Moving house can be a bit of a headache, can’t it? One of the biggest questions you might be asking yourself is what size van you need. The Vauxhall Vivaro Short Wheel Base (SWB) is a popular choice, but is it actually big enough for your move? Let’s find out exactly how much you can fit in a Vivaro and whether this practical van is the right moving house van size for your needs.
Understanding the Vauxhall Vivaro Dimensions
Before we decide if a Vauxhall Vivaro is right for your move, let’s look at what we’re working with. The Vauxhall Vivaro specifications highlight its well-designed nature and impressive capacity despite its compact exterior.
The Vauxhall Vivaro SWB (L1) has:
- Length: Approximately 4.95 metres
- Height: Around 1.97 metres
- Width: About 2.0 metres
- L1 Load space length: About 2.5 metres
- L2 Load space length: About 2.8 metres
- Load space height: Roughly 1.4 metres
These Vauxhall Vivaro dimensions translate to a load volume of around 5.8 cubic metres. That might sound like just a bunch of numbers, but what does this mean in practical terms for fitting furniture in van spaces?
How Much Can You Fit in a Vivaro?
When you’re moving home with a Vivaro, understanding the Vivaro SWB load capacity is essential. So what can you actually fit inside?
The short wheelbase van for moving typically accommodates:
- A two-seater sofa
- A double bed (disassembled)
- Several medium-sized boxes (15-20 depending on size)
- A washing machine or fridge freezer
- Several dining chairs
- A coffee table
- Several suitcases or storage bins
The Vauxhall Vivaro cargo space is surprisingly generous for a van of its size. Many people underestimate how much you can fit with proper packing. The key is organisation and making the most of the available space, we’ll get to those packing tips for moving van loads shortly!
Is a Vivaro Big Enough for Moving House?
Whether a Vauxhall Vivaro Short Wheel Base is suitable for your house move depends on a few factors:
- Size of your home: For a studio or one-bedroom flat, a Vivaro is often perfect. For larger homes, you might need multiple trips or a bigger van.
- Amount of furniture: If you’re moving with lots of large furniture pieces, you’ll need to consider how to break them down or make multiple trips.
- Distance of move: For shorter distances, making multiple trips in a smaller van like the Vivaro can be cost-effective. For longer moves, you might want something bigger to avoid multiple journeys.
Moving home with a Vivaro is definitely doable for many situations, especially if you’re moving from a smaller property or don’t have tons of large furniture. Their popularity speaks to their practicality, that’s why we at Hire2You keep plenty in our fleet!
Packing Tips for Moving Van Loads Efficiently
The secret to successfully moving house in a Vauxhall Vivaro is all about how you pack it. Here are some tips for packing a removal van to maximise the Vivaro SWB load capacity:
- Disassemble furniture: Take apart beds, tables, and other large items to make better use of space.
- Load heaviest items first: Place heavy items at the bottom and against the van’s cab wall for better weight distribution.
- Fill gaps with soft items: Use bags of clothes, bedding, or cushions to fill empty spaces and protect your belongings.
- Use the full height: Stack boxes safely to the roof, with heavier boxes at the bottom.
- Create a loading plan: Think about what you’ll need first at your new place and load those items last.
For more detailed advice, check out these effective van packing tips and tricks for a smooth move.
Real-Life Example: Fitting Furniture in Van Spaces
Let’s look at a real example of what you can fit in a Vauxhall Vivaro Short Wheel Base:
Sarah was moving from her one-bedroom flat to a new place about 10 miles away. She managed to fit:
- A dismantled double bed (headboard, frame, and mattress)
- A two-seater sofa
- A small wardrobe (doors removed)
- A coffee table
- A TV and stand
- A microwave and small kitchen appliances
- About 15 medium-sized boxes
- Several bags of clothing and bedding
She needed two trips but found this was still more cost-effective than hiring a larger van or removal company. The Vivaro’s manageable size also made it easier to park at both properties, a real bonus on tight city streets!
Moving Home with a Vivaro: Planning Your Move
When planning your move with a Vauxhall Vivaro, consider these practical steps:
- Create an item list: List everything you need to move to judge if the Vivaro’s cargo space will be enough.
- Measure large items: Check if your largest furniture will fit through the Vivaro’s doors and within its load space.
- Plan your route: If you’ll need multiple trips, plan the most efficient route between properties.
- Pack strategically: Follow tips for an efficient packing process to make the most of your van space.
- Consider timing: If you’re hiring a van, book it for enough time to complete all necessary trips without rushing.
For longer-distance moves, check out these packing tips for your long-distance move to ensure everything travels safely.
Why Choose Van Hire for Your Move?
Hiring a Vauxhall Vivaro from a trusted company like Hire2You offers several advantages for your move:
- Cost-effective: Usually cheaper than removal companies for smaller moves
- Flexibility: Move at your own pace and schedule
- Control: Pack and handle your own items
- Convenience: Pick up and drop off at times that suit you
- No long-term commitment: Just pay for what you need
For many people moving from flats, studios, or small houses, the short wheelbase van for moving offers the perfect balance of capacity and manageability. Plus, our vans at Hire2You are well-maintained, clean, and ready to go when you are.
Last-Minute Tips Before Your Move
Before you set off with your loaded Vauxhall Vivaro, here are some last-minute packing tips for moving that can help:
- Secure your load: Use straps to prevent items shifting during transit.
- Create a clear path to the door: Arrange items so nothing blocks access to the rear doors.
- Keep essentials accessible: Pack a separate box with immediate necessities and keep it easily accessible.
- Take photos of electronics: Before disconnecting, take pictures of how wires are connected.
- Drive carefully: Remember the van handles differently when fully loaded.
Is the Vauxhall Vivaro SWB Right for Your Move?
The Vauxhall Vivaro Short Wheel Base is an excellent choice for many house moves, offering a practical balance between size, capacity, and ease of use. For smaller homes or with careful packing, you’ll be surprised at how much you can fit in a Vivaro.
Moving home with a Vivaro means you get a van that’s easy to drive, park, and load, without paying for space you don’t need. The Vivaro SWB load capacity is ideal for many moving situations, and with the right packing approach, you can make the most of every cubic inch of that Vauxhall Vivaro cargo space.
If you’re planning a move and thinking about hiring a Vauxhall Vivaro, get in touch with us at Hire2You. We’ll help you determine if this moving house van size is right for your needs, and get you on the road to your new home with minimum fuss and maximum value.