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
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.
Organising a household move
What needs to move first, and what can wait? Answering that turns a house clearance into a manageable plan. Walk through each room and list the items in order of size, then decide what travels in the van and what goes separately. Dismantle what you can in advance, bag up fittings and keep essentials aside for the first night in the new place. Share the room-by-room list with anyone helping, so the day has a shared shape rather than a series of improvisations. When you enquire, describe the largest pieces and the general volume of boxes, since that combination guides the choice of van more than either figure alone.
Coordinating helpers on the day
Helpers are only useful if they know when and where they are needed. Fix the start time in advance and tell everyone the addresses at both ends, including anything awkward about parking or access at either property. Ask helpers to let you know promptly if plans change, and have a spare contact arrangement in case someone drops out. Assign rough roles at each end, such as who carries, who organises the load plan and who keeps the kettle running, so nobody stands idle. Build in a break and something to eat, because moving days run long. A group that knows the plan before it arrives makes far quicker work of the job.
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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.