Planning a house move in Rochester or the Medway area and wondering whether a long wheel base van is the right choice? A long wheel base van for house moving in Rochesteroffers the perfect balance of space, comfort, and practicality.
At Hire2You, we’ve helped hundreds of local customers move easily and affordably, from students in Strood upgrading to their first flat, to families relocating across Kent. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from what fits inside an LWB van to when it’s the best option for your move.
What Is a Long Wheel Base Van (and Why It’s Popular for House Moves)
A long wheel base (LWB) van simply means a van with extra length between the front and rear wheels, giving you more loading space. It’s the middle ground between a short wheel base and a Luton van, perfect for medium-sized moves.
Common LWB models include:
- Ford Transit
- Citroën Relay
- Peugeot Boxer
- Renault Master
These vans are ideal for one or two-bedroom homes, offering 10–12 cubic metres of load space, enough for most small household moves.
According to Checkatrade’s 2025 Moving House Report, the average UK move involves around 30 boxes and 15–20 furniture items, which fits comfortably into an LWB van.
If you’re unsure which size suits your needs, you can read our full Van Hire Guidefor a breakdown of every size and its best uses.
Why movers in Rochester love LWB vans
- Easier to drive than large box vans or trucks
- Ideal for narrow Medway streets and driveways
- Fits furniture, appliances, and boxes comfortably
- More affordable to hire and fuel than a Luton van
In short, it’s the go-to option for most small to medium moves, spacious, versatile, and easy to handle.
What Fits in a Long Wheel Base Van When Moving House
If you’re trying to picture what can fit inside, here’s a quick example. Most long wheel base vans for house movingcan comfortably hold:
- A double bed and mattress
- A sofa or armchair
- A washing machine and fridge freezer
- Several large boxes of household items
That’s why they’re perfect for couples, small families, or single movers upgrading to a bigger home.
Customer Example:
When Jake and Lauren from Rochestermoved from their one-bedroom flat to a new home in Chatham, they used one of Hire2You’s LWB Ford Transits. They completed their move in a single round trip, saving over £80 compared to hiring a larger Luton vanthey didn’t actually need.
Van Size Comparison
| Van Type | Load Space | Ideal For | Example Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Van (SWB) | 5–6 m³ | Flat or single room moves | Boxes, small furniture |
| Long Wheel Base (LWB) | 10–12 m³ | 1–2 bedroom homes | Beds, sofas, appliances, boxes |
| Luton Van | 15–18 m³ | Large house moves | Wardrobes, furniture sets, multiple rooms |
This shows why so many Rochester movers choose the LWB, it offers enough space without being overkill. To make sure you’re not overpaying, check out our tips on how to save money on van hire.
Is a Long Wheel Base Van the Best Option for You?
When deciding what size van to hire, think about three key things: space, cost, and ease of driving.
Pros of using an LWB van
- Great balance of space and affordability
- Easy to drive with a standard licence (GOV.UK: Driving Licence Categories)
- Fewer trips compared to smaller vans
- Better fuel efficiency than a Luton
According to the RAC’s fuel economy data, long wheel base vans can be up to 25% more fuel-efficientthan Luton box vans, which adds up quickly on moving day.
When you might need a Luton instead
- Moving a 3+ bedroom house
- Large wardrobes or heavy furniture
- Bulky items that need extra height or a tail lift
If you’re unsure, the Hire2You team can help match you to the right van for your move, and make sure you avoid the top van hire mistakes people make.
Tips for a Smooth House Move with a Long Wheel Base Van
1. Pack smart
Use sturdy boxes and label them clearly. Disassemble large furniture and wrap fragile items. Load the heaviest items first and secure everything with straps.
2. Plan your route
Rochester’s narrow streets and parking zones can get busy. Check parking restrictions near your new home and aim to move early in the morning.
3. Drive confidently
LWB vans handle like a bigger car, so you’ll feel comfortable quickly. Take corners wider and give yourself extra space when reversing.
4. Take advantage of Hire2You’s flexible hire
With no deposit, no credit check, and same-day van hire, we make moving simple. Just book, collect, and go, stress-free. You can even explore our full range of Kent van hire optionsbefore booking.
Why Choose Hire2You for Your Rochester Move
Hire2You is based right here in Strood, serving Rochester and the wider Medway area. We’ve built a reputation for affordable, no-hassle van hirethat helps customers move with confidence.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Local, trusted service with same-day hire options
- A wide range of vans from small to Luton
- No deposit and no hidden fees
- Friendly, knowledgeable team ready to help
Local Example:
Our regular customer, House of Glass, expanded their business fleet using Hire2You’s long wheel base vans.
Ready to move?Hire your long wheel base van in Rochester today, no deposit, no hassle. Call Hire2You or book online now.
FAQs, People Also Ask
- How much can fit in a long wheel base van?
Usually enough for a one or two-bedroom home, think beds, appliances, and around 30–40 moving boxes. - Can I drive a long wheel base van with a normal licence?
Yes. LWB vans can be driven on a standard UK Category B licence, see GOV.UKfor details. - How many trips do I need to move a 2-bedroom house?
Typically one or two trips with an LWB van, depending on how much furniture you own. - Is it cheaper to hire a long wheel base or Luton van?
An LWB is more affordable, with lower hire and fuel costs, making it ideal for smaller moves. - Do I need to pay a deposit to hire a van from Hire2You?
No, Hire2You offers no deposit van hirewith no credit checkrequired.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a move in Rochester, a long wheel base van for house movingis the perfect balance of space, price, and flexibility. Whether you’re shifting boxes across town or moving into your first home, Hire2You makes it quick, easy, and affordable.
Book your long wheel base van today, drive away from our Strood branch with no deposit, no credit check, and no hassle. Visit our Strood Van Hire pageto get started.