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.
Writing down your unloading order
If your van will be emptied at more than one stop, a written plan of the drop-offs can be prepared before the hire begins. List each piece of furniture or batch of boxes against its destination address so nothing goes to the wrong place. Record the dimensions of wardrobes, sofas and shelving, and gather the doorway and corridor measurements from the relevant contacts if you can. Keep a name and phone number for whoever receives goods at each address, since access questions are best answered by the people on site. When you ask for a quote, include the full item list, the access arrangements and the dates, and raise any open questions about how the day is sequenced so nothing is left undecided at the point of booking.
Checking entrance and item dimensions
Measuring before you enquire turns guesswork into a clear brief. Walk through what needs to move: note the height, width and depth of each large item and whether it separates into parts. Then contact the destination to ask about entrance widths, lift availability and any restrictions they apply, as those details sit with them rather than the hire team. Write the figures alongside your item list so everything sits in one place. When requesting a quote for a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van, share the measurements, the access arrangements and your dates, and ask whether anything about the sizes remains unclear. Open questions raised early can be answered before the booking is confirmed.
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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.