How to choose the right van size for your move

Picking the right van size saves you money, time and stress. Go too small and you'll be making multiple trips; go too big and you'll pay more, use more fuel and fight for parking. Here's how to choose.

Match the van to the job

Small van (Caddy / Transit Connect)

• Best for: small deliveries, a few boxes, a single item of furniture
• Roughly fits: 10–15 medium boxes
• Easy to park and drive, cheapest to hire and run

Medium van (Vito / Transit Custom)

• Best for: a 1-bed flat move, tools and equipment
• Roughly fits: 30 boxes plus some furniture
• A good all-rounder for most DIY moves

Large van (Sprinter / Transit LWB)

• Best for: a 2–3 bed house move, large furniture
• Roughly fits: 60+ boxes and full room sets
• Still drivable on a car licence

Luton van (with tail lift)

• Best for: 3+ bed house moves, white goods, mattresses
• The tail lift makes loading heavy items far easier
• Slightly wider and taller — check access at both ends

7.5t box van

• Best for: large house moves or heavy commercial loads
• Needs C1 entitlement (see our licence guide)

Quick rule of thumb

| Home size | Recommended van | |---|---| | Studio / bedsit | Small or medium van | | 1-bed flat | Medium van | | 2-bed house | Large van | | 3+ bed house | Luton (or 7.5t for very large) |

Things people forget

• Volume, not just weight — bulky but light items (mattresses, sofas) eat space fast.
• Loading height — a low loading floor or tail lift saves your back.
• Cab seats — if you're moving with a helper, make sure there's a passenger seat.
• Parking — a Luton needs more room than a small van; check you can park outside both addresses.

Not sure?

Use our van size guide for typical load dimensions, then compare hire companies near you to see exactly what's available on your dates.