What Size Van Do I Need?

Van Size Guides Published: 1/6/2026

Use this practical van size guide to choose the right vehicle for your job. We compare SWB, MWB, LWB and Luton vans with real-world examples for removals, trades and deliveries — so you can book confidently and avoid paying for space you don’t need.

What Size Van Do I Need? A Complete Van Size Guide (SWB, MWB, LWB & Luton) – 2026

Choosing the right van size can save you time, fuel, and unnecessary cost. Book too small and you may need multiple trips. Book too large and you could pay more than you need and find parking harder—especially for city work.

This guide helps you pick the right option based on what you’re moving, how often you’ll use the van, and what kind of access you have at collection and delivery points. We’ll cover the most common sizes used by businesses and customers: SWB, MWB, LWB, and Luton vans.

If you’re unsure, a simple rule helps: choose the smallest van that safely fits your load, with a little extra room for awkward shapes and safe tie-down space.

Quick Van Size Guide: Which One Should You Choose?
Small Van / SWB (Short Wheelbase) Best for local collections, small moves, trade work, and everyday business runs. Great if you’re carrying tools, boxes, small furniture items, or doing multi-drop work where parking and manoeuvrability matter. MWB (Medium Wheelbase) The most popular “all-rounder” size. Ideal for larger tool loads, longer materials, small house moves, and courier work where you need extra capacity without stepping up to a long van. LWB (Long Wheelbase) Best when you need maximum load length and volume for bulky items—such as full room contents, larger appliances, trade materials, and higher volume deliveries. Great for businesses that frequently carry larger loads. Luton Van (Box Van) – Often with Tail Lift Ideal for removals and bulky loads thanks to a large, square load space. A tail lift makes loading heavy items much easier, especially for sofas, white goods, and stacked boxes. Excellent when you want fewer trips and simpler loading.

How to Choose the Right Van Size (Simple Checklist)

Before you book, run through these quick questions:

What are you moving? (Boxes, tools, furniture, appliances, materials?)
How long are your longest items? (Ladders, pipe, timber, boards?)
Will you need to stack items? (Fragile items may limit stacking)
How easy is access? (Tight streets, city parking, loading bays?)
Is it one trip or multiple drops? (Multi-drop often benefits from SWB/MWB manoeuvrability)
Do you need a tail lift? (Heavy loads, fewer helpers, awkward items)

Common Scenarios: What Van Size Works Best?

Trades (tools + materials):

SWB/MWB for electricians, plumbers, and general maintenance
MWB/LWB for builders carrying bulk materials more often

House or flat move:

MWB/LWB for most small-to-medium moves
Luton for larger moves or if you want fewer trips

Courier / delivery work:

SWB for tight city routes and easy parking
MWB for higher volume multi-drop routes
LWB for bulky deliveries or higher daily volume

Avoid These Common Booking Mistakes

Underestimating awkward shapes: Sofas, wardrobes, and appliances take more space than expected.
Not planning tie-down space: Loads need room to be secured safely.
Ignoring access constraints: Larger vans can be harder in narrow streets or tight sites.
Forgetting loading support: If items are heavy, consider a Luton with tail lift.

Van Size Guide FAQs

Helpful answers to common questions about choosing SWB, MWB, LWB and Luton vans.

What size van do I need for moving house?

For most small-to-medium house moves, an MWB or LWB is a strong choice. If you have bulky furniture, lots of boxes, or want fewer trips, a Luton van is often the most practical option.

Is an SWB van big enough for trade work?

Yes—SWB vans are ideal for many trades where you’re carrying tools and smaller materials. If you regularly carry longer items or higher volume loads, MWB may be a better fit.

When should I choose an MWB van?

MWB vans are a popular “best of both worlds” option—more load space than SWB, but still manageable for everyday driving and parking. They’re great for couriers, trades, and small moves.

What’s the difference between LWB and a Luton van?

LWB vans offer more length and volume than MWB, but still have a standard van-shaped load area. A Luton has a large box-shaped load space, often making it better for removals and bulky items. A tail lift on a Luton can also make heavy loading much easier.

Do I need a tail lift for a move?

A tail lift is very useful if you’re moving heavy appliances, sofas, or stacked boxes—especially if you have limited help. It reduces lifting strain and makes loading safer and faster.

I’m not sure what van size to book—what should I do?

Think about your longest and bulkiest items, access constraints, and whether you’re doing one trip or multiple. If you’re still unsure, contact Queensbury Van Hire and we’ll recommend a suitable van based on what you’re moving.