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.
Measuring items and entrances
Will it actually fit? That is the question to answer before anything is loaded. Measure the largest items, including any protruding handles or legs, and then measure the entrances they must pass through at both ends, taking the narrowest point of each doorway, hallway or stairwell. Where a piece of furniture could go either way, note which dimensions are fixed and which can be reduced by removing feet or shelves. It is just as important to think about the gap between the van and the door, since a long carry changes how the day runs. Keep the measurements with you on the day itself. Passing them to the team when you enquire helps narrow down the right van for the job.
Coordinating helpers on moving day
A van full of furniture rarely moves itself, so agree the team of helpers well in advance. Confirm who is available for both loading and unloading, since the people who help at one end are not always the same as those at the other. Give everyone a clear arrival time and a short list of what needs to move first, which keeps the morning focused. Ask helpers to bring suitable clothing and footwear for the job, and let them know roughly how long you expect the day to take so they can plan around it. It is also sensible to arrange a way for people to contact you if plans shift. A coordinated group makes the whole hire run to schedule.
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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.