Most moves in the UK can be handled with a Medium or Large van. These vehicles are practical, widely available, and sufficient for the majority of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom relocations. But there are situations where stepping up to an Extra-Large van makes genuine sense, both practically and financially.
This guide explains when an Extra-Large van (a 3.5-tonne Luton) is actually worth the higher hourly rate, and when you might be better off sticking with a smaller option.
What Counts as an Extra-Large Van?
At The Van Man Co, van sizes fall into three categories. A Medium van (such as a Ford Transit Custom) offers around 6 cubic metres of loading space. A Large van (such as a Ford Transit) provides roughly 10 cubic metres. The Extra-Large option is a Luton box van, offering approximately 18 cubic metres of capacity.
The Luton’s distinctive box shape, which extends over the cab, makes it particularly efficient for furniture moves. There are no wheel arches intruding into the loading area, so items can be stacked and arranged more easily than in a panel van. Many Lutons also come equipped with tail lifts, making it far easier to load heavy appliances.
For moves requiring even more capacity than an Extra-Large van can provide, TVMC offers a Full Removals service that connects you with professional removal companies operating larger vehicles and multi-person crews.
When Upgrading to an Extra-Large Van Makes Sense
Two-Bedroom Houses and Larger Flats
The contents of a typical two-bedroom house will usually fill an Extra-Large Luton van comfortably. This includes furniture from multiple rooms, kitchen appliances, and a reasonable number of boxes. A Large van might manage a lightly furnished two-bed flat, but anything with substantial furniture will likely require either the Extra-Large option or multiple trips.
For three-bedroom houses or larger properties, even an Extra-Large van may need to make two trips, or you may want to consider the Full Removals service for a more efficient move with a larger vehicle and crew.
Long-Distance Moves
If you’re moving across the country rather than across town, the cost of multiple trips adds up quickly. For long-distance and nationwide moves, this becomes particularly important. Fuel, driver time, and the wear of repeated loading and unloading all increase with each journey.
For a local move, making two trips in a Large van might be a minor inconvenience. For a move from Bristol to Edinburgh, that second trip represents several hundred additional miles and potentially an entire extra day. In these cases, paying the higher hourly rate for an Extra-Large van that can handle everything in one load often works out cheaper overall.
Homes with Heavy or Bulky Items
Some items are simply impractical to transport in smaller vehicles. Large American-style fridge-freezers, gym equipment, piano keyboards, and oversized furniture all present challenges. Beyond size, the shape matters too. The Luton’s box design accommodates tall items like wardrobes and fridge-freezers that would be difficult to fit in a panel van.
Tail lifts are another consideration. Extra-Large Luton vans are often equipped with hydraulic tail lifts, making it far easier to load and unload heavy appliances safely. Medium and Large vans typically lack this feature, meaning heavy items must be manually lifted into the vehicle, which increases both time and risk of damage.
Time-Sensitive Moves
If you need to complete your move within a single day, whether due to key exchange timings or personal commitments, a larger van reduces the risk of delays. Multiple trips extend the moving timeline unpredictably, especially if traffic or access issues arise. A single-trip move is easier to plan and less likely to overrun.
Properties with Limited Parking
This might seem counterintuitive, since larger vehicles are harder to manoeuvre. However, if your property only has a brief window of parking availability or requires a permit suspension, completing the move in one visit may be essential. Running back and forth with a smaller van becomes impractical if you can only access the loading area for a limited period.
When a Smaller Van Is the Better Choice
Studios and One-Bedroom Flats
A Medium or Large van is typically more than sufficient for studio or one-bedroom properties. Unless you have an unusually large amount of furniture or are moving long-distance, paying for an Extra-Large Luton offers little practical benefit. The 6 to 10 cubic metres in these smaller vans will handle most small flat moves comfortably.
Local Moves with Flexible Timing
If your move is local and you have flexibility on timing, making two trips in a Large van can be more cost-effective than hiring an Extra-Large vehicle. The hourly rate for a Large van is lower, and for short distances, the time spent on a second trip may cost less than the premium for a Luton.
Tight Access or Narrow Streets
Luton vans are longer and taller than panel vans, which can cause problems in certain environments. If your property is on a narrow residential street, has low bridges nearby, or lacks turning space, an Extra-Large van may struggle to get close to your front door. In these situations, a Medium or Large van that can park nearer to the property is often more practical, even if it requires multiple loads.
Many city centres and older residential areas were not designed for box vans. If you’re uncertain about access, it’s worth checking before booking.
The Cost Calculation
The decision often comes down to simple maths. An Extra-Large Luton costs more per hour than a Large van, but if the larger vehicle can complete your move in one trip while the smaller one would require two, the total cost may be similar or even lower.
Consider the following when comparing options. First, calculate the likely number of trips required with each vehicle size. Then factor in the hourly rates for each option. Finally, account for fuel costs if moving long-distance, as these increase with both vehicle size and total mileage.
For most two-bedroom house moves of moderate distance, an Extra-Large van will typically work out comparable in total cost to making multiple trips with a Large van, while saving considerable time and hassle.
When You Need More Than an Extra-Large Van
For larger properties—three-bedroom houses with substantial furniture, four-bedroom family homes, or properties with extensive belongings—a single Extra-Large van may not be sufficient. In these cases, you have two options.
The first is to book an Extra-Large van and accept that two trips will be needed. For local moves, this is often perfectly practical. The second option is to use TVMC’s Full Removals service, which connects you with professional removal companies that operate larger vehicles (such as 7.5-tonne lorries) and provide multi-person crews. This is typically more efficient for bigger moves, particularly over longer distances.
Making the Right Choice
The decision to upgrade to an Extra-Large van should be based on your specific circumstances rather than a general rule. Consider the volume and weight of your belongings, the distance you’re travelling, the time available, and the access at both properties.
If you’re moving a furnished two-bedroom property or larger, travelling a significant distance, or have particularly heavy or bulky items, an Extra-Large Luton will often prove its worth. For smaller properties, local moves, or situations with access constraints, a Medium or Large van remains the sensible choice.
When in doubt, provide an accurate inventory when getting your quote. Experienced operators can assess whether your belongings will fit in a single load and recommend the appropriate vehicle size. Underestimating leads to delays and additional costs on the day; overestimating means paying for space you don’t need.
If you’d like to see how much your move might cost based on your specific requirements, you can get an instant quote online.
