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
Choose the van around the load. Small vans work well for boxes, tools and light collections. Medium or long-wheelbase vans suit furniture, stock and trade equipment, while Lutons are better for bulkier house-move items. The available range includes Volkswagen Caddy, Ford Transit SWB, VW Transporter Automatic, Ford Transit MWB and Ford Transit LWB, subject to dates, driver details and availability. The exact make, model, transmission, seats, payload and licence position are confirmed at quote stage, so the vehicle examples should be used as a guide to the type of hire available rather than a guaranteed reservation of a specific model.
Building a written load list
Begin with a simple written list of everything that needs to travel. For each item, note its name, approximate dimensions and any quantity, so that three identical boxes are recorded as three rather than one. Furniture deserves extra attention: record whether legs detach, whether an item comes apart into sections, and whether any piece is unusually long or tall. If you are collecting goods from a retailer or private seller, add the seller's contact details and the reference number for the order. This record becomes the basis of your conversation with the team, since knowing what you need to carry, the access arrangements and the hire dates helps them discuss which vehicle options are available for your job. Gaps in the list, such as an unmeasured wardrobe, are simply questions to resolve before you request a quote.
Weighing one trip against several
Would a single outing cover everything, or might the job split into stages? It is a planning question worth answering on paper first. If goods are coming from more than one address, note each collection point, the contact person there and the hours they can receive visitors, because these details shape what is achievable in a day. A consolidated list shows whether all items belong to the same date or whether some could follow later. There is no need to assume a particular answer; some jobs suit one visit, others naturally divide. What matters is that the information you record, including quantities, dimensions and access arrangements, lets the team discuss dates and vehicle options with you. Questions you might prepare include whether a particular van type is available on your chosen day and what the access arrangements are at each stop.
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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.