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.
Recording where every item is headed
If your van hire supports a house move, it helps to record where each item is destined before the day arrives. Labelling boxes by room and noting which pieces belong upstairs or in a garage all give you a clear record to work from. Some customers also keep a note of the items they want access to on the first evening, such as bedding, kettles or children's toys, so nothing has to be hunted for later. If you are collecting furniture from a seller rather than moving home, ask for the dimensions of each piece and the collection address. Passing these details to the team, along with your hire dates, helps them suggest whether a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van suits the job where available.
Weighing one trip against several
Whether to book one larger van or make several runs with a smaller one is a decision worth weighing early. Start by listing everything you need to move, then note the dimensions and approximate volume of the bulkiest pieces. If the list is mostly boxes and small furniture, a single booking in a larger van might appeal; if it is short and the distances involved are modest, repeated runs could suit. Think about the hours you can hire for, whether anyone can help on the day, and any access arrangements at each address. Share the full list with the team along with your dates, and ask how the options differ in practical terms. You can also raise any questions about vehicle availability before you confirm the booking.
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.