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.
Measuring Bulky Items Before You Enquire
The first decision worth making is which large pieces actually need to travel. Once you have settled that, measure each item and write down the height, width and depth, noting anything that cannot be dismantled. A wardrobe, a three-seat sofa and a dining table all behave differently, and having exact figures to hand means you can discuss van sizes with the team using real numbers rather than guesses. If an item comes apart, record the dimensions of the largest section and note which tools would be needed to reassemble it. Photographs of awkward shapes can also be useful for your own reference. When you ask for a quote, you can share this list and query which of the available van types would be worth considering for your dates and access arrangements. Keep the measurements with you in case plans change.
Listing Boxes for the Same Journey
Alongside the furniture, it pays to list every box and bag that will make the same trip. Write down how many you have, what each contains and roughly how big the largest ones are, since a stack of book cartons takes a different amount of room than a set of flattened boxes. Note which boxes are fragile and which belong to a particular room, as that may influence the order in which you plan to unpack at the destination. If a recipient is meeting you there, record their name and a contact number, along with any time window they have given. You can then use both lists together when asking the team about van options for your dates, and revisit the total if you discover additional items in the weeks before the move.
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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.