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.
Coordinating helpers for the day
Who will actually be around to help on the day? Answering that early makes the rest of the plan simpler. List the helpers you expect, confirm their arrival windows, and gather a phone number for each so you can send updates if timings shift. If someone is meeting you at the other end, perhaps at a storage unit or a friend's new address, record their contact details and agree how they will know you have arrived. It also helps to note which items belong to which person or room, along with the dimensions of anything bulky. Share this list with your helpers beforehand so everyone knows what is being moved and where each piece is expected to end up.
Noting what comes off first
Which items will you need first once the van reaches its destination? That question is worth settling before you set off, even if the plan changes later. Write an order of priority on your inventory, marking furniture destined for particular rooms, boxes that should stay accessible, and anything being handed to a third party such as a buyer or a charity shop. Note the dimensions and approximate quantity of each item so the team can help match the load to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available. If access at the far end depends on someone unlocking a gate or building, record their number and expected availability. Keeping these notes in one place gives you something to refer back to.
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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.