the hire dates for each and the access arrangements at both ends, since these details form part of the enquiry. Any items you are still deciding about, such as things that might be sold or given away, can be listed separately as maybes until your plans settle.
Organising a Household Move
For a household move, a room-by-room approach to the paperwork often works well. Create a page per room listing the furniture, boxes and fragile items, noting dimensions for anything oversized and marking pieces that come apart. Record the access arrangements at the old and new addresses, including parking and any entry restrictions, and note a contact at the new property if it is managed or shared. Decide the hire dates and whether you need any buffer days either side. When you contact the team, share what you need to carry, the access details and the dates, and they will help match the job to the right van. Questions about anything unclear, such as an unmeasured sofa, are best raised at that point.
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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.