Moving is a stressful time that involves countless hours of planning and packing. While you can anticipate many aspects of a move, there is one that looms larger than the others—the transportation method. How will you get all your belongings from your old home to your new one? Furthermore, what size vehicle will fit everything you own? If you are struggling to answer these questions, here is how to choose the right-sized moving truck for your move.
Imagine that moving day is finally upon you. Your current lease is up, you just closed on your house, and you have somewhere new to live. All your items are in boxes and ready to load onto a moving truck of some sort. You pull up with your truck and begin loading the vehicle. After hours of arduous labor, your profusely sweating self realizes that you will not have enough room in your truck. What do you do? Where can you go? You need to leave today and planned all your travel arrangements around the assumption that this vehicle would have all the space you need.
If you want to avoid this feeling of overwhelmed stress, you should make every effort to anticipate your needs to the exact dimension. The last thing you want is to have to find a bigger moving truck, unpack, and reload your belongings, all the while losing precious time.
Your Belongings
The priority in any move is to manage your belongings well. This means you should consider your packing process, decluttering efforts, and organizational system far in advance. The more time and planning you devote to the belongings in your home, the easier the moving process will be.Pack As Early as Possible
Pack your stuff as soon as possible. There is always a sense of urgency when moving, but the reality is that you will not know what size moving truck you will need until you have most of your boxes packed. If you set a goal to pack almost everything you own at least two weeks before your move, you will have plenty of time to schedule moving services or reserve a moving truck. When you pack early, you can see a complete picture of how much space you will need. The easiest way to account for your space is to measure each box and calculate the total volume you will need. The standard estimation of three cubic feet per room in your house or apartment may help you get an idea of your space needs. However, physically measuring each box you plan to pack will put your estimate much closer to reality.Declutter To Downsize
If you have that nagging feeling that you have too much stuff, then that is probably the truth. We all collect clothing, furniture, décor, and more that we enjoy having around the home. However, there are those items we forget about and leave in the back of the closet for years on end. An over-abundance of these items will begin to clutter your home until you have no recollection of their existence. Some people may be more sentimental than others, but that does not mean it is impossible to downsize your stuff. You should think about what really matters to you in your home. Start with the basics and most functional items. Of course, you need pots and pans. But what about that free t-shirt you received at a baseball game five years ago? Every person will decide what to keep differently, but you must create your own litmus test. A sample questionnaire might look something like this:- When was the last time I used, saw, or appreciated this item?
- How often do I use, see, or appreciate this item?
- Can I easily replace this item?
- Are there any significant memories attached to this item?
- How would my day-to-day life change if I threw away or donated this item?
- Will I forget about this item if I remove it from my possession?
The Truck Itself
Once you have an idea of your space needs based on accurate information, you can investigate the truck options out there.Research Truck Sizes
Depending on the moving truck company, you will find an array of truck sizes from 402 cubic feet all the way to 1,682 cubic feet. You should do your due diligence and find the sizes that most closely align with your space needs. For example, most moving companies estimate that a studio or one-bedroom apartment will need only 402 cubic feet to 764 cubic feet of space.Watch Informational Videos
Videos help us visualize information in ways that reviews and recommendations cannot. If you want an accurate picture, then look at an actual picture. Many moving truck companies have videos of people loading a truck of a specific size, showing the options available with that vehicle. Though you will load different items in different quantities, the overall image will help narrow down your choices.Call a Moving Company
Moving companies are a great asset for those who need help planning their move. An excellent way to avoid mind-boggling moving logistics is to communicate directly with the vehicle vendor. What do they recommend? What do they think about your storage needs? If you decide that the stress and details of moving are too much, then you can avoid all the hassle and hire professional moving services to take care of everything for you. Our team at Your Hometown Mover has the wide-ranging moving experience to make the most of your situation. Knowing how to choose the right-sized moving truck for your move can save you massive headaches on moving day. While you can never truly know the exact space you will need until everything is inside the vehicle, you can do your best to accurately estimate your needs. If you want to avoid managing a tightly packed moving truck on your own, reach out to us at Your Hometown Mover to plan easier ways to move.
