How furniture becomes cubic feet
Every item in the calculator carries a planning volume — not the tape-measured size of the object itself, but the space it tends to occupy once it is padded, wrapped and positioned in a vehicle. A sofa is not a box: its arms and back create dead space that a neat rectangle does not. That is why the figures lean generous. If you own something unusually large, such as a corner sofa, an American-style fridge or a piano, measure length × width × height in feet, add a few inches all round for padding, and add the result to your total yourself.
Boxes are counted at an average of 3 cubic feet each. The combined total is then increased by 10% before it is matched to a vehicle class, because loads never tessellate perfectly: legs, lampshades and awkward angles always leave gaps.
Vehicle classes compared
Rental companies describe their vehicles in different ways. In the UK you will often see vans described by weight (such as 3.5 tonnes) or body style (a Luton van has a box body that extends over the cab); elsewhere, trucks are usually described by length. The bands below are the planning capacities our calculator uses to shortlist a class — always compare them against the internal load dimensions each provider publishes.
| Vehicle class | Planning capacity | Often suits | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large van or 10 ft truck | Up to 250 cu ft | Studio, single room, student move | Low roof height; tall wardrobes may not stand upright |
| 15 ft truck | Up to 450 cu ft | One-bedroom flat | Loading ramps or tail-lifts vary between providers |
| 20 ft truck | Up to 800 cu ft | Two- to three-bedroom home | Gross weight may exceed what your licence allows |
| 26 ft truck | Up to 1,200 cu ft | Larger family homes | Parking space, narrow streets and driving experience |
Van, truck or removal crew?
Self-drive van
- Pro: easy to drive and park
- Pro: flexible timing for small moves
- Con: several trips for anything beyond a small flat
- Con: you do all the lifting
Self-drive truck
- Pro: one trip for most homes
- Pro: you control the schedule
- Con: licence and weight limits apply
- Con: harder to manoeuvre and park
Removal company
- Pro: experienced loading and their own equipment
- Pro: cover for damage may be included — check terms
- Con: usually the most expensive option
- Con: popular dates can book up early
Licence and weight checks
Before booking a larger vehicle, look at the categories printed on your licence. In Great Britain, many people who passed their car test from 1 January 1997 onwards may only drive vehicles up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass without extra entitlement. The official GOV.UK driving licence categories page explains the rules. If you are elsewhere, check with your national licensing authority and the rental company before you pay a deposit.
Loading for the space you actually have
- Load the heaviest items first — appliances, dense furniture and book boxes — against the wall nearest the cab.
- Build tiers from floor to ceiling across the full width, like a wall, rather than filling the floor first.
- Stand mattresses and sofa cushions along the side walls to protect other items.
- Fill gaps with soft bags and cushions so the tier cannot shift when braking.
- Strap every tier to the rails provided before starting the next one.
- Keep your “open first” box and tools at the very back so they come out first.
Measuring the awkward pieces
A vehicle that fits your volume can still fail if a single item will not go through a door. Measure the tightest point on the route: front door, stair turns, lift interior and the vehicle door opening itself. Take legs off tables, remove wardrobe doors, and bag and tape the fixings to the item they belong to. Photographs of wiring behind the TV and the back of the computer make reassembly far quicker.