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 Clear Load Inventory
Start by writing down every item you intend to move, grouped by room or by job. For each entry, record a rough size, whether it comes apart, and any fragility worth flagging to whoever receives it. Count the boxes rather than estimating, and note odd shapes such as lengths of timber or rolled carpet separately. If the run involves a furniture collection from a shop or a private seller, ask for the seller's phone number and the reference for your order, then keep both with the inventory. The same list can be shared when you request a quote, which helps the team suggest a small van, Transit, Luton, dropside or crew van where available. Anything still unmeasured should be marked as such rather than guessed.
Noting the Details for Each Stop
A second page of notes can cover what happens at each end of the journey. List the stops in the order you expect to make them, and against each address write the name and number of the person receiving goods there. If a stop is a storage unit, note the access hours and unit reference. Mark which items belong to which recipient, so a partial drop-off can be agreed in advance rather than debated on the driveway. Where a business delivery is involved, ask the buyer for a purchase order number and preferred contact window, and record their answers. Any question you cannot settle yourself, such as whether a gate will be unlocked, belongs with the destination contact, not the hire team.
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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.