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.
Writing Down Your Boxed Belongings
Before requesting a quote, start by noting what you actually plan to move. A written list of boxed belongings gives you something concrete to refer to, and it helps the team understand the scale of the job at a glance. For each room, record roughly how many boxes you expect, whether any are unusually shaped, and which items are loose rather than boxed, such as lamps, vacuum cleaners or coat rails. If some pieces are dismantled furniture, note that too, along with whether the fixings are kept with the frame or packed separately. You might also mark which boxes contain fragile items so the team knows they exist. Keeping this list to hand means you can answer follow-up questions quickly when the hire dates are being arranged.
One Trip or Several: Weighing It Up
Another decision worth settling early is whether you imagine collecting everything in a single run or spreading the work across several. There is no universal answer, so treat it as an open question to raise when you enquire. A single journey appeals if your dates are fixed and you want the whole job done within one booking window. Multiple runs might suit a phased move, where some items go to storage first and the rest follow later. Write down your preferred dates for each stage, plus any deadlines that matter, such as a handover of keys or a collection window agreed with a seller. Sharing that timing detail with the team lets them talk through which vehicle option lines up with the plan you have in mind, and whether your schedule leaves room for alternatives.
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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.