Buying new furniture should feel exciting, not stressful. Sittingbourne has plenty of great places to shop, from big national chains to local, family-run stores. But there’s one thing many people forget until the last minute, how to get everything home.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to buy furniture in Sittingbourne and explain exactly when hiring a van makes collection easy, safe and affordable. If you already know you’ll need one, you can check out our full range on the Van Hire page.
1. Lukehurst – Sittingbourne’s Longstanding Local Favourite
Lukehurst is a respected, family-run furniture store with a strong local reputation. They offer high-quality pieces that last, from solid dining sets to full bedroom suites.
A couple from Grovehurst Road recently hired a van after buying a solid oak dining set from Lukehurst. The table alone was over 2 metres long, far too big for a car, and with a Luton van, they moved it safely in one trip.
What they sell:
- Sofas and armchairs
- Dining tables and chairs
- Beds, mattresses and wardrobes
- Branded furniture sets
Why people like it:
Friendly service, great choice and long-lasting quality.
When you’ll need a van:
- Large sofas
- King-size beds
- Big wardrobes
- Heavy wooden tables
For tall or heavy items, a Luton Van gives you the height and space you need for safe transport.
2. Kent Beds & Sofas – Affordable Furniture for Everyday Homes
Kent Beds & Sofas is popular with people who want quality furniture at fair prices. They offer everything from mattresses to sofa beds.
Mini example:
One of our customers furnished a full rental flat in Sittingbourne for under £900 using deals from Kent Beds & Sofas. They picked up a mattress, sofa bed and drawers using a Short Wheel Base van, which kept the trip simple and affordable.
Best for:
- Budget sofas
- Mattresses
- Sofa beds
- Storage furniture
When you’ll need a van:
Mattresses and boxed sofas rarely fit in a car. A Short Wheel Base Van is ideal for smaller sets, while bigger sofas may need a larger vehicle.
3. Dunelm Sittingbourne – Ideal for Flat-Pack and Smaller Furniture
The Sittingbourne branch of Dunelm is a go-to for flat-pack furniture and modern home décor. It’s perfect if you’re looking for stylish pieces without spending too much.
Useful stat:
A 2024 UK Home Trends survey found that 62% of buyers choose flat-pack furniture, but most underestimate the size of the boxes.
What they sell:
- Flat-pack storage units
- Small sofas
- Dining sets
- Sideboards and tables
When you’ll need a van:
Buying multiple boxes or a full dining set can quickly fill a car. Our Long Wheelbase Van Guide helps you choose the right size for safe loading.
4. The Range – Big Trolleys, Bigger Purchases
Discount stores often stock bulky seasonal items, especially garden furniture, large mirrors and tall shelving units. These often come in oversized boxes that simply don’t fit into most cars.
Useful insight:
Consumer research shows that up to 70% of garden furniture sets are “collection only” when bought in-store.
For these heavier or awkward items, a Low Loader Luton makes loading much easier thanks to its low step height and generous space.
5. Second-Hand & Charity Shops – Great Value and Hidden Gems
Sittingbourne has several second-hand and charity furniture options. Solid wood items are especially good value, though they’re usually heavy and large.
Real example:
A customer bought a vintage chest of drawers from a local charity shop. It was over 40 years old and extremely heavy, so they hired a Luton with tail lift to load it safely and avoid any damage.
For furniture like this, a van with a tail-lift is extremely helpful. You can view our dedicated Van Hire Sittingbourne page to see what’s available locally.
When Do You Actually Need a Hire Van?
Here are the most common situations where Sittingbourne shoppers end up needing a van:
- The item is collection only
- Delivery is expensive or unavailable
- You’re buying multiple items
- The furniture won’t fit in a car
- The item is tall, heavy or fragile
What Size Van Should You Choose?
- Short Wheel Base: small flat-packs, office furniture
- Long Wheel Base: mattresses, sofas, wardrobes
- Luton Van: garden sets, tall wardrobes, solid wood pieces
If you need something quickly, our Last Minute Hire Guide explains how to collect furniture the same day.
Comparison Table, Which Van Do You Need?
| Furniture Type | Fits in Car? | Recommended Van | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small flat-packs | Sometimes | SWB | Depends on box size |
| Double/King Mattress | No | LWB | Transport upright |
| Wardrobe | No | LWB / Luton | Tail-lift helps |
| 2–3 Seater Sofa | Rarely | LWB | Measure first |
| Corner Sofa | No | Luton | Very bulky |
| Dining Set | No | Luton | Strap in securely |
| Garden Furniture Set | No | Luton | Large boxes |
If you only need a smaller vehicle for accessories, check our Car Hire options.
How to Safely Transport Furniture Home
Transporting furniture isn’t hard if you prepare properly.
- Measure before buying
- Bring blankets and straps
- Load heavier items first
- Keep fragile pieces upright
- Drive slowly, especially on narrow roads
If you’re travelling near London, our ULEZ Compliant Van Hire range is ideal for avoiding extra charges.
Seasonal Tips
Buying furniture during busy periods? Our guide on Seasonal Van Hire in Kent explains why certain times of the year make van hire even more important.
FAQs
What is the best furniture shop in Sittingbourne?
Shops like Lukehurst, Kent Beds & Sofas and Dunelm are all great options depending on what you need.
Do Sittingbourne furniture shops offer delivery?
Some do, but many charge high fees or have long waits.
How do I move large furniture without a van?
A local hire van is the simplest and safest option.
What size van do I need for a sofa?
Most 2–3 seaters fit in a Long Wheel Base van; corner sofas usually need a Luton.
Can I hire just for a few hours?
Yes, Hire2You offers flexible and same-day hire options.
Conclusion
Sittingbourne has brilliant places to buy furniture, whether you’re shopping for one item or a whole home. The real challenge is getting everything home safely. Hiring a van gives you the space and flexibility you need.
Need a van today? Hire2You offers no deposit, no credit check and fast collection.