Choosing the right van size makes moving faster, cheaper, and easier. This guide explains which man and van vehicle—Small, MWB, LWB, or Luton—right fits your move, from single-item collections to 1–2 bedroom flats. Learn what each van can carry, how pricing works, and how to estimate your load without overpaying. Whether you’re a student moving locally or need furniture collected across town, Find My Man and Van connects you with trusted drivers, transparent prices, and the perfect vehicle for your job.
What Size Van Do I Need? A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Man and Van Service
Not sure what size van you need? You’re not alone. Many people book a van that’s larger than necessary or underestimate what will fit. This guide breaks down the four main van sizes commonly used for man and van moves—Small, MWB, LWB, and Luton—so you can match your move to the right vehicle with the right space for your needs.
If you’re new to hiring, Hiring a Man and Van covers what to expect and how to understand pricing.
A Quick Guide to Common Man and Van Jobs
Use this simple guide to match your move type with the most suitable van size.
| If Your Job Is... | The Right Van Is Likely... |
|---|---|
| A single item pickup (sofa, washer) | MWB Transit Van |
| Picking up items from online marketplaces | Small Van or MWB Transit |
| A student move (single bed, desk, boxes) | LWB Transit Van |
| A studio or 1-bedroom move | LWB Transit or 3.5 Ton Luton |
| A 1–2 bedroom move | 3.5 Ton Luton Van |
| Moving just boxes and bags | MWB or LWB Transit |
Understanding Man and Van Pricing
Costs for man and van services vary based on vehicle size, distance travelled, and loading time. Smaller vans are generally less expensive for short local moves, while larger vans or longer distances impact pricing accordingly.
For examples of typical local prices, see Cheap Furniture Delivery Service.
Small Van
Small Van
Ideal for single-item deliveries, small student moves, or compact studio loads. Easy to load and park on narrow streets, it suits quick pickups from local stores or storage spaces. Its low loading height reduces lifting effort and it’s the most fuel-efficient option for light moves.
- A washing machine, small desk, or compact chest of drawers
- A few bags or storage boxes
- A single bed or mattress (small double with care)
Dimensions roughly: Length ~1.7 m · Height ~1.2 m · Width ~1.5 m · Payload ~500–800 kg
Medium Wheelbase (MWB) Transit Van
Medium Wheelbase Van
A versatile choice for small apartment or studio moves with a combination of furniture and boxes. It offers a high roof and good loading height for convenient stacking and handling. Compact enough for city streets yet spacious enough for a bed, sofa, appliances, and boxes. Often used for student moves due to its balanced capacity and cost.
- Bed frame and mattress (up to double)
- Small sofa or armchair
- Fridge, washing machine, or dryer
- About 10–15 medium boxes
Dimensions roughly: Length ~2.4 m · Height ~1.6 m · Width ~1.7 m · Payload ~900–1 200 kg
Long Wheelbase (LWB) Transit Van
Long Wheelbase Van
Commonly used for moves with larger furniture and multiple items. Offers more length and height to fit tall wardrobes, sofas, and several appliances. Equipped with internal tie-points to secure loads and typically allows completing the move in a single trip. Suitable for bigger student moves, home clear-outs, or multiple item transports.
- Double or king-size bed and mattress
- Two-seater sofa, dining table, and chairs
- Wardrobe or tall drawers
- Approximately 15–20 boxes and several appliances
Dimensions roughly: Length ~3.2 m · Height ~1.8 m · Width ~1.7 m · Payload ~1 200–1 500 kg
3.5-Tonne Luton Van
3.5-Tonne Luton Van
The 3.5-tonne Luton is suited for larger and bulkier moves where you need to transport numerous pieces in one trip. Its box-shaped body and tail lift help make loading heavy furniture and appliances safer and easier. It’s still legal to drive on a standard licence and manoeuvrable in most areas despite its capacity.
- Two or three sofas, dining table, and chairs
- Several wardrobes or tall storage units
- Multiple appliances and many boxes
Dimensions roughly: Length ~4.0 m · Height ~2.0 m · Width ~2.0 m · Payload ~1 200–1 600 kg
Still Unsure Which Van to Choose?
No worries — you don’t need to be an expert. The above serves as a general guide, but the right way to ensure the right van is to list your key items when requesting a price.
When you provide details like “1 x 3-seater sofa,” “1 x double bed,” or “15 boxes,” the team can recommend the appropriate vehicle size so your move goes smoothly and pricing is accurate on the day.
Estimating How Many Boxes Fit in Your Van
Counting your boxes helps determine the right van size and avoid paying for unused space. Estimates below use standard 45 cm moving boxes as reference.
- Small Van: A few boxes or one large item — suitable for single pick-ups
- MWB Transit Van: Around 10–15 boxes with some furniture
- LWB Transit Van: Around 15–20 boxes plus larger furniture
- 3.5 Ton Luton Van: Space for 30–40 boxes and bulky furniture
Tip: Using uniform, well-packed boxes helps optimise van space.
When a Man and Van Service Is Suitable
A man and van service is ideal when you have more to move than fits in a car but don’t require a large moving team. It’s well-suited for student moves, furniture collection, and local transport tasks.
For more about this service’s flexibility and benefits, see Why Hire a Man and Van Service for Your Move?.
Next Steps and a Handy Tip
Remember the 'Man' in 'Man and Van'
Choosing the right van is important, but also consider how much assistance you’ll need. A standard man and van booking includes one driver who helps with loading and unloading. If you can manage the lifting yourself, then select self-load. However, if you have heavy or bulky items or tricky access like stairs, adding an extra helper can make your move quicker and safer.
