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.
Checking dimensions before you book
Have you measured everything that matters? Begin with a written inventory of the goods, listing each item's length, width, height and approximate weight, whether that is a dining table, a stack of trade materials or boxed archive files. Then turn to the access at every address: doorway widths, hallway clearances, gate openings and lift dimensions where relevant. If the destination is a managed site, contact the person in charge there to ask about entry rules, permitted hours and any restrictions they apply. Keep all figures together in one note so they are ready when you request a quote, since the team can then discuss which van type suits the load. Where measurements are close, record the smaller number to stay on the cautious side.
Planning a household move step by step
What does a written move plan contain? Start with the two dates involved, the addresses at each end and the hire window you have in mind. List the rooms in order of priority, note which items belong to which room and mark anything that needs special attention, such as mirrors, appliances or flat-packed furniture. Record the name and number of a contact at the receiving address, whether that is a family member, a landlord's agent or a storage facility, and confirm their availability on the day. If friends are helping, write down who is coming, when they arrive and which numbers to call. Bringing this plan into your quote request gives the team a clear picture of the job and the dates you are working to.
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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.