Moving house ranks among life’s most stressful events – but choosing the right van doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re moving from a studio flat in Enfield or a 4-bed house in Barnet, selecting the correct vehicle size and planning your timeline properly saves you money, time, and backache.
At North London Van & Truck Hire, we’ve helped thousands of North London families move house over 30+ years. We know the difference between a successful one-van move and a nightmare involving multiple trips or vehicles that won’t fit your furniture.
This guide walks you through everything: choosing the right van size, planning your moving timeline, packing efficiently, loading safely, and making the most of our 24-hour drop-off service at our Enfield branch. We’ll also cover costs, driving tips for first-timers, and common mistakes that turn simple moves into expensive disasters.
Choosing the Right Van Size for Your Move
Get this wrong and you’ll either need multiple trips (wasting time and fuel) or find yourself trying to cram a sofa into a van that’s three sizes too small. Here’s how to match your property to the right vehicle.
Small Van: Studio Flats and 1-Bed Flats
Load capacity: 3-4 cubic metres
Typical vehicles: Ford Transit Connect, Vauxhall Combo
Daily rate from: £30
Perfect for:
- Studio flats with minimal furniture
- 1-bed flats if you’re ruthless with decluttering
- Moving individual large items (sofa, washing machine, bed frame)
- Students moving back home for summer
Won’t fit:
- Double wardrobes
- Full dining table sets
- Multiple bicycles alongside furniture
- King-size bed frame plus mattress plus other furniture
Small vans work brilliantly if you’re genuinely moving minimal belongings. They’re cheaper to run, easier to park, and more fuel-efficient. But most people underestimate their actual volume of stuff.
Practical test: If you can fit everything in one bedroom with space to walk around, a small van might work. If furniture spills into a second room, you need something bigger.
Medium Van: 1-2 Bed Flats
Load capacity: 6-8 cubic metres
Typical vehicles: Ford Transit Custom, Mercedes Vito
Daily rate from: £30
Perfect for:
- 1-bed flats with standard furniture
- 2-bed flats if you’ve sold larger items or decluttered heavily
- Small house moves with minimal furniture
- Moving office equipment for small businesses
Typical load:
- Double bed frame and mattress
- Sofa (2-3 seater)
- Coffee table and side tables
- 6 dining chairs and table
- TV unit
- Bookshelf or small wardrobe
- 20-30 boxes of household items
- Washing machine
- Fridge (standard size)
Medium vans offer the sweet spot for many moves. You get decent capacity without the intimidation factor of driving a large vehicle. They fit in most residential parking spaces and don’t require special driving skills.
Our recommendation: Medium vans suit 80% of 1-bed flat moves and 50% of 2-bed flat moves. If you’re unsure, call us at 020 8805 0011 and describe your furniture. We’ll tell you honestly if you need to size up.
Large Van: 2-3 Bed Houses
Load capacity: 10-13 cubic metres
Typical vehicles: Ford Transit LWB, Mercedes Sprinter
Daily rate from: £30
Perfect for:
- 2-bed houses with full furniture
- 3-bed houses with moderate furniture
- Families moving from flats to houses
- Moves involving wardrobes, dining sets, and multiple beds
Typical load:
- 2-3 double beds (frames and mattresses)
- Large corner sofa or 3-piece suite
- Full dining set (table plus 6 chairs)
- 2 wardrobes
- Chest of drawers
- TV unit and bookshelf
- 40-50 boxes
- White goods (washing machine, fridge-freezer, dishwasher)
- Garden furniture
- Children’s toys and equipment
Large vans handle serious house moves. The extra height (typically 1.8-2m internal) means you can stack boxes higher and stand furniture upright. You’ll need confidence with mirrors and spatial awareness, but they’re not as daunting as they look.
Driving consideration: Large vans sit higher than cars. You’ll need to adjust mirrors carefully and be conscious of height restrictions (typically 2m for most car parks – check before entering).
Extra Large Van (LWB High Roof): 3-4 Bed Houses
Load capacity: 14-17 cubic metres
Typical vehicles: Ford Transit Extra LWB
Dimensions: L: 4.05m / W: 1.74m / H: 1.93m
Daily rate from: £30
Perfect for:
- 3-bed houses with lots of furniture
- 4-bed houses if you’ve decluttered
- Moves involving pianos, large wardrobes, or bulky items
- Single-trip moves where multiple smaller vans would be needed
Typical load:
- 3-4 double beds
- Large sofas or sectional seating
- Multiple wardrobes and storage units
- Full dining sets
- 60+ boxes
- All white goods
- Garden furniture and equipment
- Garage items (tools, bicycles, lawnmower)
These vans offer maximum space for DIY moves. The high roof means you can stand inside to organise loads, and the extra length accommodates large items like dining tables without disassembly.
Reality check: If you’re moving a genuinely full 4-bed house with minimal decluttering, you might need two trips even with this van. Consider whether a Luton van (see below) or hiring two medium vans makes more sense.
Luton Van with Tail Lift: Large Houses and Heavy Items
Load capacity: Up to 20 cubic metres
Payload: Up to 1,200kg
Features: Box body with tail lift for heavy items
Daily rate from: £30
Perfect for:
- 4-bed houses and larger
- Moves involving extremely heavy items (pianos, safes, large wardrobes)
- Commercial moves with palletised goods
- When you need the tail lift for loading heavy white goods safely
Key advantage – the tail lift: The hydraulic tail lift transforms how you handle heavy items. Instead of:
- Risking injury lifting a washing machine into a van
- Recruiting four friends to carry a fridge-freezer
- Damaging items dragging them up ramps
You simply:
- Roll items onto the tail lift platform
- Press the button to raise them to van floor height
- Slide them straight in
When to choose Luton over large van:
- You’re moving a genuinely full 4-bed house
- You have multiple heavy white goods
- You’re moving commercial equipment
- You need maximum volume in a single trip
Driving consideration: Luton vans are taller and require extra awareness of low bridges and car park barriers. Most residential streets are fine, but always check height restrictions. You’ll also need to be more careful with the extended overhang at the back.
Planning Your Moving Timeline
Rushed moves create problems. Here’s a realistic timeline that balances efficiency with thoroughness.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
Book your van: Reserve your vehicle early, especially if moving on a weekend or end of month (peak times). Our online booking at nlvth.com shows real-time availability at our Enfield and Hertford branches.
Why book early:
- Weekend availability disappears fast (especially last Saturday/first Saturday of month)
- You’ll pay more for last-minute availability
- Better vehicle choice when you book ahead
- Monday-Thursday moves get 20% discount (significant savings)
Declutter aggressively: Every item you move costs time and effort. Be ruthless:
- Sell furniture that won’t fit new property
- Donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year
- Dispose of broken items you’ve been meaning to fix
- Clear garage/loft items that serve no purpose
Order packing materials:
- Sturdy cardboard boxes (various sizes)
- Bubble wrap for fragile items
- Packing tape (buy more than you think you need)
- Permanent markers for labelling
- Furniture blankets or old sheets for protection
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
Start packing non-essentials:
- Books and ornaments
- Seasonal clothes
- Kitchen items you rarely use
- Garage and loft contents
- Spare bedding and towels
Label everything clearly: Write room destination AND contents on each box. “Kitchen – Pans & Utensils” beats “Kitchen #3” when you’re searching for your kettle at 10pm on moving day.
Measure doorways and stairs: Will your sofa fit through the new property’s front door? Will your wardrobe navigate the staircase? Measure now, not when you’re halfway up the stairs.
Disassemble furniture: Take apart bed frames, remove table legs, dismantle wardrobes. Keep screws and fixings in labelled bags taped to the corresponding furniture piece.
1 Week Before Moving Day
Confirm van booking: Call us on 020 8805 0011 to confirm collection time and location (Enfield or Hertford). Verify you have:
- Valid UK driving licence
- Proof of address
- Debit/credit card for £100 deposit
Pack room by room: Finish packing all rooms except bedroom and bathroom essentials. Keep one clear box for moving day essentials:
- Kettle and tea/coffee
- Toilet paper
- Phone chargers
- Basic tools (screwdriver, hammer)
- Cleaning supplies
- First aid kit
Arrange helpers: Moving alone is miserable and potentially dangerous. Recruit at least two friends for:
- Heavy lifting (fridges, sofas, wardrobes)
- Loading van efficiently
- Watching the van while you’re inside properties
Food and drink: Stock up on easy food for moving day. You won’t want to cook, and takeaways take time. Sandwiches, snacks, and plenty of water keep energy levels up.
Moving Day Morning
Collect van early: Our Enfield branch (1320 Mollison Avenue, behind McDonald’s) opens 7:30am weekdays. Early collection maximises your moving day and avoids traffic.
Vehicle inspection: Walk round the van with us. Note any existing damage on the hire agreement. Check:
- Fuel level (return with same amount)
- All lights working
- Tyre pressures
- Cleanliness inside
Load strategically (see loading section below)
Drive carefully: A loaded van handles differently than your car. Allow extra braking distance, take corners gently, and be conscious of the extra height and width.
Moving Day Evening
Unload efficiently: Place boxes directly in correct rooms. Don’t create a “sort later” pile in the hallway. Future you will thank present you.
Return van: Our 24-hour drop-off at Enfield means you’re not racing against closing time. Finish unloading, grab a curry, return the van at 10pm if that suits you. Just drop keys in our secure box.
What you need to return:
- Van with same fuel level as collection
- Clean interior (we’re not fussy – just remove obvious rubbish)
- No damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Within your mileage allowance (150 miles per day, 10p per extra mile)
Loading Your Van: Essential Techniques
Poor loading means multiple trips, damaged furniture, and potential injuries. Follow these principles for a successful load.
Weight Distribution Basics
Heavy items first: Place heavy items (white goods, boxes of books, tools) over the axles near the front and middle of the van. This keeps the centre of gravity low and stable.
Lighter items last: Bedding, cushions, lampshades, and fragile items go in last, often wedged into gaps between heavier items for cushioning.
Balance left to right: Don’t stack everything on one side. Keep weight distributed evenly across the van’s width to prevent leaning in corners.
Never exceed payload: Our large vans typically handle 1,000-1,200kg payload. Most household moves stay well under this, but if you’re moving workshop equipment, tools, or libraries full of books, be mindful of total weight.
Strategic Packing Order
1. Start with white goods:
- Fridge-freezer (empty, defrosted, doors secured)
- Washing machine (transit bolts reinstalled if possible)
- Dishwasher
- Cooker
Position these at the front of the load space, secured against the bulkhead.
2. Add large furniture:
- Sofas (on their side or end to maximise space)
- Wardrobes (empty, doors secured, positioned upright)
- Dining table (legs removed, on its side)
- Beds (frames disassembled, mattresses laid flat or upright against walls)
3. Fill with medium items:
- Dining chairs (nest them together)
- Coffee tables and side tables
- TV unit
- Bookshelves
- Chest of drawers
4. Fill gaps with boxes: Boxes act as gap fillers and structural support. Stack them in columns, heaviest at bottom, lighter at top. Fill every gap to prevent items shifting during transit.
5. Add soft items last:
- Duvets and pillows (perfect for protecting fragile items)
- Curtains and bedding
- Cushions
- Lampshades
Use these to cushion gaps and protect furniture edges.
Protecting Your Belongings
Furniture blankets: Wrap sofas, tables, and wardrobes in furniture blankets or old sheets. This prevents scratches and provides cushioning when items press against each other.
Secure doors and drawers: Use tape or straps to keep wardrobe doors and chest drawers closed. Items falling open during transit cause damage and make unloading dangerous.
Protect mirrors and glass: Wrap mirrors and glass in bubble wrap, then secure with cardboard sheets. Mark clearly as fragile and load them upright between other items for support.
Disassemble what you can: Bed frames, table legs, and furniture components should be removed where possible. This reduces volume, makes items easier to carry, and prevents damage to protruding parts.
Common Loading Mistakes
Mistake 1: Loading boxes first
Boxes create uneven foundations. Load large furniture first, then fill gaps with boxes.
Mistake 2: Leaving gaps
Items shift during transit and damage each other. Pack tightly, using soft items to fill every gap.
Mistake 3: Piling everything against rear doors
When you open doors at destination, everything tumbles out. Pack front to back, keeping weight towards front.
Mistake 4: Ignoring van height
You can stack higher than you think. Use the full internal height – it’s often 1.8-2m, plenty for stacking boxes or standing wardrobes upright.
Mistake 5: Overloading one trip
If it’s a squeeze, make two trips. Damaged furniture costs more than extra fuel and time.
Driving a Loaded Van: First-Timer Tips
If you’ve never driven a van before, a fully loaded large van feels different to your car. Here’s what to expect and how to handle it safely.
Before You Drive
Adjust mirrors properly: Large vans have bigger blind spots than cars. Adjust both wing mirrors so you can see down the sides of the van. You won’t have a rear-view mirror in large vans – the load blocks it – so wing mirrors are everything.
Understand the dimensions:
- Large vans are typically 2m wide
- Height can be 2-2.5m (know your exact height)
- Length extends further behind you than you’re used to
Check height restrictions: Most residential streets are fine, but car parks, drive-throughs, and some older roads have 2m height barriers. If in doubt, don’t risk it.
On the Road
Acceleration and braking: A loaded van needs more time to accelerate and longer to stop. Leave bigger gaps between you and the car ahead – at least three seconds at 30mph, more at higher speeds.
Cornering: Take corners gently. Your load can shift if you corner aggressively, affecting stability. Slow down before corners, then accelerate gently through them.
Roundabouts: Give yourself extra space. Your turning circle is larger, and you need to watch both wing mirrors to ensure you don’t clip the kerb on the left or vehicles on the right.
Reversing: Use your wing mirrors. Get someone to guide you if possible – especially when reversing into driveways or tight spaces. Take it slowly.
Parking: Park in end spaces where possible, giving you more room to manoeuvre. Parallel parking is harder in a van – avoid it if you can.
Motorway driving: Loaded vans are less stable at high speeds. Stick to 60mph maximum on motorways, and move to left lane well before your exit – lane changes take longer to complete safely.
North London Specific Considerations
A10 corridor: This main route from Enfield into Central London gets congested. Plan for slower traffic, especially during rush hours (7-9am and 4-7pm).
Residential parking: Many North London streets have permit parking or narrow roads. Check parking restrictions before arrival, and ask neighbours politely if you need to temporarily block access.
Low bridges: Some older railway bridges in areas like Palmers Green and Wood Green have low clearances. Watch for warning signs and know your van’s height.
ULEZ compliance: All our vehicles are ULEZ compliant. You can drive anywhere in North London without daily charges. See our complete ULEZ guide for full details.
Cost Breakdown: What Moving House Actually Costs
Hiring a van is the smallest expense in most moves. Here’s a realistic budget for a 2-bed house move in North London.
Van hire (weekend, Saturday-Monday):
- Medium van: £90 (3 days at £30/day)
- Large van: £90 (3 days at £30/day)
- Luton van: £90 (3 days at £30/day)
Deposit:
- £100 pre-authorised (not taken unless damage/excess mileage/late return)
Insurance excess reduction (optional):
- £15/day to reduce excess from £1,200 to £200
- Worth it if you’re nervous about driving a large van
Fuel:
- Medium van: £40-50 for local North London move
- Large van: £50-70 for local move
- Luton van: £60-80 for local move
Packing materials:
- 30 boxes: £30
- Bubble wrap and tape: £20
- Furniture blankets (optional – use old sheets): £0-30
Helpers:
- Friends: Pizza and beer (£50-100)
- Professional help: £100-300 if you need lifting assistance
Total DIY move cost: £280-400
Compare this to professional removal companies at £600-1,200 for a 2-bed house. You save hundreds by doing it yourself with a hired van.
Monday-Thursday discount: Move midweek and save 20% on van hire. That £90 weekend hire becomes £72 – an extra £18 saving.
When to Hire Multiple Vans or Make Multiple Trips
Some moves require two vans or multiple trips. Recognising this early prevents disasters.
Consider two vans if:
- Moving a full 4-bed house with minimal decluttering
- You have multiple helpers and can load both simultaneously
- The journey between properties is long (two vans means one trip)
- You’re on a tight deadline and can’t make multiple trips
Multiple trips make sense when:
- You’re moving locally (under 5 miles)
- You underestimated volume slightly
- You’d rather take your time than rush loading
- Traffic is light and return journey is quick
Do the maths: Two trips in a medium van uses roughly £20 extra fuel. Hiring a second van costs £30-40 for the day. If the journey is under 30 minutes each way, multiple trips usually make more sense.
Our recommendation: Call us before collection if you’re unsure. We can often upgrade your booking to a larger van for minimal extra cost – simpler than making multiple trips.
Why Choose NLVTH for Your House Move
As a family-run business with over 30 years serving North London, we understand local moving challenges. Our service is built around making your move straightforward:
Fleet quality:
- Modern, well-maintained vehicles serviced every 5,000 miles
- 100% ULEZ compliant (no extra charges anywhere in London)
- GPS tracked for security
- Clean, reliable vans ready when you need them
Practical advantages:
- 24-hour drop-off at Enfield (no rushing before closing time)
- Two convenient locations (Enfield and Hertford)
- 150 miles daily allowance (plenty for most local moves)
- Insurance excess £1,200 (reducible to £200 for £15/day)
- AA breakdown cover included
Transparent pricing:
- £100 pre-authorised deposit (not taken unless necessary)
- No hidden fees
- Clear mileage policy (10p per mile over allowance)
- Monday-Thursday 20% discount
- Competitive daily rates
Customer support:
- Honest advice on vehicle sizing (we’ll tell you if you need bigger)
- Experienced team who know North London routes
- BVRLA membership guaranteeing professional standards
- Flexible collection times to suit your schedule
Booking Your Moving Van
Online booking:
Visit nlvth.com to check availability and reserve your vehicle. Our system shows real-time fleet at both Enfield and Hertford branches.
Phone booking:
Call 020 8805 0011 to discuss your move. We’ll help select the right vehicle size based on your property type and furniture volume.
What you’ll need:
- Valid UK driving licence
- Proof of address
- Credit or debit card for deposit
- Approximate collection date and duration
Collection locations:
Enfield: 1320 Mollison Avenue, Brimsdown, Enfield EN3 7NJ (behind McDonald’s)
- Easy A10 access heading north and south
- 24-hour drop-off service
- Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm, Sat 7:30am-12pm
Hertford: Kingfisher Nurseries, White Stubbs Lane, Bayford, SG13
- Just outside ULEZ zone
- Convenient for customers moving from outside London
- Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm, Sat 7:30am-12pm
Frequently Asked Questions
What size van do I need to move a 2-bed flat?
Most 2-bed flats fit in a medium or large van depending on furniture quantity. If you’ve got a 3-piece suite, double bed, dining set, and wardrobe plus 30-40 boxes, choose a large van. If you’ve decluttered heavily and have minimal furniture, a medium van works. Call us on 020 8805 0011 and describe your furniture – we’ll give you honest advice on sizing.
Can I drive a Luton van on a normal car licence?
Yes, standard UK car licences (Category B) cover vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. All our Luton vans and large vans fall under this limit. You don’t need a special licence, just confidence driving larger vehicles. If you’ve never driven a van before, consider starting with a medium van to build confidence.
How do I use the 24-hour drop-off at Enfield?
Finish your move, clean any obvious rubbish from the van, and return it to our Enfield branch at 1320 Mollison Avenue (behind McDonald’s). Park in the designated bay, drop the keys in our secure drop box, and you’re done. This works any time within your hire period – midnight, 6am, 10pm, whenever suits you.
What if I need the van longer than I booked?
Call us as soon as you realise you need extra time. We’ll extend your hire if the van isn’t needed by another customer. Daily rate applies to additional days. Just keep in mind our 150-mile daily allowance applies per 24-hour period – extra days give you extra mileage.
Do I need insurance to hire a van?
All our hire rates include comprehensive insurance as standard. You’re covered for damage to the van (with a £1,200 excess) and third-party liability. You can reduce the excess to £200 for £15 per day if you want extra peace of mind. No additional insurance is required.
What happens if I go over the 150-mile allowance?
We charge 10p per extra mile. For example, if you drive 180 miles in a day, you’ll pay an extra £3. Most North London moves stay well within the allowance – it’s roughly Enfield to Brighton and back. We check the mileage when you return and charge any excess to your card.
Can I collect from Enfield and return to Hertford?
Yes, though we prefer advance notice so we can position vehicles correctly. There’s no extra charge for different collection and return locations. This flexibility helps if you’re moving from North London out to Hertfordshire, for example.
What if the van breaks down during my move?
All our vehicles include AA breakdown cover. Call the AA on the number provided in the van documents. They’ll assist you roadside or recover the vehicle if needed. Contact us immediately on 020 8805 0011 and we’ll arrange a replacement vehicle if possible. Breakdowns are rare – our vehicles are serviced every 5,000 miles and thoroughly checked before each hire.
Start Planning Your Move
Moving house in North London doesn’t need to be stressful when you’ve got the right van and a solid plan. Book early for best availability, choose the right vehicle size, pack strategically, and take advantage of our 24-hour drop-off to work to your own schedule.
Call us at 020 8805 0011 to discuss your move, or book online at nlvth.com. Our family-run business has helped North London families move for over 30 years – we’ll make sure you get the right vehicle for a successful move.
Collect from our Enfield branch at 1320 Mollison Avenue, Brimsdown EN3 7NJ (behind McDonald’s), or our Hertford location at Kingfisher Nurseries, White Stubbs Lane, Bayford, SG13. Both locations offer quality vehicles, competitive rates, and the local expertise that comes from three decades serving North London.