Moving can be an exciting but stressful time. With so many things to think about and remember, the last thing you want to think about is which vehicle to take and how in the world you’re going to be able to fit your life in it. This article “The Best Type of Vehicle to Used When Moving” will certainly help you to learn essential things about choosing a vehicle whenever you decide to leave your old place and want to shift your life to another place.
The vehicle you choose impacts your entire planning process. Taking a van? Great! Throw everything in boxes and shove it in the back. Taking a car? You might need to spend more time organizing your stuff and throwing away anything not worth taking. When space is tight, you might realize you don’t really need to bring your crusty middle school bug collection.
We’ve taken the guesswork out of your planning and put together the four most common types of vehicles with the pros and cons of each, as well as some great models in each type. And if that isn’t enough, we’ve thrown in a packing tip for each type to satisfy those of us who may not always have the option of a different vehicle.
1. Minivan: This may not be the most fashionable, but it sure is handy. Take the seats out and you’ll be amazed at how much room you have. We’ve found that you can fit more into a van than a pick-up truck. Also, unlike a truck, you don’t have to worry about items falling out or getting rained on.
- Mazda 5. 24 mpg is fantastic for a minivan.
- Dodge Grand Caravan. It’s the best selling and most awarded minivan of all time.
Packing tip for vans: Pack it just like a large moving van. Build walls with large boxes behind the driver’s seat, leaving room on the side for long objects such as lamps and curtain rods.
2. Pick-up Truck: The pick-up is a classic moving vehicle. It’s perfect for moving heavy items that would scuff up the interior of a van. They tend to eat up gas, so we found some models that get great gas mileage.
- Toyota Tacoma. 23mpg beats a lot of minivans.
- Chevrolet Silverado 15 Hybrid. 8 cylinders give you the power to move your heavy furniture.
Packing tip for pick-ups: You never know what the weather will be like, so use rubber storage bins instead of cardboard boxes. Don’t trust a tarp to keep your stuff dry.
3. SUV: While it may not have the room of a minivan, you can still load a decent amount into an SUV, and they’re much better on gas.
- Suzuki SX4 Crossover. 28 mpg and great safety rating.
- Hyundai Elantra Touring. Sporty, fuel efficient, and fairly inexpensive.
Packing tip for SUVs: SUVS are loaded with storage compartments, especially in the back above the wheels. Use them for small odd-ball items, such as laser pointers, spray to repel skunks, and phone chargers.
4. Car: Sometimes your only option is the car you have. You’ll have to really push to get everything in, but your wallet will thank you every time you zoom pass a gas station without stopping.
- Toyota Prius Hybrid. 50 mpg doubles what you’d get in a van or truck.
- Ford Fusion. Very spacious, so you can fit as many things as possible.
Packing tip for cars: If you’re driving by yourself, use the passenger seat for storage. Load items onto the floor first and then use those items as a shelf for more.
Whatever kind of vehicle you use, make the most of it by filling all available space. Use caution when driving. You’ll often have precious cargo that cannot be replaced, such as photographs and keepsakes. Test drive your vehicle in a safe area. Often times it will react differently when it’s loaded down. Your vehicle is one of the most important parts of your move, so give it plenty of thought before you begin.
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