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.
Fitting the van to your route
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.
Checking Entrance and Item Dimensions
Which measurements should you take before asking for a quote? Start with the items themselves: note the height, width and depth of each large piece, from wardrobes and mattresses to workbenches and pallets, and count how many of each you have. If furniture can be dismantled, record the dimensions of the parts rather than only the assembled item. Next, think about the spaces involved at both ends of the job. Measuring doorways, corridors and gate widths at your own property is straightforward, but details about a destination's entrances, loading areas or opening hours should come from the contact person there, so keep their name and number handy. Pass all the figures to the team with your dates, and ask whether anything about the load affects the choice between a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van.
Organising a Household Move
If a whole houseful of belongings is being relocated, a room-by-room approach to your notes can keep the enquiry manageable. Go through each space and list the main items, marking quantities for anything repeated, such as chairs, boxes or shelving units. Set aside a separate list for fragile or awkwardly shaped pieces so you can flag them when you speak to the team. Decide your hire dates early, including a possible buffer day if packing runs behind, and record the access arrangements at both properties, such as where a van might stand. Where the new home is managed by an agent or landlord, questions about keys, entry times and parking belong to them, so note their contact details. Share the complete inventory and dates when requesting a quote, and ask anything still unresolved about matching the move to a vehicle.
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What to confirm on the phone
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.