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.
Measure your bulky items first
Start by deciding what actually needs to travel in the van. Once you have your list, measure the largest pieces, noting their height, width and depth, and any parts that come apart, such as legs or shelves. Those figures are far more useful than a rough guess when the team pairs your job with a vehicle, so share them when you enquire. If an item cannot be dismantled, say so, since that affects which van sizes make sense. Taking ten minutes with a tape measure before you make contact saves a lot of back-and-forth and helps ensure the vehicle you are quoted for genuinely suits the load.
Keeping a load inventory
A simple written inventory of everything going into the van pays off at both ends of the journey. List each item, room by room or job by job, and tick things off as they are loaded and unloaded. The list helps you spot anything left behind before you hand back the vehicle, and it gives you a clear record if you are moving items for someone else. Share the inventory with the team as well, because a full picture of the load helps them confirm the right vehicle size. It also makes splitting the job across more than one trip much easier to plan if that turns out to be necessary.
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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.