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.
Measuring Bulky Items Before You Book
The first decision worth making is which of your larger possessions will actually be travelling with you. Go through the house, garage or workplace and pull together the awkward pieces: the wardrobe, the chest freezer, the rolled rug, the dismantled shelving. For each one, note its length, width and height in the same units, and record whether it comes apart or must stay whole. If an item has protruding handles, legs or castors, mention those in your measurements rather than the main body alone. Write the figures against each item on your list so nothing relies on memory. When you tell the team what you need to carry, these dimensions let you discuss the small van, Transit, Luton and dropside options, and they flag any questions you still need to ask about access arrangements.
Listing Your Boxed Belongings Clearly
Boxes call for a different sort of record. Count how many you have, note their approximate sizes, and mark which ones contain fragile items so you can raise that when discussing the hire. If some boxes are destined for storage rather than a new address, keep those on a separate line with the storage unit's access hours and reference number. For a business delivery, it can help to record the recipient's name and contact number alongside each consignment, plus any delivery windows they have specified. Note the hire dates you have in mind and whether the run might stretch over more than one day. Presenting the quantity and nature of your boxed items together gives the team a fuller picture when matching the job to the right van.
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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.