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 a clear load inventory
Start by listing every item you expect to move, however ordinary it seems: boxes, appliances, bags of tools, flat-pack furniture, rolled carpets, anything awkward. Next to each entry, note the approximate dimensions and, if you can, a rough count of boxes per room or per job. This record is what the team uses when matching your load to a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van, so gaps in the list often mean follow-up questions. If some items might be dropped from the plan, mark them separately from the essentials. When you ask for a quote, you could also check whether the hire dates leave room to collect additional pieces later, and confirm who will be present at each end to receive or hand over goods.
Moving hobby and sports equipment
Equipment for hobbies tends to arrive in odd shapes, so before requesting a quote it is worth measuring the longest pieces and writing down each one. A canoe paddle, a folded tent, a set of golf clubs, model aircraft wings or a disassembled bike all take up space in ways a simple item count misses, and the team can only suggest a suitable van from the figures you supply. Note whether anything comes apart, since a dismantled item may have different dimensions from the assembled version. If some gear belongs to other people in your group, collect their measurements too rather than estimating. You might also ask whether your preferred dates coincide with other bookings, and record a contact number for anyone receiving equipment at the far end.
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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.