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Moving Truck Sizes | Choosing A Moving Truck For Your Los Angeles Move

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Author: Vlad Kandybovich

Meet Vlad Kandybovich, your friendly moving expert with over 10 years in the game! As the heart and soul behind QShark Moving Company, he has been a part of more than 50,000 moving journeys, helping individuals like you make smooth and stress-free transitions. Vlad is not just about the business; he genuinely cares about making each move a happy memory. So, when you are looking for advice or a tip on your next move, know that Vlads wisdom comes with a big dose of care and friendship. Happy moving!

Choosing A Moving Truck For Your Move

A picture of qshark moving trucks

Summary:

Moving in Los Angeles can be challenging. Choosing the right truck size is crucial for a smooth, cost-effective move. This comprehensive guide by Qshark Moving Company will help you understand different moving truck sizes and how to choose the right one for your local move.

Truck SizeDimensionsCapacityBest Suited for
Pickup Truck8 feet long cargo area1-2 rooms’ worth of itemsCollege dorm room or studio apartment moves
Cargo Van9-11 feet long cargo areaSmall 1-bedroom apartmentSmall moves or as a secondary vehicle for larger moves
Small Moving Truck (10-12 ft.)10-12 feet long cargo area1-2 rooms’ worth of itemsSmall apartments or a couple of rooms
Medium Moving Truck (14-17 ft.)14-17 feet long cargo area2-3 bedroom home or large apartmentModerately furnished homes
Large Moving Truck (20-26 ft.)20-26 feet long cargo area4+ bedroom houseLarge moves involving several rooms and bulky items
Tractor-Trailer48-53 feet long trailerLarge interstate moves or commercial relocationsMulti-story houses or large office relocations

I. Introduction

Moving can be daunting, especially in a bustling city like Los Angeles. One critical decision to make is selecting the right moving truck size for your local move. Making a mistake in this step could lead to inefficiency, unnecessary costs, and undue stress. As professional movers, Qshark Moving Company is dedicated to helping our customers easily navigate this process.

At Qshark, we understand that no two moves are the same, and choosing the right truck size is not a one-size-fits-all affair. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down:

  • The basics of moving truck sizes, their general dimensions, and the types of moves they’re best suited for.
  • How to estimate the right moving truck size for your specific needs.
  • Special considerations to keep in mind when choosing a moving truck in Los Angeles.
  • Choosing Qshark for your move can simplify the process and ensure you make the best choice.

Whether moving a small apartment or a large multi-story house, our la movers will help you understand your options, providing you with the tools and knowledge to choose the best moving truck size for your unique needs. Let’s dive in!

Moving is easy when you have the right tools and knowledge. Let us guide you through the process.” – Team Qshark

One of the largest moving trucks for local moving services

II. Understanding the Basics of Moving Truck Sizes

Before we delve into the specifics, it’s important to grasp what we mean by “moving truck sizes” and what differentiates one size from another. Here are some basic terminologies and concepts:

  • Dimensions: Moving truck sizes are usually categorized by the length of the cargo area, measured in feet. However, the dimensions of the cargo area alone do not determine the truck’s total capacity.
  • Capacity: The total space available inside the truck for loading items. This is measured in cubic feet.
  • Types of Moving Trucks: There are a variety of truck sizes, each designed to accommodate different volumes and types of goods. The common types of moving trucks range from pickup trucks and cargo vans to small, medium, and large moving trucks and up to tractor-trailers.

Let’s delve deeper into each type of truck and its pros and cons:

A. Pickup Trucks

  • Dimensions: Generally, pickup trucks have a cargo area that is 8 feet long.
  • Capacity: They can usually hold around 1-2 rooms’ worth of items.
  • Best Suited for: Pickup trucks are ideal for small local moves such as a college dorm room or a studio apartment.

B. Cargo Vans

  • Dimensions: These typically have a cargo area that’s around 9-11 feet long.
  • Capacity: They can generally carry the contents of a small 1-bedroom apartment.
  • Best Suited for: Cargo vans are suitable for small moves or as a secondary vehicle when a larger truck is not enough.

And so on for the rest of the truck sizes.

“Remember, the dimensions and capacity of the truck are crucial in determining if all your belongings will fit.”


III. How to Estimate the Right Moving Truck Size

Now that you’re familiar with the different types of moving trucks let’s estimate the right truck size for your move.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Inventory Your Items: List all the large items you need to move and their dimensions. For small items, estimate the number of boxes you’ll need.
  2. Calculate the Volume: For large items, multiply the length, width, and height to get the volume. Add up the volumes of all your items. Remember, boxes and small items also take up space!
  3. Add Extra Space: It’s always better to have some wiggle room. Add 10-15% to your calculated volume for any last-minute additions.
  4. Choose the Truck Size: Match your final volume to the capacity of the moving trucks. Remember, it’s better to go for a slightly larger size than to have a truck that’s too small.

Alternatively, you can use Qshark’s handy online calculator to estimate the truck size or consult with our professional movers, who can help make the estimation process easier.

“When in doubt, always consult a professional. It’s better to overestimate than underestimate.”

a picture of 26ft qshark moving truck

IV. Detailed Review of Moving Truck Sizes

A clear understanding of each truck size’s capacity and the type of moves they’re best suited for can aid in making an informed decision. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

A. Small Moving Trucks (10-12 ft.)

  • Dimensions: Small moving trucks usually offer a cargo space of around 10-12 feet in length.
  • Capacity: They can hold approximately 1-2 rooms’ worth of items.
  • Best Suited for: These trucks are perfect for moves involving small apartments or a couple of rooms. They’re also easy to park and maneuver through the busy streets of Los Angeles.

B. Medium Moving Trucks (14-17 ft.)

  • Dimensions: Medium-sized trucks offer a larger cargo space, typically around 14-17 feet in length.
  • Capacity: These trucks can generally hold the contents of a 2-3 bedroom home or large apartment.
  • Best Suited for Medium-sized trucks are ideal for moving a moderately furnished home. However, they require more parking space and maneuvering skills compared to smaller trucks.

C. Large Moving Trucks (20-26 ft.)

  • Dimensions: Large moving trucks provide even more space, with cargo areas that are 20-26 feet long.
  • Capacity: These trucks can handle the contents of a 4+ bedroom house.
  • Best Suited for: Large moving trucks is perfect for large moves involving several rooms and bulky items. Remember that these trucks may be more difficult to navigate through narrow LA streets and may have specific parking requirements.

D. Tractor-Trailers

  • Dimensions: Tractor-trailers are the largest option available, with the trailer typically being 48-53 feet long.
  • Capacity: These can handle the most substantial moves, including multi-story houses or large office relocations.
  • Best Suited for: Tractor-trailers are usually reserved for large interstate moves or commercial relocations.

“Choosing the right truck size can significantly reduce the number of trips and make your move more efficient.”


a picture of qhark moving truck

V. Special Considerations for Choosing Moving Trucks in Los Angeles

Moving in Los Angeles presents unique challenges. Here are some things to consider:

  • Street Size: LA has many narrow streets and alleyways. Larger trucks may be harder to maneuver.
  • Traffic: LA is known for its heavy traffic. Having a larger truck may make it more difficult to navigate through traffic.
  • Parking: Some LA neighborhoods have strict parking regulations. Ensure you know these rules to avoid getting ticketed.
  • Environmental Considerations: Choosing a truck size that’s just right will save you money and be better for the environment, as larger trucks consume more fuel.
  • Building Regulations: Certain buildings in LA have restrictions on large vehicles, which may limit the size of the truck you can use.

“Understanding Los Angeles’s unique moving challenges can help you plan your move better.”


VI. Why Choose Qshark Moving Company for Your Los Angeles Move?

Choosing the right truck size is just one part of the equation; having experienced professionals can make your move hassle-free. At Qshark, we:

  • Offer a Team of Experienced Drivers: Our professional movers are well-versed in navigating the bustling streets of Los Angeles.
  • Provide Expert Packing and Moving Services: Our team is trained to pack and move your belongings safely, regardless of size.
  • Assist with the Planning Process: We assist in calculating the right truck size, saving you time and ensuring your move is as efficient as possible.
  • Competitive Pricing: We believe in offering top-notch services at competitive prices.
a picture of qshark 16ft truck

VII. Conclusion

Choosing the right moving truck size is crucial to planning a successful move. The process may seem daunting initially, but you can ensure an efficient and cost-effective move with the right knowledge and tools.

Remember, while it’s important to consider the dimensions and capacity of the truck, it’s equally crucial to think about the unique moving challenges that Los Angeles presents. Opting for a slightly larger truck may save you from multiple trips, but it might also present navigation, parking, and fuel efficiency difficulties.

Fortunately, with Qshark Moving Company, you’re not alone in this process. Our professional movers bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, guiding you every step of the way. We help you choose the right truck size, navigate the busy LA streets, and ensure your belongings are packed and moved safely and efficiently.

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