Moving always requires careful planning and a bunch of practical arrangements. Picking the right transport vehicle often becomes the most important factor for a smooth moving day. Too small a vehicle means having to make multiple trips back and forth, which eats up time and gas. On the other hand, a vehicle that’s way too big can be tough to park on tight city streets and just raises rental costs unnecessarily. The right transport capacity ensures the job gets done on schedule. These tips will help you accurately figure out how much space you need and choose the right option.
How do you estimate the actual volume and size of a moving load?
Estimating the amount of stuff often turns out to be the hardest part of moving. Items piled up in cupboards, attics, and storage often take up more space when packed than expected. To get a sense of the space needed, it’s a good idea to use clear calculation methods.
A good rule of thumb is to relate the apartment’s floor area directly to the required cubic meters. Usually, one square meter of living space corresponds to about 0.3–0.5 cubic meters (m³) of moving stuff. For example, for a 50-square-meter two-room apartment, the belongings would take up roughly 15–25 cubic meters. This estimate, however, varies depending on how furnished the place is and how much stuff is stored in the basement or garage.
For a more detailed calculation, it’s worth splitting the load into two parts: moving boxes and large furniture.
- ✓ Moving boxes: A standard moving box takes up about 0.1 cubic meters of space when stacked. A good rule of thumb is to have one box per square meter of living space. So, boxes for a 50-square-meter apartment would need about 5 cubic meters of space.
- ✓ Big furniture: The sofa takes up about 1.5–2.5 m³ of storage space, the double bed with mattress about 2 m³, and the dining set about 1.5 m³.
By adding up the boxes and bulky furniture, you get a realistic idea of the total space needed. In the transport area, items need to be packed tightly and secured carefully to stay in place during the ride.
Van sizes from small cubes to large moving vans
Choosing the right vehicle is easier when you know the different sizes and how they fit different apartment sizes. When the goal is a flexible van rental, the fleet is usually divided into three groups based on volume.
Small vans
Nimble and easy-to-handle cars are suitable for moving small loads in urban areas.
Midsize vans
The most popular size combines generous cargo space with easy drivability.
Large moving truck
Large-capacity vehicles that can fit all your household belongings and big furniture in one go.
Small vans (6–8 m³) are great for moving stuff from a student apartment or individual big items like a washing machine or a bed. Driving them is like driving a regular car, so parking in tight yards is easy.
Medium-sized vans (10–14 m³) are suitable for typical two-room apartments. There’s plenty of space for moving boxes and disassembled furniture, like shelves, tables, and bed frames.
Can you drive a van with a regular car B license?
When facing a big moving load, many wonder if driving a spacious moving truck requires a truck license (C license). Large vehicles can raise doubts about the necessary license class.
The answer is clear: you can drive almost all rental vans and large moving trucks with a regular car license.
A Class B driver’s license allows you to drive vehicles with a total weight of up to 3,500 kg. Even large moving trucks meant for rental – including spacious models with separate bodies of up to 20 m³ – are registered to stay under this weight limit. You can pick a car that suits your needs without worrying about whether your license class is enough.
When packing stuff, you still need to keep the car’s carrying capacity in mind. Even though the car’s own weight allows you to drive with a B license, the total weight of the loaded vehicle must not exceed 3,500 kilograms. Really heavy items, like big book collections or heavy appliances, should be placed as low as possible and near the center of the cargo area. Spreading the weight evenly keeps the center of gravity low, which makes the car easier to handle and ensures a safe trip in any conditions.
How much does it cost to rent a van?
When calculating moving costs, renting a car is often the biggest single expense. The rental price depends on several different factors, so you only pay for the time and space you actually need.
The final price depends on the car’s size, rental period, and the chosen date. The end of the month and weekends are the most popular moving days, which often shows in the prices and demand. Scheduling your move on a weekday usually saves money and gives you more options for vehicles.
The costs mainly come from the following factors:
| Pricing factor | Effect in practise |
|---|---|
| Length of the rental period | Short hourly rentals are good for precise transports. A daily rental, on the other hand, gives time for relaxed loading and returning. |
| Car size class | Small 6–8 m³ trucks are cheaper and use less fuel. Large 20 m³ trucks, on the other hand, save time by reducing the number of trips. |
| Season and timing | A move in the middle of the week is often a cheaper option than the last weekend of the month. |
You can save on expenses by taking advantage of various deals. When you pack your stuff into boxes before picking up the car, you shorten the rental time needed and save money.
Can you return a rental van to a different location?
On long-distance moves, the question often comes up whether the car needs to be returned to the starting point. One-way rentals save time and fuel since you don’t have to drive an empty car back.
MABI’s (formerly Scandia Rent) extensive network of locations stretches from Hanko to Ivalo and covers major cities as well as key traffic hubs. You can pick up a moving truck near your current home and return it to a branch in your new hometown.
If your move is headed, for example, to the capital, renting a van in Helsinki is a convenient way to get your stuff directly to your new home without any round trips.
When planning a one-way rental, it’s a good idea to check availability and agree on the return location well in advance. This way, you make sure the destination office is ready to take the car and your trip goes smoothly without delays.
Here’s how to easily book a flexible and affordable moving truck online
Once the load size has been estimated and the right truck chosen, all that’s left is to make a booking. You can do it quickly online, which makes scheduling a busy move easier.
Making an online reservation is easy:
- ✓ Choose locations and timing: Pick your pickup and drop-off points as well as the dates and times you want.
- ✓ Choose the right car: See available cars and different size options with their capacities in real time.
- ✓ Confirm your booking: Fill in the driver’s details and send the booking. You will receive detailed instructions by email for picking up and returning the car.
Real-time availability search ensures that you can get the car you chose at the agreed time. Booking online in time gives peace of mind and guarantees the car’s availability.
Choose the right van and make a booking online easily and affordably from MABI’s flexible selection
Are you planning a move or need reliable transport space for larger items? Check real-time availability and quickly and easily book a moving truck that suits your needs directly online.
A suitably sized car makes moving much smoother. By carefully estimating the amount of stuff, you save time and avoid extra trips. Even large vans that can be driven with a B-license offer plenty of space, and the option to return the car in another city makes long moves easier. When you plan the transport in advance and book the car early, moving day goes as planned.