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.
Mapping Out a Move Before You Book
What should you write down first when a move is on the horizon? A room-by-room inventory is a sensible starting point, covering furniture, boxes, appliances and anything that needs special attention on the day. Alongside this, note your preferred hire dates and any flexibility you have, plus the access arrangements at the collection and delivery ends, such as parking considerations or entry requirements. Decide who will be present at each stage and record their availability. When you contact the team about what you need to carry and the dates, they will help match the job to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available. Asking early about which vehicle suits a particular list of items, or about the timing of collection and return, keeps those questions open for discussion at the quote stage rather than unresolved on moving day.
Arranging Helpers for the Day
Who is helping you, and when are they available? Coordinating people is often the trickiest part of any move, so it deserves its own plan. List everyone who has offered to help, confirm their arrival times, and gather their contact numbers in one accessible place. Note which tasks each person expects to handle and agree a rough schedule for the day, including breaks, so nobody is left guessing. If helpers are only available for part of the day, record those windows and shape your itinerary around them. Share the hire dates and access arrangements with the group, and let them know how they can reach you if plans change. When you speak with the team about matching the job to the right van, you can also mention the number of people involved, which may be relevant if a crew van is among the options worth discussing for your dates.
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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.