At A Glance
Choose A Luton To Reduce Trips And Handling: Book 4–6 weeks ahead where possible, check reviews across more than one platform, and verify insurance at £20,000 Goods In Transit and £5m Public Liability before you lock a date. If you have any single items valued at £500+, list them early so the loading order and protection priorities are planned properly from the start.
Brighton Access Rules Decide Timing More Than Mileage: Share both postcodes, floor level, lift or stairs details, and a quick frontage photo showing the closest legal stopping point so we can plan the safest van position and shortest carry route. If you may need a Brighton & Hove Council bay suspension, allow around 7 full working days’ notice so the Luton can load close and the move stays calm.
Trust And Smooth Move Days, Run Directly By Peter: At ESV, you deal directly with Peter from first message to final unload, with a clear plan, tidy handling, and hundreds of five star Google reviews to back it up. We’re fully insured (£20,000 Goods In Transit and £5m Public Liability) and we’ll recommend the right crew size for your access, then keep communication simple on the day. Call 07552 555 820 or visit www.eastsussexvan.com, and follow us on Instagram for real move-day clips and Brighton access tips.
Mercedes Luton with Tail Lift
If you are planning a larger move in Brighton and Hove, the vehicle choice matters. Our Mercedes Luton is built for full house loads, bulky furniture and heavier appliances, so we can usually move you in fewer trips with less handling.
We use this van for Brighton house removals, office moves, and bigger furniture jobs across Sussex. You deal directly with Peter from first message to the last item off the van, and we keep the day calm, organised and careful.
National housing data backs up how local many moves are, in 2021 to 2022 around 45% of private renters and 51% of owner occupiers who moved recently did so within 5 miles, which is why access and parking often matter more than mileage in Brighton.
Why a Luton Is Ideal for Removals
A Luton has a box body that sits over the cab, which means the load space is wide, square and easy to stack safely. It is one of the most efficient options for a larger removal because it reduces repeated journeys, keeps handling to a minimum, and keeps the load weather protected from start to finish.
Most Lutons with a tail lift are around 18 to 20 cubic metres of space, with many fleets listing around 19 cubic metres for this vehicle type. That is why it is commonly the right fit for a typical two to three bedroom move when access is reasonable.
By way of comparison, major hire fleets list a Luton lift van at up to 19m³ of load space, with payload up to 1,000kg, which is exactly why it suits larger furniture loads when access is reasonable.
As a rough guide, a Luton is often ideal for a typical two to three bedroom move, especially when access is straightforward and packing is sensible. If you have a large three bed, a garage, a loft, or extra bulky items like American fridge freezers or multiple wardrobes, we will tell you upfront if a second run or a larger crew is the better plan.
Local Pro Tip: Brighton Streets
If your road is tight or one way, tell us early and we will plan the approach route and parking before move day. It often saves time and avoids last minute shuffling.
Tail Lift Loading For Heavy and Awkward Items
Our Luton includes a tail lift, which makes a big difference on moves involving washing machines, fridge freezers, solid wood furniture and heavy office kit. A tail lift reduces risky lifting and makes loading safer, especially when items are tall or difficult to grip.
HSE data shows handling, lifting or carrying accounted for 17% of employer reported non fatal injuries in 2024 to 2025, so anything that reduces awkward lifting is a real safety win on moving day.
Local Pro Tip: Basement Flats and Steps
If you are in a basement flat, keep heavy items in smaller boxes rather than a few massive ones. It makes stair carries safer and speeds the load up.
What We Use The Luton For in Sussex
Full House Removals
If you are moving a two to three bedroom home or a larger flat, a Luton is often the most efficient option. Fewer trips means faster loading, less time on the road, and less handling of your belongings.
Office Removals and Business Moves
For Brighton office removals, the box shape helps us stack desks, chairs and boxed equipment securely, and the tail lift makes heavier items easier to manage.
Large Furniture and Bulky Item Transport
Sofas, wardrobes, beds and dining tables are exactly what a Luton is designed for. The load space is practical for bulky shapes, and we secure everything with straps and protective blankets.
Heavy Appliances and Equipment Relocation
If you need help moving a washing machine, fridge freezer, American fridge, commercial fridge, safe, gym kit or other heavy equipment, the tail lift makes loading safer and reduces the chances of bumps, scrapes and awkward lifting.
Long Distance and International Moves
For longer routes, a Luton is ideal because the load stays stable and weather protected over motorway miles. If you are moving across the UK or relocating abroad, a single well packed trip is often safer than splitting your move across multiple journeys.
When a Luton Is Not The Best Option
Brighton has narrow streets, tight turns and height restrictions in some spots. If access is tight, we may recommend our Sprinter instead, or we can plan a short shuttle from a nearby loading point if that keeps the move safer and smoother.
Local Pro Tip: Tight Access Plan
If the Luton cannot get close, we can use a nearby loading point and do a short shuttle so your items stay protected and the day stays calm.
Brighton Parking and Access Tips
Standard suspensions need 7 full working days’ notice and applications must be received by 2pm (or they roll to the next working day).
If you live on a permit street or you are in a busy area, parking is often the difference between a smooth move and a stressful one. This comes up a lot in central Brighton and Hove, Kemptown, Hanover, Seven Dials, North Laine, Preston Park and the seafront roads. Parking suspensions often need notice, so it is worth thinking about this early if loading space is limited.
Brighton and Hove Council also notes that costs are priced per 5.5m bay, and the application admin fee is £38 or £19 if you are a resident.
Local Pro Tip: Parking Bay Suspensions
If you need a bay suspension in Brighton and Hove, the council says standard applications need 7 full working days’ notice, and they need to receive it by 2pm or it rolls to the next working day. If you are late, an urgent option may be possible with an extra fee.
If you are not sure what you need, tell us your street and we will talk you through the simplest option.
Urgent suspensions can be possible with an extra £20 fee.
Local Pro Tip: What You Cannot Suspend
Parking suspensions cannot be used for yellow lines or unrestricted areas, so if your street is double yellows you need a different plan. Tell us the road name and we will talk you through the simplest option.
Why Our Brighton Removals Service Stands Out
We keep things straightforward. You deal directly with Peter, the same person who will run your move. We turn up on time, load carefully, and keep communication clear so you always know what is happening next.
We also bring the right kit for the job, including protective blankets, straps, and basic tools for dismantling and reassembly. If you have awkward access, tight stairs or bulky furniture, we plan around it rather than rushing it.
If you are comparing removal companies in Brighton, always check what insurance is actually in place. Some companies offer very limited cover as standard, so it is worth asking the question before you book.
How We Protect Your Home and Belongings
We plan the load, protect floors and doorways, and secure items properly for transport. Our standard approach includes:
- Protective blankets and padding on furniture
- Straps and careful stacking to reduce movement
- Weather protected load space for the full journey
- Tool kit on board for dismantling and reassembly when needed
Insurance and Peace Of Mind
We provide £20,000 goods in transit insurance and £5 million public liability insurance. If you are comparing removal companies in Brighton, always ask what cover is in place before you book.
Our Eco Pledge On Every Move
We prioritise Esso Ethos fuel where possible, we reuse and recycle moving boxes including a take back option for clean reusable boxes, and we run paperless by default for quotes, bookings and invoices.
How to Book Our Luton Van For Your Brighton Removal
- Get in touch with your addresses, move date and a simple list of items
- We recommend the right crew and vehicle for your access and volume
- You receive a clear, no obligation quote with a calm plan for the day
- We arrive on time, load carefully, transport safely, then unload and place items where you need them
Call Peter on 07552 555 820 for a quick quote, or visit www.eastsussexvan.com. For behind the scenes tips and real Brighton moves, follow us on Instagram.
Local Pro Tip: Fastest Quote
For the quickest quote, include floor level, parking situation, and whether you may need a bay suspension, plus any bulky items like wardrobes or an American fridge freezer.
If you are also comparing removal companies, see our Brighton removals page for how we price, plan and protect moves across the city.
Key Terms for Mercedes Luton Van Removals
Mercedes Luton
A large removals van with a box body that sits over the cab, giving a wide square load space that is ideal for bigger moves.
Luton Van Removals
A removals service using a Luton to reduce trips, handle bulky furniture safely, and keep loads protected from weather.
Tail Lift
A powered platform on the back of the van that raises and lowers heavy items safely, useful for appliances, safes, gym kit and office equipment.
Cubic Metres
A way of measuring van capacity. A Luton is often around 18 to 20 cubic metres, which helps estimate whether a two to three bedroom move can fit in one trip.
Two to Three Bedroom Move
A common move size that often suits a Luton, depending on access, packing, and the amount of furniture and boxes.
Bulky Furniture
Large awkward items like sofas, wardrobes, beds and dining tables that need careful stacking, padding and strapping in the load space.
Heavy Appliances
Items such as washing machines, fridge freezers and American fridge freezers that benefit from a tail lift and controlled handling.
Office Removals
Moving business equipment such as desks, chairs, IT gear and boxed stock, often requiring efficient loading and careful stacking.
Long Distance Removals
Moves from Brighton and Sussex to other parts of the UK where a stable, well packed load helps protect items over motorway miles.
International Moves
Moves involving relocation abroad where reducing trips and keeping the load secure and weather protected becomes even more important.
Access Restrictions
Anything that affects loading like narrow roads, tight turns, low bridges, one way streets, height restrictions or limited stopping space.
Permit Street
A road where parking is controlled by resident permits, common across central Brighton and Hove, Kemptown, Hanover and Seven Dials.
Parking Suspension
A temporary reservation of parking space arranged through the council to create safe loading space for removals vehicles.
Carry Distance
How far items must be carried from the property to the van, often a key factor in timing and crew size for Brighton flat moves.
Basement Flat Move
A move involving steps down to a lower ground property, common in Brighton areas like Kemptown and seafront streets.
Top Floor Flat No Lift
A common Brighton and Hove scenario where multiple stair flights require a good plan, the right crew size and careful pacing.
Protective Blankets
Thick covers used to wrap and protect furniture from scuffs, scrapes and knocks during loading, transport and unloading.
Straps and Securing
Tie down straps and safe stacking used to stop items shifting during transport, especially important for long distance moves.
Dismantle and Reassemble
Taking apart and rebuilding furniture like beds and wardrobes so it fits through doorways, stairs and inside the van safely.
Short Shuttle Plan
A workaround when the van cannot park directly outside, using a nearby loading point to move items safely in stages.
Crew Size
The number of movers on the job, typically adjusted based on volume, stairs, carry distance and heavy items.
Goods in Transit Insurance
Insurance that covers your belongings while they are being transported, included in your service up to £20,000.
Public Liability Insurance
Insurance that covers accidental damage to third party property during the move, included up to £5 million.
Paperless Booking
Handling quotes, bookings and invoices digitally to reduce waste and speed up communication.
Box Reuse Take Back Option
A system where clean reusable boxes can be returned after the move to reduce waste and keep moving more eco friendly.
Esso Ethos Fuel
A lower impact fuel choice used where possible as part of your eco pledge for Brighton and Sussex removals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Mercedes Luton too big for Brighton streets and tight roads?
Not usually, but it depends on the exact road and access. Brighton has narrow one way streets, tight corners and awkward approaches in places like North Laine, Kemptown, Hanover, Seven Dials, Preston Park and the seafront roads. If a Luton van is not practical for your road, we will recommend a smaller van or plan a short shuttle from a nearby loading point so the move stays calm and safe.
Can you do a Luton move from a basement flat in Kemptown or along the seafront?
Yes, and we do these regularly, because basement flats are common in Brighton removals. The key is planning the carry distance, steps and doorway angles, then protecting the route so nothing gets knocked. We load carefully, keep the building tidy and respected, and keep the pace steady so items are handled safely on stairs.
I’m on a hill in Hanover or near Elm Grove, does that change the plan?
It can, because steep streets and limited stopping space can affect loading speed and carry effort. Hanover and Elm Grove moves often involve hills, stairs and tight parking, so the crew size and timing matters. Tell us the road name, floor level and parking setup and we will recommend the most efficient option for safety and speed.
Do you cover Hove, Portslade, Shoreham, Lewes and the wider Sussex area?
Yes, we cover Brighton and Hove as standard, plus Portslade, Southwick, Shoreham by Sea, Rottingdean, Saltdean, Peacehaven, Lewes and across East and West Sussex. We also do long distance removals when you are moving further afield. Local jobs are often short distance but access heavy, and long distance jobs are all about secure loading and sensible timing.
How much space does your Luton van have and what size move does it suit?
A Luton van gives a wide, square load space that stacks safely and stays weather protected. Many Luton tail lift vans are commonly around 18 to 20 cubic metres, which is why they often suit a typical two to three bedroom move when access is reasonable. If you are unsure, send us a rough inventory and we will tell you whether one trip is realistic.
Is a Luton van big enough for a larger three bed with loft, garage, or bulky extras?
Sometimes yes, but we will be honest if the volume is pushing it. A larger three bed with a loft, garage, multiple wardrobes, or heavy items like an American fridge freezer can tip the load beyond a clean one trip plan. If that is the case, we will advise a second run, a bigger crew, or a different plan so the day stays controlled.
How much can a Luton van take in one trip?
A Luton van is designed for larger household loads, with a square load space that stacks well and reduces the need for multiple journeys. It is ideal when you want fewer trips and less handling, which can reduce risk. Tell us roughly what you are moving and we will confirm whether it is likely to be one trip or whether a second run is sensible.
How many people do you send with the Luton van?
We match the crew to the size of the move, access, and any heavy items. Some Brighton and Hove moves are smooth with two movers, while others need three for speed and safety, especially on stairs or in tight streets like North Laine, Hanover and central Brighton. We recommend the most efficient option rather than overselling.
What difference does a tail lift make on a Brighton house move?
A tail lift makes heavy loading safer and smoother, especially for awkward items that are hard to grip. It is ideal for washing machines, fridge freezers, American fridge freezers, safes, gym kit and heavier office equipment, because it reduces risky lifting and helps avoid bumps and scrapes during loading.
Can you handle flats with stairs, tight hallways, or no lift in areas like Seven Dials, Preston Park or central Hove?
Yes, this is normal for Brighton removals, but it affects timing and team size. We plan the carry distance, stair flights and any awkward corners in advance and bring protective blankets, straps and tools so we can move safely without rushing. If you tell us the floor level and any tight turns, we can plan the safest route and loading order.
Can you dismantle and reassemble furniture?
Yes, we bring tools and can dismantle and reassemble key items such as beds, wardrobes and larger tables to help everything fit and to make unloading easier. If you have anything awkward or oversized, mention it when you get in touch so we can plan the right approach and protection.
When is a smaller van a better option than the Luton?
A smaller van can be better when the road is extremely tight, the approach has awkward turns, or access restrictions make a Luton impractical. In those cases we may use the Sprinter for easier manoeuvring, or plan a short shuttle to keep handling safe. The aim is fewer headaches on the street, not forcing the biggest vehicle into the smallest space.
Do I need a parking suspension in Brighton and Hove for a Luton van?
Not always, but on permit streets or busy roads it can help a lot and it comes up often in central Brighton, Hove, Kemptown, Hanover and Seven Dials. If you are on a tight street, protecting a legal loading space can be the simplest way to keep the move smooth and reduce long carries. If you are unsure, tell us your road name and we will advise on the easiest option for safe loading.
Local Pro Tip: When To Sort Parking
If you think you might need a suspension, get it moving early. It is much easier to adjust a plan with a week’s notice than to fix parking on the morning of the move. Early planning also means we can choose the best loading position and keep the carry distance short.
Do you do office removals in Brighton with the Luton van?
Yes, the Luton is ideal for desks, chairs, boxed equipment and heavier items that suit tail lift loading. We also cover office moves in Hove, Portslade and across Sussex, and we can often work around building rules, lift bookings, and preferred times. If you tell us what needs moving and what access looks like, we will plan a clean load and unloading order.
What if I’m moving from Brighton to London, or doing a long distance move from Sussex?
We do long distance removals from Brighton and Sussex across the UK, and we plan the day so your load is secure and protected for the full journey. The Luton is great for motorway miles because the load stays stable and weather protected, and the key is timing access at both ends. Tell us your destination and we will build a sensible schedule around travel time and unloading restrictions.
How do I get the quickest quote for a Luton van move in Brighton and Sussex?
Send your collection and delivery postcodes, move date, floor level, parking details and a rough inventory. If parking might be tricky, mention permit zones, one way systems, double yellows, or long carries so we can plan properly. Or call Peter on 07552 555 820 and we will talk it through quickly, and for behind the scenes tips and real Brighton moves, follow us on Instagram.
About the author...
Peter Hawes is the director of ESV Removals Ltd, a family run Brighton and Sussex removals team known for calm planning, careful handling and clear prices. He holds a 2:1 BA (Hons) in English Literature and Digital Media from the University of Brighton. Peter oversees every move from first message to the last box and brings local know how for permit zones, tight stairwells and seafront buildings. ESV is fully insured with £20,000 Goods in Transit and £5 million Public Liability, backed by hundreds of five star Google reviews. The company follows an eco pledge that prioritises Esso Ethos fuel where available, reuses boxes and runs paperless bookings. Learn more at www.eastsussexvan.com
