One of the really first questions you're going to have to ask yourself is what size moving truck you need if you're preparing to take on a Do It Yourself relocation. It can be hard to anticipate simply just how much space you'll require to fit all of your furniture, boxes, and other valuables, however guessing wrong can indicate not having all the space you require or wasting money on a truck that's too big. If you deal with an expert moving company, they'll handle the task of determining what size moving truck you'll need based upon the stock you provide them with. If you're on your own, it's on you to make this important decision. Where do you start? We'll walk you through it.
Why what size moving truck you lease is so crucial
Having a truck that is too huge or too little is more than simply a hassle-- it's also a safety risk. Too-small trucks result in incorrect stacking and a higher potential for both damaged belongings and a risk of injury when dumping and packing. Too-large trucks on the other hand mean that things are most likely going to be moving around in transit, when again leading to a potential for damage or injury. Picking what size moving truck you require is one of the most important choices you'll make when arranging your DIY relocation, and it's not a choice you ought to wing.
Start with an inventory
Similar to expert movers would ask you to do, to determine what size moving truck you'll require you'll wish to start by getting an excellent idea of how much you need to transport. Aspects to consider include:
The number of rooms remain in your house.
When compared to the rest of your furnishings, the size and type of furniture you're going to be moving (list each large item-- even if it's relatively little. This includes sofas, tables, TVs, nightstands, dressers, bookshelves, bed frames and mattresses, etc.).
The number of boxes you'll have (our moving box calculator can provide you a good concept of what you'll be working with).
Obviously, unless you're a pro yourself you're most likely not going to be able to deduce exactly how lots of cubic feet of truck space you're going to require based on your stock. But this info is still invaluable when it concerns working with the truck rental company to identify what size truck you'll need. As a basic rule of thumb, if they think you'll be in-between sizes, choose the larger truck. It's much better for you (and method less stressful) to deal with a bit of extra area than a bit too small of an area.
Moving truck sizes
A lot of truck rental business offer consumers numerous kinds of trucks So which one is right for your move? Here's a fast breakdown of basic rental truck offerings.
Pick-up trucks.
If you only have a couple things to move (think: a twin mattress and a couple of boxes), then you might get away with simply renting a pick-up truck. They're perfect for individuals who are moving to or from dorm rooms or who just have a little studio to move. Anticipate a volume of space around 76 cubic feet and a maximum weight load of just under 2,000 pounds.
Freight van
For the studio home mover who has a full-size or queen-sized bed, a cargo van is normally enough. It's also recommended as one of the most fuel efficient choices for those who are moving a minimal quantity of items, particularly if they're moving locally. Expect a volume of space around 245 cubic feet and a maximum weight load of around 4,000 pounds.
Little moving trucks
A little moving truck has to do with 10 to 12 feet in length and works well for those moving studio or little one-bedroom apartments, as well as for those moving in or out of dorms. You could also consider renting a small truck and doing several trips if you're moving nearby and are worried about driving a larger truck. Expect a volume of space around 380 to 450 cubic feet and a maximum weight load of around 3,000 to 3,500 pounds.
Medium moving trucks
At 14 to 17 feet in length, moving trucks in the medium-sized range are a good suitable for those vacating website homes or little houses (a couple of bed rooms). They are among the most popular choices for DIY moves, and capable of handling both long or brief range transportations. Anticipate a volume of space around 650 to 850 cubic feet and a maximum weight load of around 3,000 to 6,000 pounds.
Large moving trucks
The biggest moving trucks for customer relocations are normally about 20 to 26 feet in length. They're what you'll want to rent if you're moving out of a three-bedroom home or bigger, or if you reside in a two-bedroom house with a lot of possessions. Anticipate a volume of area around 1,000 to 1,600 cubic feet and a maximum weight load of around 5,000 to 7,000 pounds.
Bear in mind that truck sizes and capacities differ from rental company to rental business. Ask about specifics around offered cubic feet of space and optimum weight loads when you ask about what size moving truck you ought to get. Some trucks-- especially smaller sized ones-- might have some of their area used up by rear wheel wells or other truck features.
What if you require an even bigger truck?
If your move is big enough that the biggest consumer moving trucks will not suffice, it may be time to offer up on your Do It Yourself move strategies and employ a moving company. The majority of trucks bigger than 26 feet require an unique license to operate and can not be safely driven by customers. To find certified movers in your area just send your move demand info at Moving.com.
When preparing for your relocation, other things to consider
Whether you're leasing a moving truck or hiring movers, constantly be sure to get quotes from at least three companies. You do not want to be forced to rush when the time comes to book your truck or movers.
In terms of picking your moving truck size, once again: larger is typically much better (as long as it's not too big). If you're worried about efficiently getting all of your stuff packed on to the truck, hire moving labor to come load it for you and take care of the rest of the move yourself.
Prepared to begin on finding your perfect moving truck? Visit our truck rental finder to quickly view rental companies in your area. Do not forget that you normally require to be a minimum of 18 years of age to rent a moving truck, and you will also need a valid chauffeur's license.