Moving in London can be daunting, given the city’s busy streets, tight parking spaces, and diverse living and working environments. Whether relocating to a new apartment, moving office equipment, or transporting goods, choosing the right size van is crucial. Selecting the appropriate van size ensures efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and the safety of your belongings.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the different van sizes available, including small van hire, medium van rental, and large moving van options, and provide practical tips to help you choose the perfect vehicle for your move.
Our expert team at Pace Van Hire knows exactly how to get you behind the wheel as quickly as possible, with no hassle – and we will have you covered even last minute with the best!
If you’re planning a move in London, make it seamless with the perfect van size! Contact us today for a free consultation and personalised quote. Call us on 020 7277 9853 or email info@pacevanhireuk.com.
Understanding Different Van Sizes For Your Move
Van sizes can range from small van hire options to larger vehicles with more capacity. Whether you need to move a few boxes or a full house, there’s a van size that matches your requirements. Let’s explore the options in more detail.
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Small Vans: Ideal For Light Moves
Small vans like Ford Transit Connect or Volkswagen Caddy have a small load space of about three cubic metres. However, they are restive and manoeuvre effectively in London, so they quickly get into tight parking spots.
Small Vans Are Best For:
- Moving a few boxes or transferring some furniture.
- Transferring personal stuff from your dorm room or any mini studio.
Benefits Of Small Vans Are:
- They are less expensive to rent and consume less fuel, making them ideal for short distances and light loads.
- Small vans can be easily parked even in London’s busy areas, thus minimising stress during moving.
Drawbacks:
- Limited loading space – Large or bulky items cannot fit into small vans. A larger van is required if you need to shift bigger pieces of furniture or several boxes.
- Weight restrictions – This is an essential caution as overloading can lead to safety concerns, so one should maintain weight standards.
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Medium Vans: The All-Rounder
Medium vans, such as Ford Transit Custom or Vauxhall Vivaro, have around 6 to 8 cubic metres of space. These vans compromise capacity and manoeuvrability, so they are preferred when movement is involved.
Medium Vans Are Best For:
- Moving the belongings of a one-bedroom or small two-bedroom flat.
- Transporting medium-sized furniture like sofas, desks and chairs.
Benefits Of Medium Vans Are:
- Medium vans can serve various purposes, as they can carry different items, such as furniture and boxes, making them an option for many movers.
- Enough to transport considerably heavy loads but not too heavy that they cannot be parked or driven in cities.
Drawbacks:
- Difficulties with parking – Medium vans may find trouble locating parking spots even though their size makes them easier to handle than larger ones.
- Higher cost – Compared to small vans, renting and fuelling costs associated with medium vans are higher but still cheaper than those related to big vans.
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Large Vans: For Big Moves
Substantial space is usually between 10-15 cubic metres, as offered by typical large vans such as Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit Luton. These vans are designed for more significant moves and can handle big flats or small house contents.
Large Vans Are Best For:
- Relocating belongings and all the stuff of a two-bedroom flat or bigger.
- Transporting big furniture items like beds, wardrobes and dining tables.
Benefits Of Large Vans Are:
- Large vans can carry more stuff in one trip. Therefore, fewer trips need to be made, saving time.
- These vans are designed for extra-big and oddly shaped products, making them perfect for moving hefty furniture.
Drawbacks:
- Hard to steer – Big vans can be hard to manoeuvre, especially in narrow urban areas. They require careful steering on behalf of the driver, who must be assured that he knows what he is doing, especially during turns.
- Greater expenses – Renting a big van comes with higher costs, and fuel consumption also goes up; hence, it must be included in the moving budget.
How Do You Measure A Van’s Size?
A van’s size is determined by its length, width, height, and wheelbase. These dimensions affect loading capacity and manoeuvrability.
What Do L1, L2, L3, And L4 Mean?
- L1 (Short Wheelbase): Compact vans, ideal for small moves.
- L2 (Medium Wheelbase): More space while maintaining easy handling.
- L3 (Long Wheelbase): Suitable for larger loads and furniture removals.
- L4 (Extra Long Wheelbase): Maximum load capacity for bulkier items.
What Do H1, H2, And H3 Mean?
- H1 (Low Roof): Suitable for standard loads with limited height.
- H2 (Medium Roof): Allows for taller items while maintaining stability.
- H3 (High Roof): Best for transporting oversized goods and high-stacked items.
What Is A Van’s Wheelbase?
A van’s wheelbase refers to the distance between the front and rear axles. A longer wheelbase typically offers better stability, especially when carrying heavier loads. For example, long-wheelbase van rental options are great for larger moves, providing more room and a smoother driving experience.
What Is A Van’s Payload?
The payload is the maximum weight a van can carry. It’s essential to understand the payload of the van you hire, as exceeding it can damage the vehicle and make it unsafe. A payload of up to 500 kg for small loads might be enough, while larger vans can carry up to 1,500 kg or more.
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Tips For Selecting The Perfect Van Size For Moving
Choosing the perfect van for your move can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to help you select the right van:
- Estimate the number of items: Consider the size and number of items you need to move. A small van might be sufficient for a few pieces of furniture, but a Luton van is better for larger moves.
- Consider the weight: Don’t just focus on volume – also consider the weight of your items. Ensure the van’s payload can handle your load.
- Think about driving space: In London, smaller vans may be easier to park and navigate through tight streets, while larger vans might require more space.
- Check for additional features: Look for vans with added features like tail lifts or a higher payload for easier moving.
How To Determine The Ideal Moving Van For Your Needs
To determine the best van size, evaluate your items’ required space and weight. A small van hire or medium van rental option will likely suffice for smaller moves. For larger moves, a Luton van or long-wheelbase van are better options.
If you’re unsure which van is right, consult our experts for hassle-free van hire in London. They will help guide you to the perfect choice for your moving needs.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a short-term van hire or a furniture removal van in London, it’s essential to evaluate the van’s size, weight, and features to suit your needs. For more information, you can always reach out to us to discuss the best options and receive a quote for your next van hire. We offer diverse types of vans that fit any need. Contact us today on 020 7277 9853 or you can email info@pacevanhire.com.
