Van sizes explained — from small transit to 7.5 tonne lorry. Which van fits a 1-bed flat, 2-bed house, 3-bed house and 4-bed home.
Choosing the wrong size van is one of the most common moving mistakes. Too small and you're making multiple trips. Too large and you're paying for empty space. Here's how to get it right.
A small transit van holds approximately 150–250 cubic feet and suits a studio flat, a single room, or a very lightly furnished 1-bedroom flat. A long-wheelbase transit (sometimes called a Luton van) holds 400–600 cubic feet and suits a 1–2 bedroom property with typical furniture. A Luton van with tail lift holds 500–700 cubic feet and suits a 2–3 bedroom house. A 7.5-tonne lorry holds 900–1,400 cubic feet and suits a 3–4 bedroom house with a full family's worth of belongings.
A studio or 1-bedroom flat with minimal furniture: small transit or long-wheelbase van. A 1–2 bedroom flat or small house: Luton van. A 3-bedroom house: Luton van or 7.5-tonne lorry depending on how much furniture you have. A 4-bedroom house or larger: 7.5-tonne lorry, and for very large moves you may need two vehicles.
The number of bedrooms is a starting point but it's not the whole story. A 2-bedroom flat packed with books, a piano and a large sofa collection may need a larger van than a 3-bedroom house being moved by a minimalist couple. Mention large or unusual items (pianos, pool tables, motorbikes, large gym equipment) when getting quotes.
Man and van services use smaller vans and are typically suited to 1–2 bedroom moves. For anything larger, or if you have valuable or heavy items, a professional removal company with a large vehicle and an experienced crew is usually more cost-effective when you factor in the number of trips and the risk of damage.
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