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.
Organising a household move on paper
How many rooms are you actually moving? Counting them is the first step to a workable plan. Go through each room and list the furniture, boxes and loose items, noting anything that dismantles and anything destined for storage rather than the new address. Decide your hire dates, including a reserve day in case the move slips, and note the keys or access arrangements at both ends. If friends are helping, record who is available and when. Where items go to more than one address, write each one down with a contact name and number for the recipient. Share the inventory and dates with the team, and ask which van option suits the volume you have described.
Checking entrance and item dimensions
Will the sofa fit through the door? Measuring before the hire date turns that worry into a checked fact. Note the height, width and depth of each large item, then measure the doorways, hallways, stairwells and lift openings it must pass at both addresses, recording the narrowest point in each case. If a fence, gate or shared entrance affects access, write down the details and any restrictions the landlord or site manager mentions. Pass these measurements to the team when discussing a small van, Transit or Luton, and raise any item that seems marginal. A written set of dimensions gives you something concrete to refer to on the day.
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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.