Stress-Free Moving: How to Choose the Right Van Based on the Volume You Need to Transport ?

How to Easily Estimate Your Moving Volume

Before choosing your moving truck, it’s essential to estimate the volume of boxes and furniture you need to move. This helps you avoid multiple trips and saves money on your rental. Fortunately, there are some common benchmarks to guide your choice of utility vehicle. On average, one standard room equals approximately 10 m³.

You can easily opt for a small van, ideal for moving smaller or medium-sized spaces like a studio apartment. There's also the medium van option, offering up to 12 m³ of space, which is usually enough for a one-bedroom apartment.

To get a quick estimate, group your furniture and boxes together in one area to visualize the volume of each section. This will also help you figure out how to load them into the van. Alternatively, you can use an online volume calculator, where you input your furniture dimensions to get a more accurate estimate—helping you avoid renting something too large or too small.

Which Vehicle for Which Needs?
Once you’ve determined your moving volume, choosing the right vehicle becomes much easier! Head to CarGo!, where you'll find a wide range of moving vans suited for every situation. Don’t miss our complete moving guide to help you plan your move from start to finish.

• Small van (3–6 m³): Great for small loads, appliances, or a few pieces of furniture.

• Medium van (8–12 m³): Ideal for a studio or a small one-bedroom apartment.

• Large panel van (20–22 m³): Perfect for moving a two-bedroom apartment.

• Truck with tail lift (30 m³ and above): Best for heavy or bulky loads.

If you're moving heavy furniture and want to avoid back strain, go for a vehicle with a tail lift—it’ll save you stress and effort. Also, make sure you have the required driving license and check which insurance options are included in the rental. On moving day, don’t forget to reserve a parking spot near your home to make loading and unloading much easier.

Tips to Maximize Space in Your Moving Van
To get the most out of your rental, organize your loading strategy to reduce the number of trips. Disassemble bulky furniture when possible to save space and reduce volume. Load heavy items first, placing them against the walls of the van to stabilize the load.

As for boxes, stack them carefully, putting the heaviest at the bottom and the lightest at the top. Use moving blankets and straps to protect and secure fragile items and prevent damage. Make use of empty spaces under tables and chairs to store smaller objects.

Most importantly, don’t overload one side of the van, as it can make driving unstable. And never leave empty spaces between items, as they could shift during transit and damage your belongings.

Pre-Move Checklist: What to Check Before Hitting the Road
Moving day is approaching and the stress is building up? Here’s a quick checklist to ensure a safe and smooth ride:

• Vehicle documents: insurance, rental agreement, and your driver’s license.

• Vehicle check-up: tire pressure, lights, brakes.

• Fuel or battery check: whether it’s diesel, petrol, or an electric utility vehicle.

• Route planning: including planned breaks to reduce fatigue.

• Additional gear: make sure you have straps and blankets to protect your items during transport.

In short, a stress-free move starts with good organization and the right moving van. With CarGo!, finding the right utility vehicle is easy—making your move efficient and hassle-free!