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Removal Van Size Guide - All Moving Van Sizes Explained
Removal Van Size Guide - All Moving Van Sizes Explained

Selecting the appropriate removal van size is crucial for a smooth house move. This guide outlines the main types

Liz avatar
Written by Liz
Updated this week

Did you know that removal vans come in various sizes and models? A reputable moving company will allocate the best van for your move, but knowing the available sizes is important.

It can be tough to determine what size van is most suitable for your needs when looking to move house. It can often seem impossible as you take stock of your belongings. A professional removal company will help you with the process of moving and can assess what items you have and how big they are. Once they know this, they can ensure you have the perfect-sized van for your move.

Removal vans

Why Should You Hire A Removal Van?

You can choose between a removal company or man and van services, but there are many benefits to hiring a removal van. Not only are your possessions completely protected, but you should consider hiring a removal service for many other reasons.

They will have the necessary equipment to handle more of your items safely and efficiently. Most of the hard work will be done for you, and you can have peace of mind that everything is sorted.

You should hire a man and van if you’re moving:

  • From a flat or house bigger than 1 bedroom

  • Heavy and/or bulky furniture

  • Specialist expensive items

  • Fragile items

  • Furniture that needs to be dismantled and reassembled at the new property

What Sizes Are There?

There are a few different van sizes that movers use.

These include:

Medium Wheelbase Transit and Sprinter Van

These have an average loading capacity of 280-380 cubic feet and can transport between 30 and 40 boxes. These are the most commonly used removal vans across the UK. The most commonly used transit van models are the Ford Transit or the Mercedes Sprinter.

There are many benefits to hiring one of these. If you only have a small amount to move, these are great. They are cheaper than the other vehicles as they are fairly small. They can usually hold the personal belongings of one or two people and have an easy-loading platform and a high roof for easy moving.

They are often abbreviated to MWB vans.

Long Wheelbase Transit and Sprinter Van

These have an average loading capacity of 380-530 cubic feet and can transport between 30 and 50 boxes. They are slightly larger than MWB vans and can come with either a high or a low roof.

The vans are perfect for moving one—to two-bedroom flats; however, the specific dimensions will depend on the exact make and model of your removal company's van. These vans can carry a range of white goods, such as kitchen appliances or furniture, such as dining tables.

They are often abbreviated to LWB vans; some call them ‘Jumbo Sprinters’ or ‘Jumbo Transits’.

3.5 Tonne Luton Van

These have an average loading capacity of 550 cubic feet and can transport between 40 to 60 boxes.

These are very popular among removal companies. They aren’t much bigger than LWB vans, but removal teams often favour them.

A 3.5-tonne Luton van often comes with a tail lift to help with the loading. They can manoeuvre easily through narrow streets and are especially popular for London moves. They are great for moving a 1-2 bedroom flat. If you are moving boxes and furniture, you should be able to fit 45 boxes around other furniture. Without furniture, the vans should hold up to 60 moving boxes.

What Size Do I Need To Move?

This will all depend on the amount of stuff you have to move.

Every piece of furniture has a cubic foot size value or can be measured in cubic metres. The size of this can help your removal company determine the size of the moving van required.

You should hire a professional and experienced removal firm to help calculate your desired size. Dimensions will vary depending on specific factors such as make and model.

An LWB has inner dimensions of 4.2m/14.1ft in length, 1.7 m/5 ft in width, and 1.8m/5.9ft in height. It is recommended that the property size be a studio flat or a standard-sized garage.

A 3.5-tonne Luton Van has inner dimensions of 4.0m/13.1ft in length, 2.0m/6.5ft in width, and 2.2m/7.2ft in height. The recommended property size for one of these is a one—to two-bedroom flat or a small house.

What Moving Equipment Do They Use?

Any good moving service will have the correct equipment to safely load your items. Different moving companies may use different equipment. For example, if you are moving furniture into storage, they may need specialist equipment.

These are just a few of the basic items that may be included:

  • Basic toolkit

  • 2 or 4-wheel furniture doilies

  • Ramps

  • Hoisting straps

  • Protective work wear

  • Crates or bins

  • Furniture blankets

Some offer additional services, which may require more equipment. If they offer packing services, they will provide packing tape, paper, bubble wrap, and moving boxes.

What Insurances Do You Need For Removal Vans?

There are two types of commercial van insurance coverage that you should look for.

These are:

  • Hire and Reward Insurance This covers physical vehicles and is a legal requirement for any removal van and the transportation of goods for monetary reward.

  • Goods in Transit Insurance covers the cost of goods and property while they are being moved. Removal companies or van drivers are not legally required to purchase this, so it is important to ask if they have it.

Save Money On Your House Move

Now that you know more about removal vans, you can find the perfect company for your needs. Remember to ask about their hourly rate, the vans they have available, and their insurance coverage.

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