If you’re planning a DIY house move, choosing the right van size can make the difference between a smooth move and multiple frustrating trips. Hire a van that’s too small and you’ll spend the day driving back and forth. Choose one that’s unnecessarily large and it may be harder to drive and more expensive than needed.
This guide explains which van sizes work best for different types of house moves, along with practical tips to help you choose the right vehicle.
Why Van Size Matters When Moving
When moving house, most people underestimate how much space their belongings actually take up. Furniture, appliances, boxes, and bulky items quickly add up.
Choosing the correct van size helps you:
- Move everything in fewer trips
- Protect fragile items by not overpacking
- Make loading and unloading faster and safer
- Avoid unnecessary hire costs
As a general rule, it’s better to go slightly larger than you think you’ll need.
Small Van (Car-Derived Van)
Best for: Studio flats or very small moves
Small vans are similar in size to a large car with a cargo area instead of rear seats.
Typical examples include vehicles similar to a Citroën Berlingo or Ford Transit Connect.
What fits inside:
- Around 15–20 moving boxes
- Small furniture items
- Suitcases and personal belongings
Good choice if:
- You’re moving from a studio flat
- Most furniture is already at the new property
- You only need to transport boxes and small items
For most full house moves, a small van is usually too limited unless you plan multiple trips. We have a good selection of small car-derived vans available for hire.
Medium Van (SWB Transit / Vivaro Size)
Best for: Small flats and 1-bed homes
Medium vans are one of the most popular options for house moves because they offer a good balance of cargo space and easy driving.
Typical vehicles are similar to:
- Ford Transit Custom
- Vauxhall Vivaro
- Renault Trafic
What fits inside:
- 25–35 moving boxes
- A double bed and mattress
- Small sofa
- Coffee tables and chairs
- Several appliances
Good choice if:
- You’re moving from a 1-bedroom flat
- You have moderate furniture
- Parking space is limited
However, if you have large furniture or lots of belongings, you may still need multiple trips. We have both short wheelbase vans for hire and medium wheelbase vans for hire.
Large Van (LWB Transit)
Best for: 1–2 bedroom homes
A long wheelbase (LWB) van offers significantly more load space and is a popular choice for DIY movers.
What fits inside:
- 40–60 boxes
- Sofas and armchairs
- Beds and mattresses
- Washing machines and fridges
- Flat-pack wardrobes
Good choice if:
- You’re moving from a 1–2 bedroom property
- You want to complete the move in one trip
- You have bulky furniture
Many people find this size offers the best balance between capacity and drivability. See our long wheelbase vans available for hire.
Luton Van with Tail Lift
Best for: 2–3 bedroom houses or large moves
Luton vans are the largest vans commonly available for hire and are specifically designed for moving furniture.
They feature:
- A box-shaped cargo area for maximum capacity
- High roof space
- Often a tail lift to make heavy lifting easier
What fits inside:
- 70+ moving boxes
- Large sofas
- Beds and mattresses
- Wardrobes and dining tables
- White goods and bulky furniture
Good choice if:
- You’re moving a family home
- You want to move everything in one trip
- You have heavy furniture or appliances
The tail lift can make loading items like washing machines or large sofas much safer and easier. We have luton vans with tail lift available for hire today.
Quick Van Size Guide for House Moves
Property Size | Recommended Van |
|---|---|
Studio flat | Small van |
1-bed flat | Medium van |
2-bed house/flat | Large van (LWB) |
3-bed house | Luton van |
Large family home | Luton van or multiple trips |
Tips for Choosing the Right Van
1. Consider bulky furniture
Items like sofas, wardrobes and beds take up much more space than boxes.
2. Estimate your box count
Most homes end up with 30–80 moving boxes, depending on property size.
3. Check access and parking
If your current or new property has tight streets, a slightly smaller van may be easier.
4. Think about lifting heavy items
If you’re moving appliances or large furniture, a Luton van with tail lift can make the job much easier.
5. When in doubt, go bigger
A van that’s slightly larger often saves time, effort, and additional trips.
Need Help Choosing the Right Van?
If you’re unsure what size van will work best for your move, our team can help recommend the right vehicle based on:
- Property size
- Furniture and appliances
- Distance of the move
Hiring the right van makes moving house simpler, quicker, and far less stressful.
