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.
Building a Load Inventory
A written inventory is the first thing to prepare. Go room by room if you are moving house, listing furniture, white goods, boxes and fragile items, and note the approximate dimensions of the larger pieces such as beds, wardrobes and dining tables. For trade work or business deliveries, record the tools, materials or stock you expect to carry and how they are packed. If items are going to a storage unit, note the unit number and the contact details of the facility so you can confirm access arrangements with them directly. Mark anything that can be dismantled and note the resulting sizes. When you contact the team, you can ask which van types match your list, whether a crew van is needed to carry additional workers, and whether the hire dates you have in mind align with the options available at that time.
Organising a Household Move
For a household move, sketch the sequence of the day before you request a quote. Write down the collection address, the new address and any stops between them, then note the contact details for anyone receiving you at each end, such as an estate agent, landlord or family member, so access questions can be raised with them. List the rooms that must be emptied and flag items staying behind so your inventory stays accurate. Record the dimensions of doorways, hallways and lifts at both properties, plus the size of the largest furniture, since these figures inform the conversation about which van suits the job. Open questions worth asking include whether a Luton or dropside fits the items you have listed, whether your dates can be met, and whether anything on your inventory changes the vehicle match the team suggests.
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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.