Essential Guide to Moving House by Van

1. Size isn't everything (but it does count)

It's obvious that hiring a van that's too small can cause you a lot of grief - but hiring one that's too big can cause trouble too.

Small Flats

If you are living in a studio or small flat and do not have a lot of furniture, then a long wheel base (LWB/XLWB) or a Luton should allow you to do the move in one go - nice and simple.

Larger Flats and Houses

If you have a larger home, the choice isn't always so easy.

You need to consider the practicalities; a 7.5t truck or box van might allow you to do the move in one go - but they really are quite large.

Ask yourself if you will be comfortable driving it, and whether you have suitable access and parking at both ends of the journey. Make sure that you have the necessary C1 entitlement on your driving license, too (see here for details).

Remember, although professional drivers squeeze them in everywhere, it isn't always as easy as it looks...

It may be more sensible to rent a Luton van and make a couple of trips. If your old and new homes are quite close together it will probably be cheaper on fuel and rental, too.

2. There is a reason small removal firms always use Luton vans!

If it comes to a choice between a regular panel van and a Luton box van, go with the Luton.

It's wider, completely square shape makes it much easier to fit furniture in efficiently - why do you think so many small removals companies use them?

The only downside can be lifting your stuff into a Luton - their load compartments are normally higher off the ground than a panel van, so you may want to make sure your Luton has a tail lift. Or find some strong friends to help...

3. Wrap me up and tie me down...

You don't want to arrive at your new home to find your furniture looking scratched and battered - so a bit of load protection is in order.

Wooden furniture needs protecting from scratching and worse. Old bed sheets or blankets are ideal for this. Make sure that the furniture is covered where it is pushed against the side of the van or against other furniture.

Depending on your load and how full your van is, some load restraints might be needed too. Too much empty space will mean that everything goes sliding around at every roundabout - not good news.

Lutons often have load securing rails along their sides, or may have eyelets in the floor. Whatever van you are using, try using some rope or even some cheap ratchet straps (available from places like Wilkinson's and Halfords) to stop things moving once you have packed them in.

It's well worth spending 10 minutes after you have finished loading making sure nothing can move once you set off.