“Sir, do you need to rent a 1 tonne or 3 tonne lorry?”
“Err, what’s the difference?”
This is a very common question that we, at TheLorry come across when our customers want to rent a lorry.
If we have used lorry services before, it’s easier for us to “budget” what lorry size is suitable for our moving needs.
However, if you do not have experience moving, we can help you.
Here are some tips to select the correct lorry size and type to be rented.
1. King size bed frames and mattresses do not fit in a 1 tonne lorry
Do you have a king size bed to be moved? If that is the case, we recommend renting a 3 tonne lorry (at least 14 feet).
This is because a king size bed measures 6 feet x 6 feet.
The width and height of a 1 tonne lorry is 5 feet x 5 feet.
That won’t fit!
2. A 3 + 2 + 1 Sofa Set will occupy half the space of a 1 tonne lorry
Generally, if you are moving a 3 + 2 + 1 sofa set, they will take up roughly half the space of a 1 tonne lorry.
The remainder of the space can be filled by one of the following:
- 1x small book shelf + 1x 4 seater dining table (dismantled)
- 1x single bed (dismantled) + 5-10x boxes
- 1x refrigerator + 1x washing machine
- Anything else similar to the above
3. Wardrobe/Cupboard Height
The height and width of a cupboard/wardrobe has to be taken into account when moving.
The first thing you have to consider is the width of the doorways in your house. Secondly, you have to consider if the cupboard/wardrobe can be safely moved using the stairs (assuming it does not fit into the elevator)
Will the cupboard/wardrobe fit through the doorways vertically or horizontally?
If you are doubtful, we encourage disassembling it and reassembling it at your new home.
4. So what fits in a 1 tonne lorry?
Here are a list of items which will maximize the space of a 1 tonne lorry:
- 1x Bed (dismantled single or queen size bed)
- 1x 2 door wardrobe (dismantled)
- 1x Study table
- 1x Side table
- 1x Office chair
- 1x Refrigerator (single door)
- 1x Washing machine
- 1x Dressing table
- Less than 10 boxes with loose items
If you need to move more than the items above, we recommend renting a 3 tonne lorry.
5. How about a van?
Vans are suitable for moving small and light furniture.
A van’s (Toyota Hiace) dimensions are as follows: 8’ (length) x 3’ (width) x 4’ (height).
Since the height of a van is limited, here are some items which will fit in a cargo van:
- Boxes with clothes and loose items
- Small study table
- Small dresser
- Single bed
- Office chair
- “Klippan” sofa
- “Flatpack” furniture purchased from IKEA
- Washing machine
6. How about a 4×4 pickup truck?
A 4×4 pickup truck, measuring at 4′ (length) x 3′ (width) x 2′ (height) is a vehicle suitable for moving 1 or 2 furniture at an affordable price.
Do take into account that items with a height of more than 2′ will potentially fit in a 4×4 but may not be fully protected from the rain.
Normally, 4×4 drivers will cover the items with a canvas.
Here are some items which are suitable to be transported with a 4×4 pickup truck:
- Boxes with clothes and loose items
- Small study table
- Small dresser
- Office chair
- “Flatpack” furniture purchase from IKEA
- Washing machine
7. Types of homes and recommended lorry sizes
If you are still unsure of the lorry size and manpower you require to move all your furniture and items, here’s a guideline:
| Type of Home | Details | Recommended lorry size | Recommended manpower |
| Flat | With elevator | 1 tonne | 2 manpower |
| Flat | Without elevator | 1 tonne | 3 manpower |
| Apartment | With elevator | 3 tonne (14 feet) | 3 manpower or more |
| Apartment | Without elevator | 3 tonne (14 feet) | 4 manpower or more |
| Condominium | With elevator | 3 tonne (14 feet) | 3 manpower or more |
| Condominium | Without elevator | 3 tonne (14 feet) | 4 manpower or more |
| Terrace House | 1 floor | 3 tonne (14 feet) | 3 manpower or more |
| Terrace House | 2 floors or more | 3 tonne (14 feet) | 3 manpower or more |
| Semi detached house | 1 floor | 3 tonne (17 feet) | 3 manpower or more |
| Semi detached house | 2 floors or more | 3 tonne (17 feet) | 3 manpower or more |
| Townhouse | 2 floors or more | 3 tonne (17 feet) | 3 manpower or more |
| Bungalow | 2 floors or more | 3 tonne (17 feet) | 3 manpower or more |
8. Lorry Height Issue
Another issue to consider is the height of the rented lorry.
Some places have a 7′ height restriction for lorries in the loading bay.
If this is true, lorries will normally be required to park outside and the workers will require a trolley to push the furniture to and fro.
This process might consume additional time and delay your moving schedule.
If you are sure of the lorry size you require and are ready to move, get a price quotation instantly and let us assist you!
All the best with your move!
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