Choosing the right van size makes moving faster, cheaper, and easier. This guide explains which man and van vehicle—Small, MWB, LWB, or Luton—best 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 quotes, 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 overpay by booking a van that’s too big—or underestimate what will fit. This guide breaks down the four main van sizes available through Find My Man and Van—Small, MWB, LWB, and Luton—so you can match your move type to the right vehicle and get the best value for money.
If you’re new to booking, Hiring a Man and Van explains what to expect and how to compare quotes confidently.
A Quick Guide to Common 'Man and Van' Jobs
Use this simple guide to match your move type with the most suitable van.
| If Your Job Is... | The Best Van Is Likely... |
|---|---|
| A single item pickup (sofa, washer) | MWB Transit Van |
| A “Gumtree” or “Marketplace” collection | Small Van or MWB Transit |
| A student move (single bed, desk, boxes) | LWB Transit Van |
| A studio or 1-bedroom flat move | LWB Transit or 3.5 Ton Luton |
| A 1–2 bedroom flat move | 3.5 Ton Luton Van |
| Moving just boxes and bags | MWB or LWB Transit |
How Man and Van Pricing Works
Man and van prices depend on vehicle size, travel distance, and loading time. Smaller vans cost less for short, local moves, while larger vehicles or longer trips are priced higher.
See examples of affordable local options in Cheap Furniture Delivery Service.
Small Van
This size is most commonly used for single-item deliveries, light student moves, or compact studio loads. Fast to load and easy to park on narrow residential streets, it’s perfect for quick pickups from Marketplace, IKEA, or local storage units. The low loading height means less lifting, and it’s the most fuel-efficient, budget-friendly choice for one-off deliveries or minimal 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)
Specs at a glance: Length ~1.7 m · Height ~1.2 m · Width ~1.5 m · Payload ~500–800 kg
Medium Wheelbase (MWB) Transit Van
A popular all-rounder, the MWB Transit suits small apartment or studio moves where you have a mix of furniture and boxes but still want to keep costs down. It offers a high roof and straight sides for stacking boxes safely, and the loading platform is waist-height—comfortable for one or two movers. This van is compact enough for city driving yet spacious enough for a bed, sofa, white goods, and 10–15 boxes. It’s also a great choice for student moves, combining capacity with affordability.
- Bed frame and mattress (up to double)
- Small sofa or armchair
- Fridge, washing machine, or dryer
- Around 10–15 medium boxes
Specs at a glance: Length ~2.4 m · Height ~1.6 m · Width ~1.7 m · Payload ~900–1 200 kg
Long Wheelbase (LWB) Transit Van
The LWB van is the most requested size for one-bedroom flats and small houses. It provides more length and height to handle taller wardrobes, large sofas, and multiple appliances in one go. With a flat loading floor and internal tie-points, it keeps items secure during transit and often completes the move in one trip. It’s ideal for larger student relocations, shared-flat clear-outs, or small home moves.
- Double or king-size bed and mattress
- Two-seater sofa, dining table, and chairs
- Wardrobe or tall drawers
- Around 15–20 boxes and a few appliances
Specs at a glance: Length ~3.2 m · Height ~1.8 m · Width ~1.7 m · Payload ~1 200–1 500 kg
3.5-Tonne Luton Van
The Luton is the workhorse of man and van services, chosen when you want to move everything at once. Its tall, box-shaped body and tail lift make loading heavy furniture and white goods easier and safer. Movers favour it for 1–2 bedroom flats or furnished homes because it can handle bulky items like sofas, beds, wardrobes, and dining tables in a single trip. Despite its size, it’s still road-legal on a standard driving licence and manoeuvrable in most residential areas.
- Two or three sofas, dining table, and chairs
- Several wardrobes or tall storage units
- Multiple appliances and boxes
- Full contents of a 1–2 bedroom flat
Specs at a glance: Length ~4.0 m · Height ~2.0 m · Width ~2.0 m · Payload ~1 200–1 600 kg
What If I’m Still Not Sure Which Van to Pick?
Don’t worry — you don’t have to be an expert. The details above are a guide, but the easiest way to guarantee the right van is to list your main items when you request a quote.
When you enter key items such as “1 × 3-seater sofa,” “1 × double bed,” “15 boxes,” our customer service team can instantly see what will fit and will make sure you've chosen the right size vehicle. This ensures you get an accurate price and the right van on the day.
How Many Boxes Will Fit in My Van?
Knowing your box count is the simplest way to choose the right van and avoid paying for unused space. Here’s a quick estimate using standard 45 cm moving boxes.
- Small Van: A few boxes or one large item — best for single collections
- MWB Transit Van: Around 10–15 boxes with room for small furniture
- LWB Transit Van: Around 15–20 boxes plus large items
- 3.5 Ton Luton Van: Enough space for 30–40 boxes and bulky furniture
Pro tip: These numbers assume you’re also moving furniture. Using uniform, well-packed boxes helps maximise every cubic metre of space.
When to Use a Man and Van Service
A man and van service is ideal when your move is too big for a car but doesn’t require a full removal team. It’s perfect for small flats, student relocations, furniture collections, and local moves.
You can read more about why this flexible service is often the smartest choice in Why Hire a Man and Van Service for Your Move?.
Next Steps + Final Pro Tip
A Final Tip: Remember the 'Man' in 'Man and Van'
Choosing the right van is half the battle. Remember to check how much help you’ve booked. A standard man and van includes one driver who helps load and unload. If you can handle the lifting yourself, then book self load. If you have heavy items or stairs to navigate, book an extra helper — it makes the move faster, safer, and often cheaper overall.
