When the time comes to move, one of the biggest decisions Ontario residents face is choosing whether to hire a full moving team or rent a truck and handle the move themselves. At Top Town Movers, we understand that every customer has a different budget, schedule, and level of comfort when it comes to moving their belongings. This guide is designed to help you make the most informed decision before renting a moving truck, so your move—no matter the size—can be smooth, safe, and stress-free.
Understanding What Moving Truck Rental Really Means
Renting a moving truck gives you flexibility and control over your move. Many people in Ontario choose truck rental because they prefer to pack at their own pace or because they want to keep the moving costs lower. But before you book a truck, it’s important to understand what the process actually involves—how much responsibility falls on you, what limitations exist, and how different it is from driving your everyday car.
A rented truck is not just a vehicle; it’s the backbone of your moving day. Its size, condition, and ease of handling will determine how efficiently you load, how safely you drive, and how quickly you finish the job. That’s why knowing the fundamentals before you rent can make a massive difference in your overall experience.
learn more—>the best house moving tips
Choosing the Right Truck Size for Your Move in Ontario
Most customers want enough space to fit their belongings in one trip, but they also want a truck that feels manageable on the road—especially through busy areas like Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, Hamilton, or Kitchener. The size of the truck you choose should reflect the size of your home, the volume of your furniture, and how comfortable you feel driving a larger vehicle.
A smaller apartment move may only require a compact truck, while a family home often needs the largest available size. What matters most is not guessing but choosing a truck that provides a balance between space and comfort. At Top Town Movers, we always encourage customers to think about their largest items first: beds, sofas, appliances, shelving units. These pieces dictate how efficiently everything else fits around them.
Choosing the right truck size is key to avoiding multiple trips. Here’s a simple breakdown:
10 ft Truck
Perfect for: Studio apartments, small moves, students
Ideal for cities like Waterloo, Guelph, Kingston
15 ft Truck
Perfect for: 1–2 bedroom apartments
Popular for Toronto and Mississauga moves
20 ft Truck
Perfect for: 2–3 bedroom homes
Good for family moves across GTA, Ottawa, Hamilton
26 ft Truck
Perfect for: Large homes, long-distance moves
Best for intercity routes like Toronto → London or Toronto → Ottawa
If you’re unsure, always choose one size bigger—furniture takes more space than you think.
Driving a Moving Truck in Ontario, What You Should Expect
Many customers worry about driving a bigger vehicle, and that’s completely normal. Ontario roads require attention, and moving trucks require a different kind of focus. The first thing to expect is a slower, more controlled driving style. Trucks need more space to brake, take wider turns, and rely heavily on mirrors for visibility. In busy areas like downtown Toronto or around major highways such as the 401 or QEW, patience becomes essential.
Parking rules in Ontario also differ for larger vehicles. Residential streets often have time restrictions, and many condo buildings have height or access limitations. Before renting a truck, confirm where you’ll park, where you can load, and whether your building requires a service elevator booking. These small preparations prevent delays and help your moving day run smoothly.
The Real Cost of Renting a Moving Truck
While truck rental is often more affordable than hiring a full moving service, the final cost depends on several factors that customers sometimes overlook. The advertised price usually covers only the base rental. Once distance, fuel, insurance, and mileage fees are added, the total can climb quickly, especially on longer routes across Ontario.
Customers should also consider the indirect costs: the physical effort of loading and unloading, the time spent on the road, and the stress of managing the move alone. That’s why many people choose a hybrid approach—renting a truck but hiring professional movers for loading and unloading. At Top Town Movers, this is one of the most requested services because it gives customers the affordability of a truck rental with the safety of professional labour.
Insurance and Protection, Why It Matters
Insurance is a crucial part of any moving truck rental in Ontario. Even the most careful drivers can face unexpected situations—tight corners, low visibility, sudden stops, narrow driveways. Rental companies offer different levels of coverage, and choosing the right protection can save you from high repair bills.
Collision damage protection and liability coverage give peace of mind, especially for customers who are not used to driving large vehicles. While insurance adds to the rental cost, it prevents financial surprises that can be far more expensive.
Preparing Your Move the Right Way
A smooth move isn’t just about having a truck; it’s about having a plan. Before moving day arrives, customers should review the path from their home entrance to the truck, plan the order of loading heavier items, and secure fragile pieces so they stay safe on Ontario’s roads.
The preparation also includes gathering moving blankets, straps, boxes, and tools. Without these basics, belongings can shift during the drive. At Top Town Movers, we always suggest placing heavier items upfront, keeping fragile items on top, and securing everything together to avoid movement.
learn more—>how to pack properly for a move
why Top Town movers?
While some customers prefer renting a truck and handling the move independently, others want support. That’s where we come in. At Top Town Movers, we guide customers through the entire planning process—whether they want full-service moving, labour-only support, or a hybrid option.
We help customers:
- determine the right truck size
- understand the true cost of renting vs hiring movers
- avoid common mistakes when moving alone
- pack, load, or unload safely if they request labour help
Many customers choose to rent a truck but rely on our professional movers for the heavy lifting. It reduces stress, protects their belongings, and shortens the moving time significantly.
Final Thoughts on Your Ontario Move
Renting a moving truck gives you flexibility, independence, and control. But it also requires planning, patience, and the right guidance. With the right truck size, safe driving habits, proper insurance, and a well-organized approach, customers can complete their move confidently.
At Top Town Movers, our mission is to make every move—moving truck rental or full-service—easier and safer for Ontario residents. Whether you’re moving across Toronto or heading to a new city, we’re here to ensure your moving day is efficient, secure, and stress-free.
