Which van do I need?
Not sure which vehicle to book? Use this guide to match your load to the right van — so your items arrive safely and you're not paying for more than you need.
Small Van
Good value for mid-size loadsTypical load area: ~1.8 m L × 1.2 m W × 1.2 m H
Good for
- Multiple parcels or boxes
- Small appliances (microwave, printer)
- Office supplies & stock runs
- Flat-pack furniture (smaller pieces)
- Catering equipment
Not suitable for
- Large white goods (washing machines, fridge-freezers)
- Sofas, wardrobes, or bed frames
- Loads over ~800 kg
Medium Van
Best for bulky single-room movesTypical load area: ~2.5 m L × 1.6 m W × 1.5 m H
Good for
- White goods (washing machine, fridge, tumble dryer)
- Single-room furniture (bed, chest of drawers, bookcase)
- Large catering or retail stock deliveries
- Trade equipment & tools
- Multiple flat-pack furniture items
Not suitable for
- Full sofa sets or large corner sofas
- Multiple-room house moves
- Loads over ~1.2 t
Large / LWB Van
Ideal for large single loadsTypical load area: ~3.5 m L × 1.8 m W × 1.8 m H
Good for
- Large sofas, corner units & suite sets
- Wardrobe, double bed & bulky furniture
- Full 1-bedroom flat moves
- Large trade equipment & building materials
- Bulky retail / warehouse deliveries
Not suitable for
- Full 2–3 bedroom house moves (consider Luton van)
- Very heavy items requiring a tail-lift
- Loads exceeding ~1.4 t in practice
Luton Van
Best for house moves & large loadsBox: ~4.2 m L × 2.1 m W × 2.1 m H + tail-lift available
Good for
- Full 1–2 bedroom house or flat moves
- Large sofas, corner units & suite sets
- Wardrobes, double beds & large furniture
- Large retail or warehouse stock deliveries
- Event equipment & displays
Not suitable for
- 3+ bedroom full house moves (consider two trips or a 7.5t)
- Very heavy individual items over ~300 kg (without specialist lifting)
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | 🚐 Small Van | 🚚 Medium Van | 🚛 LWB Van | 🏚️ Luton Van |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GVW | 2.0–2.3 t | 2.7–3.0 t | 3.0–3.5 t | 3.5 t |
| Max payload | 500–1,000 kg | 1,000–1,400 kg | 1,200–1,600 kg | 900–1,500 kg |
| Working payload | 600–800 kg | 1.0–1.2 t | 1.2–1.4 t | 1.2–1.4 t |
| Approx load length | ~1.8 m | ~2.5 m | ~3.5 m | ~4.2 m |
| Tail-lift option | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Studio / 1-bed move | ✗ | Possibly | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single appliance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-box delivery | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Documents / parcels | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Payload note: "Max payload" is the manufacturer-rated limit. "Working payload" is the realistic usable capacity once the driver and any standard equipment are accounted for. Always base your estimate on the working payload figure. If in doubt, go one size up — it's better to have space than to overload the vehicle.