Size Does Matter: How To Choose the Right Moving Truck Size for your Needs

iMoving is here with another “real talk guide.” This time we speak about the importance of booking the right size of a moving truck, the reasons behind why it matters, and how to get the move done smarter.

Sometimes they say that size doesn’t matter, but also sometimes they lie. When it comes to choosing your moving truck there are many practical reasons you should consider when making the final decision.

1. Ability To Meet Your Needs: The main consideration is obviously whether the truck can or cannot hold all your belongings. If the truck is too small, you will need to make multiple trips or rent an additional container, which doesn’t make any sense. Think about the sizes of your large furniture when broken down into pieces as it may be higher in volume.
2. Efficiency: A bigger moving truck allows you to pack more items at once and get it all in there, reducing the number of trips needed and saving you much time and effort. Efficiency is key in a big-time move. Two trips are never the answer.
3. Accessibility: Consider whether the truck can easily access your current residence and your new destination. Large trucks might have difficulty navigating narrow streets or parking in certain areas.
4. Price: Renting a truck that's too large is simply expensive and a waste of your moving funds. On the other hand, renting a truck that's too small might make you end up needing two trips or the moving company might charge you extra handling fees. Usually, they know best once you’ve input in all your true info.
5. Safety: Overloading a truck beyond its capacity is simply unsafe. It will affect the vehicle's driving and braking, it could cause accidents or damage to your belongings. Safety first, don’t cram things into an overpacked truck, size up.
6. Ease of Packing: A properly sized truck makes it easier to organize and pack your items securely and lock everything down without worry of space. It allows you to use the right amount of packing materials and techniques without cramming or leaving too much empty space in between your goods.

Choosing the right moving truck size is an important step to ensure your move goes smoothly Here are some tips to help you out and let you know where to start.

1. Take Inventory Stock: Sometimes just knowing where to start is what will help you begin your move. By taking a personal inventory of all your belongings you will be able to hold your movers accountable for the state that all your items arrive in your new home and will be able to understand the right truck size. This includes furniture, appliances, the number of approximate boxes, and any other items you plan to move.
2. Efficiency: It’s better to be cautious and choose a slightly larger truck if you’re unsure. This can prevent the need for multiple trips or cramming items into a smaller space. Cutting corners on the space in your moving truck is always a bad idea.
3. Accessibility: Ensure the truck size is appropriate for both your current and new home locations. Consider restrictions you might have like narrow streets, alleys, low-hanging branches, or parking restrictions. Make sure both ends of the trip are accessible or you will end up paying lots of extra fees.
4. Volume: Estimate the total volume of your items. This can be done by measuring large items and estimating the number and size of boxes you’ll have. This gives movers the best idea of the truck size you will need.
5. Use Local Truck Size Guides: Most truck rental companies provide guides based on the number of rooms in your home or apartment. A general overview of them is:
• 10-13 ft truck: Ideal for a small studio or one-bedroom apartment.
• 14-19 ft truck: Ideal for a one to two-bedroom apartment or small home.
• 20-28 ft truck: Ideal for larger homes (three bedrooms or more).
6. Special Items: Consider any large or oddly shaped items that may require extra space, such as weird-shaped sofas, pianos or big decor items, surfboards, or large appliances. These could take up half the space in the truck and make all your calculations change.
7. Get Expert Advice: If you’re not sure about which size to choose, don’t hesitate to ask the rental company for advice. They really do know their stuff and if you booked them on iMoving they will be honest with you. They can provide guidance based on their experience and your specific needs. Be upfront and honest with them about the true amount of items you have or else you will end up with too small of a truck.
8. Review Rental Policies: Understand the rental company’s policies about truck sizes, mileage allowances, insurance coverage, and additional fees. This ensures there are no surprises on a moving day. Some smaller trucks only come with a limited number of km you can drive and then high fees begin to be charged. In this case it would be cheaper to go with a bigger truck option.

By following these steps and tips above, you can make an informed decision about the right moving truck size for your needs. This will make your moving day more efficient and less stressful. All in all, it is important to book movers that you trust won’t rip you off on things like too big or too small or truck. Make sure you book with iMoving so you get the best team that will show up at your door on a moving day.