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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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.
Choosing Between a Single Run and Split Trips
Begin with a decision many people postpone: is this one job or several? List everything that must move, then group the items by destination and urgency. If most of your belongings are boxed and half of them could travel next weekend, two shorter runs might suit your dates, whereas a large clearance raises different questions about load size. Note the dimensions of the larger pieces and the rough count of boxes, since the team can only discuss vehicle options against a concrete list. Check whether helpers, keys or storage access are available on each candidate date, and record any recipient's contact details so timing can be agreed with them directly. Questions to raise include what availability looks like across your possible dates and which van from the available range matches each scenario.
Organising a Move That's Mostly Boxes
When nearly everything you own is going into boxes, the preparation happens before any van is booked. Work through the house room by room and note how many boxes each one is likely to produce, along with any furniture that is not coming apart. Record the dimensions of anything oversized, such as a mattress or a flat-packed wardrobe, and flag anything that will not fit a standard box. Decide when you want the van in relation to your packing schedule, since collecting it once everything is sealed differs from having it wait while you fill the last crates. Write down the access arrangements at both ends and keep the destination contact's number to hand. Ask the team how the crew van option works if a friend is coming along, and confirm what is available for your dates.
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Things to check 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.