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.
Writing down a load inventory
Start by writing a full inventory of everything the van needs to carry, room by room or job by job. For each item, note the name, an approximate count and the dimensions where you know them: the width of a wardrobe, the length of a workbench, the number of boxes currently stacked in the spare room. If something comes apart, record which pieces separate and which stay fixed. Photographs can support the list, but a written version is what you will read out or send over when you enquire. Keep the inventory with your other job notes so the same list can be shared with the team, and flag any item you are unsure how to describe, since that is often where a quick question settles the vehicle choice.
Setting dates with breathing room
Choosing the hire dates is the other half of the planning. Rather than booking the van for the exact hours you expect the job to take, consider whether an extra morning or an additional day would give you room if packing runs behind schedule or a collection slot moves. Note the date the items need to reach their destination, any time window a store or a storage facility has given you, and the date the property keys change hands if that applies. If the job depends on other people, such as a seller or a site contact, record their availability alongside your own. When you enquire, ask how flexible the dates are and what would be involved if you needed to shift them.
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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.