Moving house is one of life's biggest projects, and for many people, hiring a moving van is one of the most affordable ways to get everything from A to B.

In fact, research by YouGov found that moving home is among the most stressful life events people experience in the UK. From choosing the right van size to packing safely and returning the vehicle on time, there are plenty of decisions that can quickly become overwhelming.

But choosing the right van isn't always straightforward.

What size van do you need? Can you drive a Luton van on a standard licence? Is it cheaper than hiring a removal company? And what should you check before driving away?

This guide answers all those questions and shares practical tips to help make your move as smooth, safe and stress-free as possible.

Should You Hire a Moving Van?

Hiring a van is usually the right choice if:

• You are moving from a flat or smaller house.

• You are happy doing the loading and unloading yourself.

• You have friends or family helping.

• You want to keep moving costs down.

• You are moving locally.

If you are moving a large family home or don't have help available, hiring a professional removal company may be the better option. Their experience and expertise can significantly reduce the physical effort and stress of moving, as they'll handle the heavy lifting, loading, transportation and unloading for you.

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What Size Moving Van Do You Need?

Choosing the right van can save both money and time.

Small Van

Ideal for:

• Student moves

• Studio flats

• A few large items

Short Wheelbase Van

Suitable for:

• One-bedroom flats

• Small apartments

Long Wheelbase Van

Perfect for:

• Two-bedroom homes

• Medium-sized moves

Luton Van

Best for:

• Three-bedroom houses

• Large furniture

• Full house moves

Hiring a van that's too small often means making multiple trips, while hiring one that's too large can cost more than necessary.

What is a Luton van?

A Luton van is a large box van with an over-cab storage section, making it one of the most common vehicles used by UK removal companies. It’s ideal for moving the contents of a three-bedroom home and is often fitted with a tail lift to help load heavy furniture.

Can You Drive a Luton Van?

In most cases, yes.

If you hold a standard UK Category B driving licence, you can usually drive a Luton van with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3.5 tonnes.

Always check with the hire company before booking, as requirements can vary.

How Much Does Van Hire Cost?

Prices depend on:

• Van size

• Location

• Time of year

• Length of hire

• Mileage allowance

You may also need to budget for:

• Fuel

• Insurance excess

• Additional drivers

• Moving equipment

• Congestion or parking charges

Booking early often gives you more choice and better prices.

What Should You Check Before Driving Away?

Never drive off without inspecting the van.

Take photographs of:

• Every side of the van

• Wheels

• Windscreen

• Roof (if visible)

• Interior

• Fuel gauge

Report any existing damage immediately.

Doing this can help avoid disputes when returning the vehicle.

💙 Movly Tip

Store your photos, booking details and important moving information together in the Movly app, so everything is easy to find if you need it later.

Packing a Moving Van Properly

Loading a van correctly protects your belongings and makes unloading much easier.

A good approach is:

Load heavy items first

Place washing machines, sofas and wardrobes against the front wall of the van.

Keep weight balanced

Distribute heavy items evenly from left to right.

Stack lighter boxes on top

Avoid crushing fragile belongings.

Secure everything

Use straps or ropes to stop furniture moving during the journey.

Fill empty spaces

Use cushions, duvets and blankets to stop items shifting.

Label Every Box

One of the biggest mistakes people make is writing only the room name on each box.

Instead, include:

• Room

• Fragile (if applicable)

• Priority level

Even better, create a digital inventory.

💙 Movly Tip

Use Smart Box Tracking in the Movly app to record exactly what's inside every box. Simply search for an item later to see which box it's packed in.

Don't Forget Your Essentials Box

Keep one box with everything you'll need during your first evening.

Include:

• Phone chargers

• Toiletries

• Toilet roll

• Medication

• Kettle

• Tea and coffee

• Snacks

• Clean clothes

• Basic tools

You'll be grateful you packed it separately.

Remember Your Meter Readings

Before leaving your old property:

• Photograph your electricity meter.

• Photograph your gas meter.

• Photograph your water meter (where applicable).

Repeat the process at your new home.

This helps avoid billing disputes later.

💙 Movly Tip

Save your meter readings in the Movly app so they're always available whenever your utility provider asks for them.

Driving a Moving Van

Driving a van is different from driving a car.

Remember to:

• Leave extra braking distance.

• Take corners slowly.

• Watch your height clearance.

• Allow more space when reversing.

• Use mirrors frequently.

• Plan your route before setting off.

If you've never driven a larger vehicle before, take a few minutes to get comfortable before joining busy roads.

Returning the Van

Before handing back the keys:

✓ Remove all personal belongings

✓ Check cupboards and storage areas

✓ Refuel if required

✓ Take photographs of the van

✓ Confirm the return paperwork

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people:

• Hire a van that's too small.

• Forget parking permits.

• Pack the van in the wrong order.

• Don't secure furniture.

• Leave important documents inside boxes.

• Forget final meter readings.

• Underestimate how long loading takes.

Planning ahead makes moving day far less stressful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hiring a moving van cheaper than hiring a removal company?

Usually, yes. Hiring a van is often the more affordable option if you're happy to do the loading, driving and unloading yourself.

What size van do I need for a three-bedroom house?

A Luton van is commonly suitable for most three-bedroom house moves, although the exact size depends on how much furniture and belongings you have.

Can I hire a van for one day?

Yes. Most UK hire companies offer daily van hire, with options to extend if needed.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. Basic insurance is usually included, but you should check the excess and consider whether additional cover is worthwhile.

What should I pack first?

Start with items you use least often and leave everyday essentials until last. Keep a separate essentials box for your first night.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a moving van gives you flexibility, control and can help reduce the cost of moving house. Choosing the right van, packing it properly and planning ahead will make the whole experience much less stressful.

Whether you're moving across town or to the other side of the country, staying organised is the key to a successful move.

If you'd like everything in one place, Movly helps you manage your moving checklist, track packed boxes, store meter readings, compare utilities and broadband, and organise every stage of your move - all from one app.