What size van do I need when hiring a van?

If you’ve never tried flexi van hire before, then it’s not always easy to immediately decide which van is best suited to your needs. Luckily, our guide can help answer a number of the key questions you’re probably asking yourself.

Hiring a van that’s either too big or too small can leave you dealing with unnecessary costs and hassle, so we’ve made it our mission to help make the process of finding and selecting the right van simple. Here are all the questions you need to answer before you hire a van for the first time.

How much do you need to move?

OK, let’s start with the obvious. It may seem simple, but in order to decide what size van you need, you first need to work out the amount of stuff you’re transporting. Pick a van that’s too big and you’ll be paying more than you need to. Pick one that’s too small and you’ll have to do multiple trips.

Of course, vans come in different shapes and sizes, so you need to consider the shape of the items you’re transporting as well as the amount. While a short wheel base panel van like a Ford Transit can comfortably transport standard white goods and moving boxes, the van isn’t much longer than a standard car, so it can’t transport sofas and other long items.

If you need additional space for the transportation of larger items, then you’re better off opting for a large van, such as a 4.3m long wheel base jumbo panel van. This is more than twice the length of the Ford Transit, so you can carry double the amount and fit even the bulkiest items.

If you have a lot of stuff to transport, then generally speaking a Luton is a good option. These have body boxes that sit above the van’s wheels and are completely square. They also offer a little more width than a panel van and a useful space over the cab where you can store light but bulky objects.

What kind of access do you need?

As well as considering how much stuff you need to move and the size of the items, you’ll also need to consider how you’re going to get the items on and off the van.

If you want to make the process of getting your items on and off the van easier, then it’s best to opt for one with a tail lift. This is a mechanical device that can help you move your items from ground level to the level of the vehicle bed and vice versa.

How far are you moving it?

If you’re transporting items over a long distance, then it’s vital that you rent a van that’s large enough to transport all of your items in one trip. If not, the process of doing multiple trips can be time consuming and costly.

In addition to this, if you’re travelling a long way, then you also need to consider fuel economy. While a small van like a Vauxhall Combo will do 40-50mpg, an extra-long van like a Mercedes Sprinter XLWB will generally only do 22-30mpg, so while they’re useful for getting large loads across long distances in one go, the cost on petrol can quickly add up if you’re making multiple trips.

How long do you need the van for?

Finally, consider how long you actually need to hire the van for. If you’re only doing one trip, then daily van hire is likely to be the best option for your needs. However, if you have to do multiple trips or you’re unsure whether you’ll require the van on an ongoing basis, then flexi van hire may be a better option. This way, you can keep the van on a long-term basis but don’t need to worry about a long contract.

A quick look at the available van hire sizes for hire

You can choose from a number of different van sizes when you’re picking out the right vehicle for the job. In some cases, of course, it’s going to be a fairly straightforward decision. Other situations may require more in-depth consideration to ensure that you’re getting the right van that suits your circumstances (such as your load and the journey you need to make).

So, let’s take a quick scan over the generally available types.

Small vans

Small vans are perfect for smaller jobs, such as moving a few boxes, transporting white goods, or making deliveries. Common examples include the Vauxhall Combo or Citroën Berlingo. They’re also great for navigating narrow streets or tight spaces. If your job requires you to access areas with tight corners or limited parking, a small van offers excellent manoeuvrability and is far easier to park than a larger model.

Medium vans

A step up in capacity, medium-sized vans like the Ford Transit (SWB) are ideal for furniture, small removals, and business use. They offer a good balance between size and mano­euv­ra­bility, making them a common choice for anyone who wants to transport bulky but not excessive amounts of cargo. Medium vans are often chosen for their versatility, handling well on urban roads while still providing sufficient space for moving the average household’s goods or equipment.

Large vans

For bigger jobs, long wheelbase vans like the Mercedes Sprinter or Volkswagen Crafter provide plenty of space. These are suited for house moves, bulky items, or transporting goods over longer distances in a single trip. While large vans can be more challenging to drive, they can make it easier for you to move everything in fewer trips, which can be a time-saver for longer moves. If you’re relocating between cities or delivering large quantities of goods, a larger van will prove more efficient.

Luton vans

If you have large and heavy loads or awkwardly shaped items, the Luton van is a fantastic option. With a large box-shaped body and extra space above the cab, it can accommodate bulky items like furniture or large appliances, often making it the go-to choice for house moves. Luton vans often come with tail lifts, allowing easier loading and unloading of heavy goods, which reduces the strain and time needed to transport larger items safely.

Evaluate the dimensions of the van

Internal dimensions: The internal dimensions define the actual cargo space available inside the van. Knowing the height, width, and length of the van’s interior will help ensure you can fit all your items without leaving too much empty space or struggling to fit awkwardly shaped items. It’s a good idea to pay special attention to the height of the van if you’re transporting tall items, and the width if you’re packing multiple pieces of furniture or larger boxes. Even within the same category of van, internal dimensions can vary, so be sure to check the specifics before booking.

External dimensions: The external dimensions of the van are just as important. Make sure the van’s overall size (height, width, and length) is suitable for driving in your area. For instance, large vans and Luton vans may have height restrictions when it comes to accessing multi-storey car parks, bridges, or tunnels. Also, consider whether you’ll have enough space for parking and unloading at both the pick-up and drop-off points. Larger vans may need more planning around parking, especially in busy urban areas or residential streets.

Budget considerations

When choosing a van for hire, your budget will naturally play a significant role in determining the right option. Larger vans, such as Luton or long wheelbase models, generally come with a higher rental cost compared to smaller or medium vans. However, while it might be tempting to go for the smallest or cheapest van, this decision can sometimes lead to higher costs in the long run, particularly if multiple trips are needed to transport all your items.

In addition to the rental fee, you’ll also want to factor in fuel costs. Smaller vans tend to be more fuel-efficient over short distances, whereas a larger van might save time and money by allowing you to complete your move in one go rather than making several trips with a smaller vehicle. It’s a good illustration of why it’s so important to balance rental costs with fuel efficiency and the number of trips required to get the most value for your money.

Rental duration and distance to be travelled

The length of time you’ll need the van and the distance you’ll be travelling are two crucial factors when making your decision. If you’re moving items a short distance or within the same city, hiring a van for a day or even just a few hours may be the most economical option. However, if your move involves longer distances, it’s essential to ensure the van you select is not only spacious enough but also comfortable and reliable for extended journeys.

For long-distance travel, you should consider factors such as fuel efficiency, comfort, and the van’s overall handling on motorways. A larger van may be more expensive, but it will save time by reducing the number of trips. On the other hand, smaller vans are ideal for short distances and local moves, providing a more cost-effective solution if you don’t have too many items to transport.

Flexibility in hiring options

Flexibility is another important consideration when hiring a van, especially if your plans are subject to change. For instance, you might start your hire expecting to complete the move within a day, only to realise that the process will take longer than anticipated. In such cases, it’s worth looking into flexible van hire options. Flexi hire allows you to extend the hire period without being locked into long-term contracts.

If you’re unsure of how long you’ll need the van, our Flexi hire options here at Intack Self Drive can give you peace of mind. For example, if you’re a business owner who needs a van for fluctuating project work or unpredictable delivery schedules, having flexibility in your hire terms can be a great way to stay adaptable without being tied down by long-term costs.

If you’d like to rent a van on a daily, weekly or flexible basis, then look at the fantastic selection we have available here at Intack Self Drive. If you need any extra help deciding which option suits your needs, then speak to our experts. With around 50 years of experience behind us, you can trust us to provide the answers in as much or as little detail as you need. Feel free to give us a ring on 01254 57811!