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.
Building a Clear Load Inventory
Start your enquiry by writing down everything that needs to travel in the van. List furniture piece by piece, note the number of boxes, and record any appliances, tools or awkward items along with their approximate dimensions. If something comes apart, such as a bed frame or shelving unit, note that on your list as well, since a disassembled item may take up less space than the assembled piece. Count the bags, crates and loose items separately, and flag anything unusually long or tall. Where you already know the access arrangements at each end, add those notes too. This inventory gives you a solid basis for asking which van sizes might suit your job, and it means you can answer follow-up questions without guessing. Keep the list handy in case your load changes before the hire date.
Thinking About the Order of Your Trip
Before you confirm a booking, sketch out how the day might run and what you need from each stop. Note which addresses you will visit, roughly when you plan to arrive at each one, and who to contact there if timings slip. If you are collecting from a shop, storage unit or private seller, record their opening hours and phone numbers, and think about whether you need to collect keys or paperwork along the way. Questions worth asking include whether the van can be collected early and how the drop-off works, so you understand the arrangements before the day arrives. Writing these points down turns a vague plan into something concrete you can discuss with the team, and it highlights anything you still need to arrange before you set off.
Explore other van hire areas
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.