How To Choose The Right Van For Your House Move

Moving house is one of life’s big moments. There’s the excitement of a new beginning, but also the stress of making sure everything gets from A to B without a hitch. One of the best ways to make it all feel easier is to choose the right removal van. Get that sorted, and the rest starts to fall into place.

Whether you’re moving across Norwich or heading further afield, we’re here to help you work out what size van you need, what to look out for, and how to keep things running smoothly on the day.

What to think about before you hire a van

Before you look at van types, think about:

• How many bedrooms you have
• Whether you’re moving bulky items like sofas or wardrobes
• If you want to avoid multiple trips
• Whether you have help loading and unloading
• If a tail lift will help with white goods or heavy furniture
• What type of driving licence you have (Standard UK licences cover up to 3.5 tonnes)
  

Once you’ve got an idea of what you’re dealing with, it gets much easier to match your move to the right van.

Small van or large van: what’s the difference?

Not all vans are built the same. A van that works perfectly for a student move might not suit a family home. Here’s a simple breakdown of the main types we offer:

Small van

This is a great choice for simple moves. If you’ve got a few boxes or small furniture that won’t fit in a car, the small van keeps things affordable and easy to drive. It’s ideal for student moves or quick local trips.

Medium van

A good step up in size. The medium van can carry a mix of furniture and boxes and is a reliable choice for small flats or single-bedroom homes. It’s still easy to handle and park.

Extra large van

Also known as a long wheelbase van. This van is perfect for moving large items like wardrobes, beds, and white goods. Great for two-bedroom homes where you want to avoid multiple trips.

Super large van

If you’re moving bulky items and have lots to transport, this van gives you even more room and height. It’s a good option if you have long distances to cover too.

Luton van with tail lift

This is the most popular van for house moves. It’s box-shaped with tall, straight sides that make packing easy. The built-in tail lift helps you load heavier items like fridges, washing machines, or furniture. Best suited for two to three-bedroom homes.

Matching van sizes to your move

Still unsure what size you need? Choosing the right removal van depends on how much you’re moving, how far you’re going, and how confident you feel driving. Below, we’ve broken it down to help you choose the right van for your move and avoid unnecessary stress or multiple trips.

• Small van: Ideal for short, local moves where you’re transporting light loads or handling a student or studio flat. It’s compact and easy to park, great if you’re not used to driving larger vehicles. A small van holds around 10 to 15 boxes, a couple of small items of furniture, and household bits that won’t squeeze into your car.
  
• Medium van: A smart step up if you’re dealing with a one-bedroom flat or have a few more bulky items to shift. It can take a mattress, chest of drawers, bedside table, a small sofa, and kitchen essentials. If you’re doing the loading and unloading yourself, it still feels manageable. The extra space means fewer trips too, which is handy if you’re working to a deadline. You can also transport white goods like a washing machine or fridge if packed well. It’s easy to drive and works well for tight streets or limited parking.
  
• Extra large van: Also known as a long wheel base van, this one gives you room for the contents of a small house or larger flat. It’s ideal for big furniture like a double bed, tall wardrobes, white goods, and dining tables. The shape and height make it easier to stack items securely. If you’re moving between two homes in one day, this large van helps you get it all in one go without stressing about space. Suited to one or two-bedroom houses or flats with more furniture. It offers a good balance between space and drivability, helping to cut down the number of trips.
  
• Super large van: Great for two-bedroom houses or if you’re moving longer, bulkier items. With more height and floor space than an extra large van, it can take large sofas, tall wardrobes, and multiple appliances. If you’ve got a longer journey or want to avoid the hassle of multiple trips, this gives you the room without needing a special driving licence beyond the standard 3.5 tonnes. Perfect for two-bedroom homes where you’ve got a few larger items or more furniture to move. It’s also handy if you need extra headroom to load tall items upright.
  
• Luton van with tail lift: The most popular van for a full house move, especially if you’re dealing with large items or heavy white goods. It’s boxy, spacious, and easy to load. The built-in tail lift helps when you’re moving washing machines, fridges, or anything that’s hard to carry. If you’re moving from a two or three-bedroom house, this is usually the most efficient way to get it done without repeat journeys. It’s the closest match to the space you’d get with a 7.5 tonnes vehicle, without needing a separate licence. It can handle beds, sofas, wardrobes, fridges, cookers, and heavy white goods with ease. The tail lift helps move heavier items without needing multiple people to lift them in manually. If you want to do the move in one go, this is often the most efficient option.
  

What else to keep in mind

Confidence behind the wheel

If you’re nervous about driving a large van, choose one that feels manageable. Medium and extra large vans are great all-rounders. Luton vans might seem big, but they’re built for ease and come with helpful features like a tail lift.

Access and parking

Make sure you’ve got space to park outside your current and new home. Larger vans like the Luton or super large van need more room, especially when loading.

How many trips

Fewer trips usually mean less stress. Choosing a van with enough space to do the job in one go saves you time and effort.

Loading and unloading

Think about who’s helping you on the day. If it’s just you or one other person, a tail lift can make a huge difference for moving heavy or bulky items.

Protecting your things

Whatever van you pick, make sure everything is packed well. Use blankets or straps to keep furniture in place and boxes that shut properly to stop things shifting in transit.

Need help choosing? Just ask

It’s not always easy to picture what will fit in each van size, especially if you’re not used to moving. That’s where we come in. We’re based right here in Norwich and have helped all sorts of people with their house move. From studio flats to big family homes, we can help you choose the right van for your move.

Whether it’s a small van for a few bulky items or a long wheel base for the full bedroom house, we’ll guide you through the options and get you on the road with confidence.

At Trott Rentals, we believe moving doesn’t have to be stressful. We’re here to make it simpler, safer, and just a little bit easier.