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.
Keeping a Load Inventory
Write down everything that needs to travel before you ask for a quote. A simple inventory, room by room or job by job, lets the team see the full scope of the trip. For a house move, list furniture by name and count the boxes; for trade work, note the tools and materials involved. Group similar items together and mark anything fragile so it stands out on the list. If some items might be left behind or collected later, flag them as optional rather than definite. Keep the inventory with you on the day so you can tick items off as they travel. When you contact the team, send the list or read it over the phone and ask which vehicle from their range the inventory points towards, and whether anything on it raises questions you had not considered.
Measuring Bulky Items
Alongside the inventory, take measurements of the largest pieces. Note the height, width and depth of wardrobes, sofas, workbenches or palletised goods, and record whether anything comes apart into smaller sections. If an item has protruding handles, feet or legs, measure at the widest point rather than the middle. Write the figures next to each item on your list, and photograph anything with an unusual shape so you can describe it accurately. If a collection involves a third party, such as a seller or a storage facility, ask them for their own measurements and opening times. Present these dimensions when you request a quote, and ask the team how the numbers compare with the vans they can offer for your dates.
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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.