When preparing for a move, one of the most important considerations to make is the vehicle you will use to physically transport your belongings.
The last thing you want is to spend a considerable amount of money to rent a moving truck only to realize that it’s not big enough to fit all of your possessions.
And if you’re moving a considerable distance, taking two trips simply isn’t an option.
That’s why, in this post, we’ll provide a few helpful tips on choosing the right size moving truck for your next move. Let’s take a look!
The Different Types of Moving Vehicles
When you’re planning your move, there are several different types of vehicles you can choose to transport your possessions.
Panel vans – these are generally considered the smallest type of moving vehicle. They are perfect for those who have a relatively small amount of items to move. For example, university students moving into a dorm room or adults moving into a small condo or studio apartment.
Parcel vans –Usually between 12 and 15 feet and have the capacity to haul up to 3000 pounds of items. Parcel vans are slightly larger than panel vans, making them a great choice for those who are moving out of a medium-sized home.
Straight trucks – These are large moving vehicles (16-26 feet) with the capacity to haul up to 10,000 pounds! This makes them perfect for medium or large (2000 square foot home) moves. These trucks are generally used for short distances or local moves.
Tractor-trailers – these are the largest of all moving vehicles and are generally used for long-distance moves. Tractor-trailers can range anywhere between 28-53 feet and can haul immense weights.
So, these are a few of your options when looking for a moving truck for your possessions. But how do you decide which one to pick?
What Size Moving Truck Do You Need?
When choosing the right moving truck, you need to make a few important considerations:
Weight limit – it’s important to be sure your belongings do not exceed the weight limit for the vehicle you decide to rent or hire. If you do exceed the recommended weight, it’s possible that damages will result and you might be held liable.
House size – a good way to estimate what size of moving truck you’ll need is to look at the size of your house. For example, if you have a small apartment (less than 750 sq. ft.) you might be able to get away with just a van. However, if you have a large house (2,000+ sq. ft.) it’s possible you’ll need an entire tractor-trailer.
Of course, this is all dependent on how many belongings you actually have.
To get a more accurate estimate, here is a moving truck estimator that gives you an idea of the size of the truck you’ll need based on your possessions.
Let Western Moving Take the Stress Out of Your Relocation!
Western Moving is your one-stop-shop for all of your moving needs. We can handle everything from packing to transport to unpacking, depending on your needs.
We’re a proud member of United Van Lines which helps us to provide fast and efficient moving services to all of our clients. Please contact us today to learn more!
