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.
Arranging Helpers on the Day
A clear plan for helpers keeps a moving or delivery day running calmly. Before the van arrives, confirm who is coming, roughly when they can start and how long they can stay, since people often have other commitments later in the day. Think about where each helper will be most useful: someone strong at the heavy end, another watching the doorways, and a driver or navigator if you are making several trips. It also helps to agree in advance how you will contact everyone if timings slip, whether by message or a quick call. Mentioning your helper arrangements when you speak to the team makes it easier to discuss the van options for the job.
Checking Entrances and Item Sizes
Will everything fit through the gaps it must pass? Measuring before you book turns guesswork into facts. Walk the route each item will take and record the width, height and depth of every doorway, corridor, gate or lift involved, plus any tight turns or narrow stairwells. Measure your largest pieces of furniture and boxes, and note whether legs, doors or handles can be removed to reduce the dimensions. If an item is being collected from a shop or another address, ask that contact for the packaged size rather than estimating. Write down anything that seems borderline, with its exact measurements. When you request a quote, sharing these figures with the team allows you to discuss the van options and access arrangements for the job.
Explore other van hire areas
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.