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.
Measuring Bulky Items Before You Enquire
The choice of van often hinges on the size of the largest single item, so start by measuring the pieces that could cause difficulty. A three-seat sofa, a dining table with its legs on or off, a washing machine or a rolled mattress each have dimensions worth recording: height, width and depth, written down before you call. If furniture can be dismantled, note whether that reduces the measurements and whether fixings will be kept together. Once the biggest items are on paper, list the smaller ones in rough order so the full picture emerges. These figures allow the team to judge whether a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van matches the job where available.
Moving Boxed Belongings
A house move built around boxes is organised best from a written inventory. Count the boxes room by room, note their approximate sizes, and flag any that contain fragile or unusually shaped contents, such as lampshades or pictures. Recording the total gives you a figure to discuss with the team, who can then match the job to a suitable van where available. Think about the hire dates and whether the move happens in one day or across two, since that decision affects how much you schedule into each session. If boxes are going to more than one address, perhaps a storage unit and a new home, list each destination alongside a contact name and number there. The recipient of any delivered items should also be asked about their preferred times. With the inventory, dates and contacts written down, the enquiry can cover every part of the move in one conversation.
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.