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.
Will Your Items Fit Through the Entrances?
A practical first question to answer is whether everything will actually pass through the doorways, corridors and stairwells involved. Before requesting a quote, measure each large item, noting its height, width and depth, and compare those figures with the dimensions of the entrances at both ends of the journey. Record the narrowest point along the route out of the property, whether that is a tight hallway, a compact lift or a garden gate. If a sofa or wardrobe can be dismantled, note which parts separate and their resulting sizes. Write down any access constraints, such as restricted parking or a long walk from the van to the door, and keep the recipient's phone number handy. Sharing these measurements and notes in your enquiry allows a sensible discussion about which van type suits the load you have described.
Planning a Boxed Belongings Move
If your move mainly involves boxed belongings, prepare an inventory before you enquire. List each box with a number, the room it came from and a brief note of its contents, which helps you confirm nothing goes missing later. Estimate how many boxes you have and their approximate sizes, and include any loose items such as lamps, bicycles or rugs that will not fit inside a box. Record the collection address and the delivery address, along with the hire dates and the name and number of whoever will receive the items. If some boxes are fragile, mark them on the list. When you contact the team, you can then ask specific questions, such as which vehicle size typically corresponds to a load of your listed volume, and whether anything on your inventory raises points worth discussing.
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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.