Home Worked examples Van capacity Compact / small van Capacity for Moving House
Van capacity worked example

Compact / small van Capacity for Moving House

MoveSize planning guide for a compact / small van: 3.4 m³ cargo volume, typical payload reference, practical margins and volume-only trip examples.

Practical single-load volume~3.1 m³
Planning volume3.4 m³
Practical volume3.1 m³
Typical payload~650 kg
Practical payload~585 kg

Space planning

MoveSize stores 3.4 m³ as the planning cargo volume for this class and uses a 10% loading margin, leaving about 3.1 m³ practical single-load volume.

Typical payload planning

The site uses about 650 kg as a typical payload reference, with a 10% margin giving roughly 585 kg. Actual vans vary by model, body and specification.

Example trip counts by volume

Load volumeSingle-load space useVolume-only trips
3 m³98%1
5 m³163%2
8 m³261%3
10 m³327%4
12 m³392%4
15 m³490%5
20 m³654%7
25 m³817%9

Related examples

Van classes are not standardised. Always confirm the exact hire vehicle's internal dimensions, plated payload and access before booking or loading.