What size van do I need to move house?

It’s an exciting time, finding your dream home and planning to move. However, there are a range of logistical needs to take into consideration when relocating – from amending your address on your driving licence to issues such as the size of the van you require to move everything safely and in as few trips as possible.

In this post, we’ve considered the most common removal van sizes and which one you’re more likely to require, depending on what you need to move and the size of your current property.

The first thing to consider: Are you working with movers or hiring a van?

If you’ve decided to secure the services of a removal team, it’s likely they’ll be able to assist you with selecting the right size van for your needs. They should be able to talk you through your options and assign a vehicle that can handle the number of belongings you need to move.

If you’ve decided to do it yourself, then it’s important you take time to look into the dimensions of the van and what you’re likely to be able to fit in this. Remember, you have the whole vehicle to play with, even the footwell of the passenger seat!

It’s also a good idea to consider enlisting friends and family who can help move items and pack the van, speeding up the process and ensuring that moving day goes smoothly.

Below, we’ve featured some typical van sizes and what you should be able to fit in them, to help you choose the correctly sized removal van for your needs.

Removal van size guide

MWB (Medium Wheelbase) Transit Van

This van is your typical, smaller transit van with sliding doors on the side and two seats, one for the driver and another for a passenger.

LWB (Long Wheelbase) Transit Van

This van model is an extended version of the MWB transit van, with a longer back section to house more of your personal belongings. You’ll also find XL versions with a little additional space.

Luton Van

The powerhouse of the van world, Luton vans have a volume of 600 cubic feet and can easily accommodate the belongings of a three-bed house. If your property is larger or you simply have large number of possessions, you may need two Luton vans or to make more than one trip.

Tips for packing a van for your house move

• Sweep out the van first – If the van is typically used to move soiled items or is dusty, it’s a good idea to give it a good sweep before you begin to avoid any dirt being transferred to your belongings.
• Heavy items go in first – This means white goods, drawers and heavier furniture should be added first and other items stacked on top.
• Use bungee cords – Try to strap boxes to heavier items to ensure they don’t move around too much while in transit.
• Take advantage of drawers – If you have drawer units, use these to house smaller items or boxes to keep them safe.
• Think of it like Tetris – We’ve all enjoyed a game of Tetris in our time so treat packing up your van in the same manner, stack your belongings to the ceiling of the vehicle to reduce the number of trips you need to make.
• Fill in the gaps – Fill empty spaces with vacuum bags filled with soft furnishings and textiles and ensure there’s no space for things to roll or move around once the van starts moving.

Also, be sure to take a look at our moving home guide featuring some top tips to help your home move go a little more smoothly.