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.
How the right vehicle is confirmed
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.
Keeping a Load Inventory
Start by writing down every item you expect to move, because a clear inventory answers most of the questions a hire team will ask. List furniture piece by piece, note the number of boxes and roughly how full each one is, and record any awkward shapes such as a wardrobe, a ladder or a rolled carpet. Measure the longest items and jot down those dimensions, since a three-seat sofa and a two-seat version are different jobs entirely. Keep the list with your hire dates and the access arrangements at each address, and update it if you find more things to move. When you enquire, send this inventory along so the team can discuss which van suits the job and flag anything you may have missed.
Organising a Household Move
A household move runs more smoothly when the details are gathered early, so begin with the basics on paper. Confirm your completion or handover date first, then decide the day you want the van and how many hours you think the whole job needs. Write down the addresses involved, including any storage unit, and note the contact names and numbers for the people receiving furniture or waiting at the destination. Record which rooms the items are coming from and where each one is going, since that helps you brief anyone helping on the day. If parts of the move are still uncertain, raise that when asking for a quote, because the team may need to talk through alternative dates or vehicle choices with you.
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Things to check 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.