How to Choose the Right Rental Vehicle for Your Move

When moving day is creeping closer, the last thing you want is a game of Tetris with your furniture. Choosing the right rental vehicle can be the difference between a smooth, one-trip success story or a sweaty, multiple-trip saga you’ll be telling for all the wrong reasons. The good news? Picking the perfect size is easier than you think.

Step 1: Take Stock of What You’re Moving

Before you scroll through vehicle options, take inventory of your stuff. A quick list works wonders.

• Count your big items: beds, couches, tables, whiteware, wardrobes.

• Estimate how many boxes you’ll have. Boxes take up more space than most people expect once they’re stacked.

• Flag anything oversized or awkward such as long shelves, fragile artwork or exercise equipment.

This gives you a solid idea of how much room you actually need.

Step 2: Match Your Move to the Right Vehicle Size

Every move is different, but here’s a simple guide to help you choose without overthinking it.

Moving a bedroom or small studio?

A cargo van is usually perfect. These are ideal for flats, smaller loads or quick relocations. They’re surprisingly roomy and easy to drive.

Moving a 1–2 bedroom home?

A medium truck is your new best friend. This size hits the sweet spot: enough space for furniture, boxes and appliances without feeling oversized on the road.

Moving a 3+ bedroom home?

Go for a large or XL truck. If you’ve got multiple settees, a full dining suite, big appliances or just a mountain of belongings, it’s far better to have too much room than too little.

If you’re unsure, size up. Nobody has ever said, “I wish this truck was smaller.”

Step 3: Consider Features That Make Moving Easier

Capacity is important, but convenience counts too.

• Tail-lifts make loading heavy items a breeze. Your back will thank you.

• Reversing cameras help with tight driveways and tricky carparks.

• Automatic transmissions take the stress out of driving larger vehicles.

• Interior tie-down points keep everything secure on the road.

These little extras can turn a tiring day into a surprisingly smooth one.

Step 4: Think About the Logistics

Sometimes the move itself plays just as big a role as what you’re moving.

• Got a narrow driveway, apartment building or street with limited parking? A van or mid-sized truck might be easier to maneuver.

• Expecting heavy lifting such as fridges or big furniture? A truck with a tail-lift is absolutely worth it.

• Planning to do everything in one trip? A larger truck saves time and hassle.

A few minutes thinking about the practicalities can save a whole lot of drama.

Handy Tips From Our Team

After helping thousands of Kiwis move, here are a few of our go-to pieces of advice:

1. You probably own more than you think. Space disappears quickly once boxes start stacking.

2. Choosing a slightly bigger vehicle is usually the smartest call.

3. Make the most of built-in features like tail-lifts and reversing cameras.

4. Consider access at both pickup and drop-off locations.

5. Still not sure? Ask us. We’re always happy to point you in the right direction.

Ready to Roll?

Choosing the right rental vehicle doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and the right-sized van or truck, you’ll be cruising through your move with confidence. At Handy Rentals, all our vehicles can be driven on a standard car licence, and we’ve got options for every kind of move – big, small or somewhere in between.

Make your move easy. Book your Handy Rentals vehicle today and hit moving day like an absolute pro.