Reading Time: 7 minutes
Most people choose the wrong size of moving truck – resulting in excess routes, going back and forth from one location to another. Learn how to choose properly!
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: You decide to go the DIY route of moving only to find you selected the wrong sized truck! Now you’re stuck with the frustration of taking multiple trips to your new place and your friends are not happy. If this sounds like you, this post is here to save you from your next moving truck faux pas.
Consider this, according to a study from the Canadian Association of Movers:
- Canadians move 5-6 times in their lifetime,
- Over 4 million Canadians report moving in the last 12 months, and
- About 28% of homeowners have the desire to move within 5 years.
That’s a LOT of moving!
Despite the fact that the DIY route is appealing to some movers, you may want to reconsider. Something as simple as getting the moving truck size wrong can cost you way more money in the end, especially if your next place is a far distance. You can save yourself money and time by hiring a professional moving truck company.
The Problem With DIY Moving
While DIY moving may be a preference for your wallet, it may not be for your convenience and peace of mind. Renting a moving truck, enlisting friends to help, having a moving party, what could go wrong? For starters, while friends may be well-meaning, but they are not professional movers. They are not insured. What happens when a friend gets hurt helping you out? These are all potential risks you run in going the DIY route. Not to mention, your possessions could break during a move, leaving hurt feelings between you a friend. Especially if that item has sentimental meaning for you.
Finally, you may rent the wrong moving truck size which could cost you a lot more money regardless of if you get a truck that is too small or too big. The best option is to stick with a professional.
Advantages of Hiring a Professional
It may seem like you are shelling out money for something you could do yourself, but don’t forget, professional movers are trained for this, they are insured, and they save you the hassle of figuring out the right size for your next moving truck.
Some other advantages include:
- The cost of long-distance moving is factored into the price,
- professional packers can pack your items carefully ensuring your precious items are safe, and
- you can feel safe in knowing that your truck is packed in the safest way possible to get to your new place without any hiccups.
When it comes to spending money on your next move, nothing is more cost-effective than peace of mind.
How to Select a Moving Truck Size
So you’ve decided hiring a moving company is the safest way to save yourself money, hassle, and time. Great! Here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting the right moving truck for your next move. It starts with thinking about two factors: the number of rooms and the cubic feet and load capacity.
Selecting a Truck by the Number of Rooms
There are many factors to consider when selecting a truck for your next move, which is another reason to leave it to the professionals, but here is a quick guide to help you along with the process.
- 10 to 12 feet trucks can be used for studio apartments and one bedroom apartments.
- 14 feet trucks can be used for one-bedroom houses or two-bedroom apartments.
- 16 to 17 feet trucks can be used to move two and three-bedroom apartments or homes.
- 20 to 22 feet trucks can be used for larger three-bedroom homes.
- 24 feet trucks can be used for four-bedroom houses.
- 26 feet trucks should be used for houses with more than five bedrooms.
This is a simple guide and should be discussed with a professional moving company, but it gives some guidance in deciding where to start. Another thing to consider, since all rooms are not created equal is load capacity. I’m talking to you–I see you there–the mover with the large furniture!
Selecting a Truck by Load Capacity
Let’s say you are partial to big, heavy furniture. This section is for you. While determining the right moving truck size may be helpful from the amount of bedrooms you have, it may also be helpful to consider what weight capacity you have stored in those bedrooms, and that starts with the weight and size of your furniture. To calculate cubic feet of an object, consider the following volume equation: 1ft (length) x 1 ft (width) x 1 ft (height). Hello, 5th-grade math!
Here are some simple, yet practical guidelines to help with your decision:
- 10 to 12 feet trucks can hold up to 450 cubic feet and have a weight capacity of around 3,000 pounds.
- 14 feet trucks can hold up to 700 cubic feet and have a weight capacity of around 4,000 pounds.
- 16 to 17 feet trucks have up to 850 cubic feet and have a weight capacity of around 5,500 pounds.
- 20 to 22 feet trucks have up to 1,200 cubic feet and have a weight capacity of around 8,000 pounds.
- 24 feet trucks have up to 1,500 cubic feet and have a weight capacity of around 10,000 pounds.
- 26 feet trucks have up to 1,700 cubic feet and have a weight capacity of around 10,000 pounds.
By taking these two issues of the number of rooms and the weight capacity into account, you can make a more informed and educated decision when talking with a moving professional about your next move.
Next Steps
Deciding to go DIY or choosing a professional mover is up to you, but the advantages to saving more money, ensure safe travel for your precious belongings, and using the correct size moving truck are clearly in your favor when using a professional.
Whether you are a home or business in need of moving expertise, calling on a professional moving company that trains its employees in packing and has a whole host of moving packages is your safest bet. Call today to reserve your next safe move.
