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
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 first
The single most useful thing you can do before requesting a van is measure what you are moving. Note the height, width and length of the largest pieces, and remember that wardrobes, sofas and fridges rarely come apart. A tape measure and two minutes at each end of the job will tell you far more than a rough guess. Once you have the figures, pass them to the team with the number of items and any access notes, and they can point you towards the right category of vehicle. If an item is unusually shaped, describe it plainly rather than naming a product, since dimensions matter more than labels. Doing this early saves swapping vehicles halfway through a busy day.
Carrying hobby and leisure equipment
If the van is for hobby gear rather than a house move, the planning is different. Think about what you are transporting: sailing kit, model aircraft, camping equipment or instruments each take up space in their own way. Soft bags squash into corners, but rigid cases and long items need length more than volume. Tell the team what the equipment is and roughly how much of it there is, and they can suggest a suitable van. It also helps to mention whether anything needs to stay dry or secure during the trip, so the vehicle choice reflects that. A short list of your main items is enough for a useful conversation, and it keeps the whole process straightforward.
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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.