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.
Planning the Order of Your Items
If your move or delivery involves several stops, thinking through which items go where can shape your whole booking. Rather than deciding on the day, write a list that groups items by destination: everything for the first address together, then the second, and so on. Note each item's approximate size and any handling notes you want the hire team to be aware of. This record helps you describe the full load clearly when you enquire. When you request a quote, share the itemised list and your dates, and confirm the access arrangements at each address so the team can match the job to the right van from the options available.
Weighing One Trip Against Several
When your list is long, a question worth settling early is whether to move everything at once or spread it across several runs. Note the total volume of items, the distance between addresses, and how much time you can set aside, since these figures make the comparison concrete rather than guesswork. If some items are fragile or awkwardly shaped, flag those separately. Whether one approach or the other suits best depends on availability and your own schedule. When you ask for a quote, mention your preferred dates, what you need to carry, and the access arrangements, then ask which options are free for those days and what each would mean for your plans.
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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.