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.
Planning the Stages of a House Move
How do you break a house move into manageable stages? Begin by listing every room and noting the items in each, from furniture to boxed belongings. Next, decide whether everything travels in one hire or whether some pieces go to storage first, and record which destination each group of items belongs to. Write down the dimensions of larger furniture, especially anything that can be dismantled, and keep fittings and fixings with their respective pieces on your list. If friends are helping on the day, note their availability and contact numbers, and if access at either property is restricted, ask the relevant contact about parking or entry arrangements. Passing the item list, access details and dates to the team allows them to suggest whether a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van suits the job.
Keeping a Load Inventory as You Pack
If you number your boxes and keep a running inventory, unpacking and checking deliveries becomes far more straightforward. Record the contents of each box on paper or on your phone, then note where it should end up at the new address. Alongside boxes, list furniture with measurements, appliances and any awkward items, marking anything fragile so it can be identified at a glance. Where items are going to more than one destination, such as a storage unit and a house, label the inventory accordingly and include recipient names and phone numbers for each drop-off. When requesting a quote, share the completed inventory with the team, ask which van sizes match the volume described, and confirm the hire dates and access arrangements so the right vehicle can be reserved where available.
Explore other van hire areas
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.