Booking a move and unsure which van size you need? Forget abstract figures like “600 cubic feet” — this guide translates van sizes into real-world items like boxes, beds, sofas and wardrobes, so you book the right vehicle the first time. From a single room to a five-bedroom house, here’s exactly what fits.
Van size guide by contents
Match the volume of your belongings to the recommended vehicle below. When in doubt, size up — a little spare space is far cheaper than a second trip.
| What you’re moving | Recommended van |
|---|---|
| 10–15 medium boxes, or a large wardrobe/sofa | MWB transit van |
| ~25 medium boxes (plus a white-goods item or bed) | MWB transit van |
| 20 medium boxes (plus studio furnishings) | LWB transit van |
| 20–25 medium boxes (small apartment contents) | 3.5 tonne van with tail lift |
| 25 medium boxes (2-bed flat or bungalow) | 3.5 tonne Luton van with tail lift |
| 30–35 medium boxes (2-bed house & garden) | 3.5 tonne Luton + LWB transit van |
| 40 medium boxes (3-bed house with garden) | 7.5 tonne Luton box van |
| 50–55 medium boxes (4–5 bed house with conservatory) | 7.5 tonne + 3.5 tonne, or two 7.5 tonne vans |
How to choose the right van
A medium box is roughly 3 cubic feet; a fridge-freezer is around 30. But don’t rely on volume alone — items vary in shape and stacking is never perfect. A few rules of thumb:
- Always allow extra space for awkward, bulky furniture
- Factor in disassembled beds, wardrobes and table legs
- Check access: narrow streets, low bridges and parking restrictions affect which van can reach you
- If you’re between two sizes, choose the larger one
Not sure which van fits your move?
Tell us your home size and location and we’ll recommend the right vehicle — with fully equipped teams and vans of every size across the UK.