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 on the day
Who is going to be there when the van is needed? That question is worth settling early, because a clear helper list shapes the whole enquiry. Write down who has confirmed, who might drop out, and who holds keys to any property involved. If helpers are only free at certain times, noting those windows helps when hire dates are discussed. Contact numbers for everyone taking part, plus anyone at a collection or delivery address, are useful to record in case plans shift. Questions that remain open include whether a crew van suits a larger group, and whether the hire period covers all the hours helpers can offer. A written roster keeps the day organised.
Measuring bulky items in advance
Before asking for a quote, it pays to measure the awkward pieces. List each large item, such as a wardrobe, sofa or fridge, with its height, width and depth, and note whether anything comes apart into smaller sections. If furniture has protruding handles or legs, include those in the measurements so the figures are realistic. Photographs of unusually shaped pieces can help when describing them over the phone. Once the full list is complete, pass it to the team so they can discuss whether a small van, Transit or Luton might suit the load, subject to availability. Useful questions to raise include how the dimensions should be shared, and whether any access details are worth flagging alongside them. Accurate notes support a sensible conversation.
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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.