Van Sizes Guide UK: Compare Van Sizes and Dimensions

At VanUmove, we’re often asked about different van sizes. You’re not a mover - you don’t know what van you need for your move or removal. Our partners can help you select the right one for your move.

Call us to speak to someone about our van sizes guide.

Van Sizes UK: What You Need to Know

You can make an entire van size chart based on the variety of sizes in the United Kingdom. Sizes will vary based on:

• Model
• Make

For example, a Ford Transit SWB has a 3.0 length, while a Volkswagen Transporter SWB has a 2.6 length. The heights and widths of the interior load area can also vary. That’s where you might feel a little confused. In that case, don’t hesitate to hire a man with a van who can help you make the right decision. All you need is to answer his question and he will bring a van with more than enough space to accommodate all your belongings.

Van Sizes Guide: From Small to Luton Vans

Statistically, 22% of all households in the U.K. have been in their home for fewer than three years. Most of these households were in the same position as you, spending time on their van dimension comparison, researching different sizes of vans and receiving quotes from man with van companies.

If you plan on renting your own van for long distance removals, you’ll need to consider comfort, where you’ll be driving and cost.

But, for most people hiring a company, they won’t need to worry about van sizes guide because the professional they work with will handle the logistics for them.

Small Vans

Small vans are ideal for moves with fewer than a dozen suitcases. If you have any major appliances, they won’t fit into smaller ones. Dimensions will vary based on the type of vehicle, but a general rule of thumb is that the interior capacity will be 3.1m³.

Two people can fit into a small van, which includes the following models:

• Citroen Berlingo
• Ford Transit Connect
• Mercedes Citan

Payload totals are between 500 and 700 kilograms, and the interior width is just 1.2 meters with a matching height.

If you’re looking at a van sizes UK guide, you likely don’t need a small one if you’re moving with multiple family members because there’s very limited space.

Medium Vans

A medium is one of the most popular choices on our van size chart, and the models that are included in this category include the likes of:

• Ford Transit
• MWB Mercedes
• Citroen Dispatch
• Many others

Interior capacity is 5.8m³, which is ideal for a studio or one-bedroom flat. Seating for three people is available, with a payload of 900 - 1200 kilograms. The inside width is 1.6 meters and the length is 2.40 meters, so you can fit larger items in your medium van.

Large Vans

One-to-two bedroom flats are often loaded into large vans, which include the likes of the Ford Transit Jumno and the Mercedes Sprinter L/XLWB. Payload is 1000 to 1500 kilograms with an average capacity of 12.2m³.

You can fit three drivers in a large van, which boasts an interior width of 1.75m, height of 1.93m and length of 4.20m.

Luton Vans

Van dimensions UK for larger vans can reach average capacities of 18 - 20m³ with a payload of 1200 - 1500 kilograms. Vans of this category can have dimensions of:

• 4m in length
• 2.18m in height
• 2.05m width

Three bedroom flats and homes will need a luton van. Man with van hires may or may not have a tail lift if heavier items need to be loaded.

Van Sizes Chart: A Quick Overview of What Each Van Can Handle

Whether you’re moving a room full of boxes or a 2-bedroom flat, there’s a size to meet your needs.

The exact sizes can vary from one provider to the next, but here’s a chart of what each size can handle.

1. Small Van ( 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.7m ) Ideal for a handful of boxes or up to 10 suitcases.
2. Medium Van ( 1.4m x 1.6m x 2.4m ) Ideal for studio flats, student rooms or small one-bedroom flats.
3. Large Van ( 1.93m x 1.75m x 4.2m ) Ideal for 1-2 bedroom flat. They may also have a side loading door for easy transport of your items.
4. Luton Van ( 2.18m x 2.05m x 4m ) Ideal for 3-bedroom homes/flats or office moves. They can accommodate large, heavy items.

A van size chart can help you compare and visualize the differences between each size to find the right one for your needs, but it’s always best to seek the guidance of a professional.

Our providers can help you select the right van for your needs.

Factors to Consider When Comparing Van Dimensions

Selecting the right size is the key to a hassle-free move. There are several factors to consider when performing a van size comparison and selecting your van, including:

Home or Flat Size

The size of your house or flat will most likely be the main factor when it comes to the van size you prefer. Small ones are suitable for studios or one-bedroom flats, but if you are moving a 2-3-bedroom home, you may need a large or luton van.

Size and Type of Furniture

Even a studio or a 1-bedroom flat can require a large or luton Van if it contains oversized furniture or several appliances that need to be relocated.

Specialty items, such as large pieces of art, pianos or pool tables, may require additional space along with special handling and care.

Size and Quantity of Boxes

Large quantities of boxes will require extra space, especially if you are packing large or awkwardly-shaped boxes.

Additionally, if you are packing fragile items that cannot be stacked, you will need to account for this extra space.

These are some of the most important factors to keep in mind when comparing van sizes in the UK, but don’t forget to consider your budget as well.

Choosing the Right Van Size for Your Move

With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the right choice for your move.

Calculating the required truck space is the first step, and there are several methods you can use to estimate your space needs.

The Inventory Method

Go through every room in your home and create a detailed inventory of all of your belongings, including:

• An estimate of the number of boxes you plan to move
• A list of all the sizable items, which are furniture and appliances that you will be moving
• Assign a cubic footage estimate to each item, accounting for packing materials
• Compute the entire cubic area of your packed items.

Calculators and Tools

The simplest method is to use a van dimensions comparison chart or an online calculator to determine how much space you will need. These calculators already have estimated sizes for common household items and will do all of the calculations for you to save time.

Ask the Experts

If you are still uncertain of which size you will need for your move, ask the experts for advice. They will leverage their experience to provide accurate recommendations based on your specific needs.

Find the Right Van Size for Your Move – Compare Vans Today!

VanUMove wipes out the annoying part of selecting the size that fits your move.

Use our van sizing guide and fill in your move details to compare van quotes today!

FAQs About Van Sizes

What Van Size Do I Need for a House Move?

Although there are different van, house removals will likely require a luton van. These vans offer a larger internal capacity and can accommodate large and heavy items.

How Should I Select the Right Van Size for My Move?

There are several van sizes in the UK. How can you choose the most suitable option for your move?

Use these tips to find the appropriate van for your move:

• Make a list of all items that will be moved, including boxes and large items, such as furniture or gym equipment.
• Use a van size comparison guide or calculator to find a van that will accommodate your items.

Calculators are the most efficient way to find the right size van for your move, as they eliminate the need to add the dimensions of each item manually.

What’s the Best Van Size for a Long-Distance Move?

The homeowners must decide the best vehicle size for the move for effective transportation of household goods. Is it large enough to transport your items safely and securely? The size you need won’t necessarily change just because you are planning a long-distance move.

If you are moving to a 1-bedroom flat, you will likely need a large van regardless of whether you are moving around the block or across the country.

Should you need assistance finding the right van, refer to our van sizing guide or use our van calculator.

What’s the Difference Between a Large and a Luton Van?

The difference between a large and luton van is the capacity. Van dimensions in the UK may vary, but generally, large ones have about a 12 M3 capacity and luton vans have a minimum 18 M3 capacity.