What size moving van do I need?

What Size Moving Van Do I Need?

Determining the correct size moving van is crucial for an efficient and cost-effective move. An under-sized van often leads to multiple trips, increasing fuel costs, time, and effort, while an over-sized van incurs unnecessary expense. The objective is to match the van's capacity to the volume of items being moved, while also considering practical access at both properties.

Key Factors Influencing Van Size

Several elements should be assessed when choosing a moving van:

• Volume of Belongings: This is the primary consideration. A thorough inventory helps estimate the total cubic metreage.
• Type of Items: Large, bulky items like sofas, beds, wardrobes, and white goods (e.g., fridge freezers or washing machines) take up significant space and may dictate the minimum internal dimensions required.
• Access at Properties: Narrow streets, low bridges, parking restrictions, or tight driveways can limit the size of van that can safely access the property. Always check road restrictions and parking regulations, especially in city centres or residential areas.
• Number of Trips: While a single trip is usually the most efficient, smaller moves over short distances might accommodate two trips with a smaller van. However, this doubles loading, unloading, and travel time.
• Assistance Available: If undertaking a self-move, the ability to load and unload heavy items is a factor. A van with a tail lift significantly aids moving heavy furniture.

Common Van Sizes and Their Typical Contents

Van sizes are often categorised by their approximate cubic capacity or by the number of bedrooms they typically serve. Always check the specific internal dimensions and payload of the vehicle.

Small Van (e.g., Ford Transit Connect, Citroen Berlingo)

• Capacity: Roughly 2.5 – 3.5 cubic metres.
• Suitable For: Small loads such as student moves, single items of furniture, or boxes from a studio flat. Can handle a few boxes, a small desk, and a chair.
• Access: Very manoeuvrable, ideal for city driving and properties with restricted access.

Medium Van (e.g., Ford Transit SWB/MWB, Mercedes Sprinter SWB)

• Capacity: Approximately 6 – 10 cubic metres.
• Suitable For: A studio flat or a modest one-bedroom flat with minimal furniture. Can typically accommodate a double bed, a small sofa, a chest of drawers, and several boxes.
• Access: Still relatively easy to drive and park, suitable for most urban areas.

Large Van (e.g., Ford Transit LWB/Jumbo, Mercedes Sprinter LWB, Luton without Tail Lift)

• Capacity: Around 11 – 15 cubic metres.
• Suitable For: A one to two-bedroom flat or a small house. This size can usually fit a larger sofa, a double bed, a wardrobe, a washing machine, and numerous boxes.
• Access: Larger footprint, requires more careful driving and parking, but still manageable for most residential streets.

Luton Van with Tail Lift

• Capacity: Typically 18 – 20 cubic metres.
• Suitable For: A two to three-bedroom house. This is often the preferred choice for family moves, capable of holding larger items like three-piece suites, dining tables, multiple beds, and white goods, along with a significant number of boxes. The tail lift is invaluable for heavy and bulky items.
• Access: Larger and taller than panel vans. Consider overhead clearances, particularly under bridges or at car parks, and ensure adequate space for manoeuvring and operating the tail lift at both ends of the move.

7.5 Tonne Lorry

• Capacity: Approximately 30 – 45 cubic metres.
• Suitable For: A larger three to four-bedroom house or substantial office moves. These lorries are designed for significant volumes, handling entire household contents, including garden furniture and garage items.
• Access: Requires specialist driving skills (a C1 driving licence for drivers who passed their test after 1997) and careful route planning. Restricted access in some residential areas or narrow streets can be an issue. Parking space on the pavement or roadside needs careful consideration of council regulations.

Estimating Your Load Accurately

To avoid misjudging the required van size, consider these steps:

1. Declutter First: Before you even start thinking about van sizes, go through your belongings and decide what you truly need to move. The less you move, the smaller the van required, and the lower the cost.
2. Create an Inventory: Walk through each room and list all items, noting bulky furniture and appliances. Don't forget items in the loft, cellar, garage, or garden shed. Utilising a moving checklist can be helpful.
3. Measure Bulky Items: Note the dimensions of your largest items (sofas, beds, wardrobes, fridges) to ensure they will fit through the van doors and can be positioned effectively inside.
4. Estimate Box Count: As a rough guide, a one-bedroom property might generate 20-30 boxes, a two-bedroom 30-50, and a three-bedroom 50-80 or more. Well-packed boxes maximise space in the van.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating Volume: It is a common error to believe possessions take up less space than they do. Always err on the side of caution and consider a slightly larger van if in doubt.
• Ignoring External Items: Garden tools, outdoor furniture, bicycles, and shed contents often get overlooked in initial estimates.
• Forgetting Packing Materials: Packing blankets, straps, and trolleys also take up a small amount of space within the van, especially if not loaded last.
• Not Considering Professional Services: For larger moves, or if unsure, engaging a professional removals company or a man with a van service includes expert advice on van size, efficient packing, and loading techniques, often saving time and potential damage.

By carefully assessing the volume and type of items, considering access, and accounting for all practicalities, an appropriate moving van size can be selected, leading to a smoother moving day.