Van rental: how to choose the right size for your needs

Renting a van is easy; renting the right van is subtler. Too small and you make multiple trips; too big and you pay for empty space and struggle to park. This guide helps you choose the volume and dimensions that match your real need, without overspending or stressing behind the wheel.

Think in m³ before you think in models

The first mistake is choosing a van by its name rather than its usable volume. What matters is the number of cubic metres you need to move and the available loading length inside. A 2.10 m sofa won't fit in a load space that is 1.80 m long, even if the total volume looks sufficient.

Before booking, make a quick inventory of what you're moving and roughly estimate the volume. A few useful benchmarks:

• A furnished studio is around 8 to 12 m³.
• A one-bedroom flat sits around 15 to 20 m³.
• A single large item (wardrobe, sofa) fits in 2 to 4 m³.
• Buying appliances (fridge, washing machine) mostly needs height and a flat floor.

With that figure in mind, the size choice becomes obvious.

The range of van sizes

On a marketplace like Vehado, you'll mainly come across four families, from the most compact to the most imposing.

• Small van (~3 to 4 m³) — think Renault Kangoo, Citroën Berlingo, Peugeot Partner. Perfect for a small transport, a single item, a shop purchase or DIY gear. It drives like a large car and parks anywhere.
• Mid-size van (~6 to 8 m³) — think Renault Trafic, Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit Custom. The ideal compromise for a studio or small one-bed, a well-stocked flea market stall or several pieces of furniture at once. Still manageable in town.
• Large box van (~10 to 13 m³) — think Renault Master, Fiat Ducato, Mercedes Sprinter in L2H2 form (long and high-roof). The choice for a full flat, large volumes or bulky furniture. It offers real standing height inside.
• Tipper or flatbed — for materials (rubble, soil, pallets, bags of cement) and loading from the top or the rear. Nothing like a closed van: here you want ruggedness and easy unloading.

When in doubt between two sizes, go for the bigger one: a little margin costs less than a second trip.

The criteria that truly make a difference

Volume isn't everything. Several practical details can turn a smooth rental into a headache.

• Loading length: measure your longest items (boards, sofa, worktop) and compare with the stated interior length.
• Tailgate or side door: a sliding side door makes loading easier on a narrow street; wide rear doors help with bulky items. A tail lift is precious for heavy appliances.
• Size and height: a high-roof large van can exceed 2.50 m and won't fit under some covered car parks, archways or low bridges. Check your route and loading points.
• Licence: in Belgium as in France, a category B licence is enough to drive a van up to 3.5 tonnes gross weight, which covers almost all rental vans. Above that you need a truck licence.
• Getting used to it: if you're not used to it, a large van demands anticipation (blind spots, reversing, height). Picking a size down when it's enough also means a calmer drive.

Which size for which use

To picture it concretely, here are pairings that work in most cases.

• Small move or shifting between homes: mid-size van, possibly large if you want it all in one trip.
• Buying furniture or a large appliance: small van is enough, mid-size if the item is long or bulky.
• Transporting site or DIY materials: mid-size van for tools, tipper or flatbed for rubble and materials.
• Flea market, car boot sale, market stall: mid-size van, very handy thanks to the side door and flexible volume.
• Collecting heavy materials (soil, sand, pallets): tipper or flatbed, better suited than a closed van.

The idea is always the same: start from the real need, not the most impressive van.

Renting a van smartly on Vehado

On Vehado, you'll find vans offered by private owners and small fleets, all across Belgium, France and Europe. In practice, this changes things:

• Filter by van type and volume to see only the vehicles that suit your project.
• Pick-up near you, often in your neighbourhood, avoiding empty trips to a rental office.
• Often more attractive rates than a professional rental firm, with booking frequently instant.
• Insurance included and assistance, verified profiles (identity and licence), secure payment by card or Bancontact.
• A photo condition report at departure and a deposit that isn't charged if all goes well.

Whether you're after a small van for a single item or a large volume for a flat, compare the models and sizes available near you and book your van on Vehado.

Own a van? Make it pay

Vans are in high demand and often sit idle most of the time. If you own a van, a tipper or a small transport vehicle, renting it out between uses generates a regular income. Demand is strong, especially at weekends and during moving season.

List your van on Vehado: you set your availability and price, you rent to verified profiles, with insurance and secure payment. It's a simple way to put a vehicle to work that would otherwise be parked doing nothing.