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.
Listing Every Box Before You Book
Begin with a written list of every box you plan to move. Note the room each box comes from, a rough count, and whether any are unusually large or awkward to describe. Record fragile items separately with their dimensions, and mark boxes that must reach the destination first so you can tell the contact there. Count the total again the night before, since numbers tend to grow during packing. If some boxes are going to storage and others to a new address, split the list by destination. When you request a quote, include the hire dates, a summary of the box list and the access arrangements, and ask which van size the team suggests for that volume and whether your dates are open.
Allowing Enough Time for Packing
How long will packing actually take? Estimate it before fixing the hire dates, because the answer may change when you want the van. Walk through each room and note how many boxes you expect, then decide whether packing happens in one evening or across a weekend. Record any items still in use until the last minute, such as bedding or kitchen equipment, and set them aside on the list. If helpers are coming, note the hours they can give and whether packing and the move happen on the same day. When you enquire, share this timeline and ask whether the hire period can cover both packing day and moving day, plus what to do if the schedule slips.
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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.