At Bayfield Vehicle Hire in Ely, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“What size van do I actually need?”
It’s true, if you’ve never hired or driven a van before, working out what size you actually need can feel confusing.
Choose a van that’s too small, and you could end up making multiple trips.
Choose one that’s too large, and you may spend more money than you actually need to.
From small van hire for quick jobs to large Luton van hire for full house moves, this guide explains what each vehicle is best suited for and helps you choose the right van for the job.
Small Van Hire From £70 – Best for Small Loads & Everyday Jobs
If you only need to transport a few items, a small van is often the easiest and most cost-effective option.
Small Van Hire is Ideal for:
- Car boot sales
- Light trade use
- Small furniture collections
- Boxes and equipment
- Local deliveries
Vehicle Hire Model examples:
- VW Caddy
- Peugeot Partner
- Mercedes Citan
Small vans are easy to drive and ideal for navigating Ely, Cambridge, and surrounding areas while still offering far more space than a standard car.
Short Wheel Base Van Hire From £82 – The Popular All-Rounder
Short Wheel Base (SWB) vans are one of the most versatile vehicle hire options for both personal and commercial use.
They provide significantly more loading space than a small van while remaining practical and comfortable to drive.
Ideal for:
- Tradespeople
- Moderate furniture loads
- Business deliveries
- Flat moves
- Tools and materials
Vehicle Hire Model examples:
- VW Transporter
- Vauxhall Vivaro
- Ford Transit Custom
Some SWB vans have three seats in the front, while others have two, so it’s always worth confirming if you require additional seating.
Medium Wheel Base Van Hire From £104 – Great for Larger Loads
Need extra loading space without stepping up to a Luton van?
A Medium Wheel Base (MWB) van is a great choice for larger jobs and commercial use.
Ideal for:
- Furniture transport
- Medium house moves
- Commercial deliveries
- Trade equipment
- Business stock transport
Vehicle Hire Model examples:
- Peugeot Boxer L3
- VW Crafter MWB
- Mercedes Sprinter MWB
These vans offer generous loading space while remaining practical for everyday driving.
Kombi Van Hire From £120 – Perfect for Passengers & Luggage
Kombi vans are ideal when you need room for both passengers and equipment.
They combine comfort and practicality, making them popular for both leisure and work use.
Ideal for:
- Camping trips
- Cycle holidays
- Fishing trips
- Tradespeople
- Group travel with luggage
Vehicle Hire Model examples:
- VW Transporter Kombi
- Ford Transit Custom Double Cab
Most Kombi vans can carry up to five passengers, while some seat six, alongside generous luggage and equipment space.
Long Wheel Base Van Hire From £126 – Best for Large Loads
If you’re transporting bulky furniture, commercial stock, or larger loads, a Long Wheel Base (LWB) van is often the best option.
Ideal for:
- Large furniture transport
- Multi-room moves
- Construction materials
- Commercial deliveries
- Heavy equipment
Vehicle Hire Model examples:
- Peugeot Boxer L4
- VW Crafter LWB
- Mercedes Sprinter
LWB vans provide excellent cargo capacity while remaining suitable for a wide range of jobs.
Luton Van Hire With Tail Lift – Ideal for Big Jobs and House Moves
If you’re moving house or transporting large, heavy furniture, a Luton van with tail lift is often the easiest and most practical solution.
The large box-shaped rear maximises loading space, while the tail lift helps with heavier items.
Ideal for:
- Medium and large house moves
- Sofas and wardrobes
- Appliances
- Heavy furniture
- Business relocations
Vehicle Hire Model examples:
- VW Crafter Luton
- Mercedes Sprinter Luton
- Citroen Relay Luton
If you’re wondering “what size van do I need for moving house”? A Luton van is often the ideal choice.
Most Luton rental vans can be driven on standard driving licences, making them an extremely practical option when you need to move large loads.
Why Rent a Van from Bayfield Vehicle Hire?
Bayfield Vehicle Hire in Ely is a local independent business renowned for our fantastic range of vans, cars, and minibuses for hire, and excellent customer service.
Our van hire service includes:
- Vehicles less than 12 months old
- Unlimited mileage, tax, and insurance
- No deposit required
- No charge for additional drivers
- Flexible, short and long-term hire options
- Seven-day vehicle returns
So whether you’re moving house, transporting furniture, handling trade loads, or simply need some extra space for the day, Bayfield Vehicle Hire has a rental van for you.
And if you’re still unsure which van size is right for your needs, our friendly team is always happy to advise you. Get in touch to find out more.
