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 for your van day
Who is helping you on the day, and when can they be there? Settling this early keeps the whole job organised. List each person's availability, note their contact numbers and agree a start time that works for everyone involved. If helpers are only free for part of the day, record which hours they can cover so you can plan the sequence of stops around them. It is also useful to note who will be at each address, whether that is someone letting you into a storage unit or a recipient waiting for a delivery, along with their phone details. Share your hire dates and what you need to carry when you contact the team, and they can talk through the vehicle options for your dates. A quick message to helpers the evening before confirms nothing has changed.
Listing boxed belongings by room
How will you keep track of what goes where? A room-by-room list is one straightforward approach. Note the number of boxes from each space, along with their approximate dimensions and any contents worth recording, such as kitchenware or paperwork kept separately. Mark each box or group with its destination address and the name and contact number of whoever receives it, which is especially handy if items are splitting between a new home and a storage unit. This list can accompany your enquiry, helping the team understand the scale of the job. It also serves as a reference if plans shift partway through, giving you something written to check against rather than relying on memory alone.
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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.