What Size Van Do I Need to Deliver One Large Item?
Delivering one large item — a sofa, wardrobe or washing machine — needs a small van, which carries up to 800kg, far more than any single household item weighs. A short-wheelbase van steps in when the item is unusually large, such as a corner sofa or a wardrobe that needs to travel flat, giving extra length and headroom to load safely.
Recommended vehicle
Typical crew: 1–2 crew. Prices start from £48 for a small van and one driver, or from £54/hr — get an exact quote for your move in 60 seconds.
Why we recommend this van
Most single items — a sofa, a wardrobe, a washing machine, a dining table — weigh well under a small van's 800kg payload, so weight is rarely the deciding factor.
The real question is dimensions: whether the item fits through the van's rear doors in one piece, or needs the extra internal length of a short-wheelbase van to travel flat rather than propped at an angle.
We ask for the item's size when you book a single-item delivery, not just its type, because a 'sofa' can mean anything from a two-seater to a six-metre corner unit. That single detail decides whether we send a small van or a short-wheelbase one, so the item arrives without being forced or damaged in transit.
What typically fits
- A single sofa, up to a large corner unit
- A wardrobe, chest of drawers or bed frame
- A washing machine, fridge-freezer or other large appliance
- A dining table or a small number of matched items
- Flat-pack furniture collected from a shop or a seller
Item longer than around 2.4m, or an unusually heavy piece like a piano? Tell us the exact dimensions when you book so we send a van built for it.
Ready to book?
See full pricing, process and coverage for this job on our dedicated service page.
Step up or down a size: a short-wheelbase (swb) van holds 5.5m³ and carries ~1,000kg — we confirm which one your job needs from your item list, never a guess.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size van do I need to move one sofa?
A small van fits most sofas up to a three-seater. A large corner sofa or an L-shaped unit usually needs the extra length of a short-wheelbase van so it can lie flat rather than being wedged in at an angle.
Can a small van carry a washing machine or fridge-freezer?
Yes, a single large appliance is well within a small van's 800kg payload. We recommend an appliance trolley and straps for safe transport, which our crew brings as standard.
How much does a single-item delivery cost?
Single-item deliveries are typically the most affordable job type, priced by item size and distance rather than by the hour of a full house move. Get an instant quote for the exact price.