Have you decided to rent a moving truck to get your stuff to your new home? Great! If not, you can read our article about things to consider when you plan to rent a moving truck. But there is one more important decision you must make: choosing between moving truck sizes. You have to decide carefully because otherwise, it can cause more than one inconvenience. Choose a truck that is too small, and you might not be able to fit your stuff. Choose one too big and not only will you spend more, but it will also be harder to control it. So, how do you know the right size? We will help you decide.

Choosing the moving truck size by room number

The easiest and fastest way to choose the truck is to decide by room number. Companies often list their trucks this way, and most people seem to choose this way. Of course, you must not forget that these are just general estimates. If you think you have more furniture in your 2 BHK than an average person in 2 BHK, get a bigger truck than generally recommended. It can also apply if your furniture pieces are rather large. Also, think about the size. Is your studio apartment unusually large? Maybe it equals a 1 BHK apartment. Or perhaps your 1 BHK is so little that it is just like a studio apartment.

Choosing the truck size by cubic feet

Do you like measuring and calculating? Then measure all your stuff, and you will have accurate numbers of the size you need. Companies usually provide the volumes of their trucks on their websites. Usually, one fully furnished room needs 150-200 cubic feet, but this is only a general estimation.

Check out this calculator that allows you to mark all the stuff you are planning to move and then gives you the size of the truck you need.

Moving truck sizes

Usually, trucks are measured in length and volume. Generally, they are classified into small, medium, and large trucks. Check out a helpful chart here.

Small trucks might be just 7 ft or 13 ft long. They include cargo vans and pickup trucks. 7 ft trucks are good for moving from studio apartments or transporting goods in one room. Of course, if you are planning to throw away lots of stuff before moving or are moving close and can make two rounds, they are also good. 10-13 ft trucks are great for small 1 BHK apartments. They usually have 400-450 cubic feet of space. Small trucks are best when you move within the same city. The general estimate is that they can handle up to 5 furniture pieces and about 100 medium moving boxes.

Medium trucks are from 14 to 17 ft and have 650‑850 cubic feet of space. You can also move longer distances with them. They are great for 1-3 bedroom apartments and small 1-2 bedroom houses: you can transport up to 10 furniture pieces and up to 250 boxes. However, grand pianos will likely not fit.

Large trucks are usually 18-24 ft. They have 900-1400 cubic feet of space, and you can move up to 450 medium boxes and lots of furniture. Large trucks are great for large apartments, such as 3-4 bedroom ones. Also, houses, but not too big. You can also move long distances, even across the state. But if your residence is extra-large and has more than four bedrooms, there are also extra-large trucks. They start from 25 ft and have up to 1600 cubic feet of space.

In conclusion

Counting and measuring everything you will move is the surest way to choose between moving truck sizes. However, it is not necessary to do that. You can use calculators and make general estimates. Most people decide on moving trucks size based on charts and do not make a mistake. Just take into account any larger furniture or whether the size of your apartment is typical. Getting a truck too small might make you make two trips. Getting one that is too large will be more expensive. Larger trucks are more difficult to control, too.

If you live in a small apartment and are moving to a place nearby, you can also go by car or rent one. It will be easier to control it rather than a moving truck. Check out what to consider when you rent a car.

Moving is often problematic and annoying. It even ranks among the top stressful life events. There is lots to do, lots of worries and lots of possible costs. You will need to consider your needs to make good decisions and save yourself some trouble. One of the most important decisions is how to do it. Could you move by yourself? Should you rent a moving truck? Or even a moving company? We will cover all these aspects and everything you need to consider, so read on to learn.

Perhaps you don’t have to rent a moving truck?

The easiest way, of course, would be to move in your own car or with your friends and family. You could also rent a car. Ask yourself several questions. First, how much stuff do you have? If you lived in a small studio and own few things, you might not even need a truck. A car could be enough. You could drive yourself or have some help from friends and family. 

Another factor is time. If you have a lot of time, you can make several trips. Also, things are much easier if you move to a place close by rather than far away and have lots of friends ready to help. 

Can you drive a moving truck?

Another aspect to consider is driving. If you rent a truck instead of a moving company – which we do not recommend because it can become very costly – you will need to drive that truck. You do not have to be a professional truck driver to drive it: just be careful and keep some things in mind: read them below. However, you can also hire drivers for your rented truck which will still be cheaper than hiring a company. And you still have more control.

But you could drive yourself or a friend that is an experienced driver could. Remember to take some time with the truck, so you feel comfortable with it. Position the side mirrors so that you see the left and right lanes. Drive carefully and make sure you have a lot of space when making a turn. 

What size of truck do you need?

It is an important aspect that you need to consider in much detail. Read more about moving truck sizes here. Moving companies take care of this issue for you but must decide on the truck size yourself when you plan to rent one. The truck cannot be too small because you will not fit all your stuff: then you will waste money. And it cannot be too large because the truck will be difficult to drive, and you will also spend more. 

Truck sizes are measured in length and how much the truck can hold in cubic feet. Small trucks are up 12 feet and are good for moving out from a studio, one room, or BHK apartments. You could fit up to 5 furniture pieces and up to 50 moving boxes. They are also best for moving within the city. Medium trucks can move stuff farther away and take more: they are great for up to 10 pieces of furniture, up to 100 boxes, and for 2-3 BHK homes. Finally, large trucks can fit up to 15 furniture pieces and 150 boxes: these vehicles are enough for 3-5 BHK rehomes. You can also drive long distances.

Check out this truck size estimator, which allows you to choose the things you plan to transport and estimate the truck based on them. 

How much will it cost?

The average price of renting a moving truck is $1,550. Short trips with a small truck might cost as little as $130, and long ones with a big truck can cost more than $3,000. Read more here. Usually, it is still less than hiring a moving company.

Also, you can save if you keep some things in mind. Unfortunately, often it is not only the price of a rental truck. You might need such things as packaging blankets: some companies might ask extra for these things. There is also likely to be mileage after which you pay for every mile. Do not forget the gas: trucks use a lot of fuel. You will have to fill it up yourself throughout the journey and before you return the vehicle. 

Insurance is also very important. Check with your insurance company whether they will cover you when you drive a rental truck. Some rental companies might also offer it. If not, consider buying additional insurance. You are not likely to be in an accident, but they do happen, so be insured.

Finally, make sure the company takes note of all the damage on a truck, so you do not get blamed for it. Many companies will note this in rental paperwork. Also, make sure that everything works, such as lights and signals. And book the truck in advance!

Hopefully, you can now make an informed decision about whether you need a moving truck. Do you have some stories with moving trucks or tips? Share in the comments!