Moving to a new home is exciting, but if we’re honest, it can also be highly stressful. Between packing boxes, transferring utilities and wrangling helpers, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your couch will hang out of the back of your rental truck. Choosing the right vehicle is the first step toward a successful move.
At Marcus Allard Truck Rental, we’ve spent over five decades delivering outstanding truck rental services to our valued Northwest Indiana community. We understand that each move is different. Whether you are moving down the street in Highland or heading across the state, getting the right size truck can help you save time, money and a major headache.
What Size Moving Trucks are Available?
When you start looking at rental options, you will see a wide range of lengths. For a standard 3-bedroom home, industry guidelines often suggest a truck between 20 and 26 feet long if you plan to move everything in a single trip. However, bigger isn’t always better. Large 26-foot trucks can be intimidating to drive, difficult to park and excessively large if you have already decluttered.
At Marcus Allard, we offer vehicles that balance capacity with drivability. Our fleet features 14-foot and 16-foot box trucks.
- 14-Foot Box Truck: Ideal for 1-2 bedroom apartments or smaller homes.
- 16-Foot Box Truck: Typically holds about 3 to 4 rooms of furniture.
For a 3-bedroom house, a 16-foot truck can be a great solution for local moves. It is large enough to fit your major appliances and furniture but compact enough to navigate residential driveways easily. If you are moving locally, making two manageable trips in a 16-foot truck may be less stressful than maneuvering a massive 26-foot rig through narrow streets.
How to Choose the Right Moving Truck for Your Move
Deciding on the right truck involves more than just counting bedrooms. Consider these factors to ensure you make the best choice for your specific situation.
Assess Your Inventory
Be realistic about what you own. A minimalist 3-bedroom home requires much less space than a home filled with antiques or hobby equipment. If you plan to sell or donate items before the move, you may even fit everything comfortably into a 16-foot truck.
Look for Back-Saving Features
Some trucks, like our 16-foot box trucks, come equipped with lift gates. Unlike a ramp where you have to walk heavy items up an incline, a lift gate mechanically raises your heaviest dressers and appliances from the ground to the truck bed. Consider how much help this feature could be as you load and unload your belongings.
Evaluate the Distance
If you are moving across town, multiple trips are a viable option. You can load the heavy furniture in round one and the boxes in round two. If you are moving long-distance, you will want to fit everything at once, making careful packing even more essential.
Tips for Packing Your Moving Truck
Once you have your truck, packing it efficiently is key to maximizing space and keeping your belongings safe.
- Load heavy items first: Place appliances like washing machines and fridges against the front wall of the truck (closest to the cab).
- Disassemble furniture: Take legs off tables and break down bed frames. Flat items take up significantly less volume than assembled furniture.
- Utilize vertical space: Don’t just cover the floor; stack boxes safely to use the full height of the truck.
- Secure your load: Use straps or rope to tie down items to interior rails. This prevents shifting and damage during transit.
Smart packing techniques can allow you to rent a smaller, more maneuverable truck, saving you stress and money.
Get Moving with Marcus Allard
Renting a dependable truck that gets you where you want to go is easy with Marcus Allard Truck Rental. We take great care to ensure each of our rental vehicles is in excellent shape, clean and ready for your big day. If you’re looking for a quality truck for your next move, contact us today!
