What size moving van?

fannyanna

Hi All,

I want to get some quotes for van hire so that I can estimate moving costs. We have a one bedroom flat so will be moving the usual bedroom furniture (although no wardrobe), usual living room furniture (including 3 and 2 seater sofa and dining room table with 4 chairs), kitchen stuff (including FF, washing machine, tumble dryer and maybe oven (if not included in sale)) and other junk.

This is the first time we’ve moved and I don’t really know what size van we’ll need.

I’m thinking one of the following:

Vehicle Example

Group

Mercedes Sprinter

Luton

UK Driving Licence Category Requirement: B
Minimum Driver Age: 25

LUTON BOX
TRUCKS

METRIC

IMPERIAL

Load Length

4 Metres/5.1
Metres
(Top Box)

13ft -
6in/17ft
(Top Box)

Load Height

2.2 Metres

7ft – 2in

Load Width

2.0 Metres

6ft – 8in

Overall Length

6.7 Metres

22ft

Overall Height

3.1 Metres

10ft – 5in

Overall Width

2.5 Metres

8ft – 5in

Cubic Capacity

19.4 M3

685.0 ft3

Vehicle Example

Group

Mercedes 815 Atego

7.5 Tonne Truck

UK Driving Licence Category Requirement: C1 / C1E
Minimum Driver Age: 27

7.5 TONNE TRUCKS

METRIC

IMPERIAL

Load Length

5.7 Metres

19ft

Load Height

2.3 Metres

7ft – 10in

Load Width

2.2 Metres

7ft – 3in

Overall Length

7.9 Metres

26ft

Overall Height

3.6 Metres

11ft – 10in

Overall Width

2.3 Metres

7ft 7in

Cubic Capacity

33.9 M3

1200 ft3

Any thoughts?

Jenniefour

If you're selling your flat so would need to be out on completion then why not get a couple of local removal companies in for a quote - then you would probably find out what size vehicle is required. Or go for bigger can to be on the safe side - and do some research on how to load them.

olias

How far are you moving?

check the cost of the smaller van, with potentially having to make two trips vs the 7.5 tonner where you only need one. Also what is the access like? Can you get a 7.5 tonner near to both propertys? Make sure you get one with a hydraulic tail lift whic I don't think the mercedes sprinter will have.

Olias

Blodwen

You could use a volume calculator like this one: http://www.simplyremovals.co.uk/quote.aspx?opencalc=true#volumecalc or as Jenniefour says, get a few companies to come and estimate the size needed.

SpeedSouth

I'd suggest you'd get that in a 3.5 luton (which will have a tail lift if you specify). I moved a small 2 bed house in a 3.5 ton sprinter. Considerably smaller than a luton. Admittedly without white goods but everything else you'd expect.

dacouch

Bear in mind that when a removal company says it will need say a 3.5 luton, they can pack the van far more efficiently than you could, you would need to add circa 50% to whatever they suggest to take into account your packing skills.

A removal company would easily get a normal 1 bed flat into a 3.5 luton, you could probably also get your flat into a 3.5 luton if you plan the packing.

The way to pack a luton efficiently is as follows.

Fill the luton (The boxed bit above the driver) with a few small boxes, suitcases, rucksacks and bags and odd shapped small items

When the luton is full stack boxes from floor to ceiling in one or two rows if needed, its important that you fit the boxes as tightly as possible as you don't want the boxes to move when you are driving. (If you have squaurish strong items like chest of drawers you can incorporate these into the box stacks if required but make sure you protect them from damage eg a blanket or cardboard on top.

When you have a row or more of stacked boxes that are stable strap or bungie the double matress behind the boxes length ways, this stops the boxes moving.

If you have another mattress you can also strap that in and it is often a good place to put pictures and mirrors between the two mattresses but use your judgement on this.

You can then strap / bungie the rest of the tall furniture in.

The washing machine and dryer etc would normally go on last.

The key to packing a van is to get everything as tight as possible as if items move they can get damaged.

Bear in mind that it's best not to switch the fridge / freezer for at least 6 hours after moving it.

Also bear in mind that most hire vans do not have straps or webbing supplied with them so get yourself some in advance so you are prepared (Rope is no use). It's handy to have loads of old cardboard and blankets etc to cover delicate items, you can slide a delicate picture into an un made up card board box to protect it.

take your time with packing and it would be best to take the next day off work as you will be very knackered after moving

chocdonuty

Don't forget to make sure you have the right type of licence to drive the size of truck you want!
Also it can depend on how far you are moving, I've used a luton van and did it in one go and done it all in a car with the last bits moved only with the aid of a pushchair!

pinkfoot_2

I agree that it's best to hire a van large enough to fit all or most of your items and minimise the number of trips which although mean paying a little more for your van will be less stressful in the long run. Consider parking too, you don't want to be luggin furniture too far.

Luton vans are popular with home movers so best to book well in advance to ensure you get the type of van you want.

westv

If it was me, I'd hire someone to do it all for me - even with a one bed flat.