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 Entrances and Items Together
Will that sofa actually fit through the door? The way to answer that is to measure both the item and the openings it must pass through. Note the height, width and depth of each large piece, then measure the doorways, hallways, stairwells and lift openings at both the collection address and the destination, recording the narrowest point of each. Where a lift is involved, note its interior dimensions and any restrictions displayed. If furniture legs or handles can be removed, mention that in your notes, since it changes the figures. With these measurements written down, you can describe the job accurately when asking for a quote, and the team can talk through the small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van options with you for your chosen dates.
Planning What Travels and When
Beyond measurements, a simple record of what needs to travel keeps the day organised. Write your item list grouped by destination, so if one trip serves two addresses, nothing gets mixed up. Note which pieces are needed first at the far end, such as a bed for the first night or tools for a morning job, and which can follow later. Decide the hire dates and whether an overnight or weekend period fits the schedule better. Record a contact name and number for anyone meeting you at the destination, and any access codes or entry arrangements they mention. Questions to raise include hand-over times, what happens if the day slips, and whether a different van can be arranged if the list grows.
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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.