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.
Building a household inventory
What should you do first when a whole houseful of belongings needs to move? Start with a room-by-room inventory before you enquire about a van. Walk through each space and list the furniture, boxes and loose items, marking anything that dismantles and anything that stays in one piece. Measure the largest items, including width, height and depth, and keep those figures on a single sheet alongside your running count of boxes and bags. Note where each item is going at the new address, since a simple destination label on the inventory helps you track progress on the day. When you contact the team, share the inventory highlights, particularly the biggest measurements, so they can advise on a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van for your dates.
Deciding between one trip and several
If you are weighing a single larger van booking against a couple of shorter hires, gather a few details before committing either way. Count the total volume of items on your inventory, then consider whether everything genuinely needs to move at once or whether some belongings can follow a week later. Ask yourself who is available on each candidate date, since a one-trip plan concentrates all the help on a single day, while spreading the move across several runs shares the work more thinly. Record the access arrangements at both addresses for every date you have in mind, including any parking restrictions or time windows. Put these options to the team when requesting a quote, and ask which vehicle types could handle each version of the plan.
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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.