Cargo van and pickup truck rentals are a popular choice for a small local move, but they solve a different problem than moving totes do — one is about transportation, the other is about packing. Most small moves actually need both, not one instead of the other.
What a Cargo Van or Pickup Actually Solves
Renting a van or truck gets you a vehicle large enough to haul furniture and packed containers between locations. It doesn't do anything for the packing itself — you still need something to put your belongings in before they go in the vehicle.
What Totes Solve Instead
Totes handle the packing side: everything that isn't furniture gets packed into stackable, lidded containers that load efficiently into whatever vehicle you're using, whether that's a rented van, a pickup, or your own car for a very small move. Because totes stack safely up to five high, they also make better use of limited cargo space than mismatched boxes.
Using Both Together for a Small Move
For a studio or one-bedroom move, a common combination is a rented cargo van for the furniture and a Studio or 1 Bedroom tote package for everything else, moved in one or two trips. Nice Totes doesn't provide the vehicle — just delivery and pickup of the totes themselves at your driveway, garage, or front door.
See tote packages by home size and book your delivery date.
View Residential PricingFrequently Asked Questions
Do I still need moving totes if I'm renting a cargo van?
Usually, yes — a van solves transportation, not packing. You'll still want containers for everything that isn't furniture.
Does Nice Totes provide a truck or van for the move?
No, Nice Totes delivers and picks up totes at your driveway, garage, or front door. Vehicle rental is separate.
How many totes fit in a typical cargo van?
It depends on the van size and how full it's loaded, but stacked totes generally use van space more efficiently than mismatched cardboard boxes, since they stack safely up to five high.
The Short Version
A cargo van or pickup rental handles transportation; totes handle packing. Most small local moves end up using both together rather than one instead of the other.
See Moving Totes vs. U-Haul Truck Rental for the larger-truck comparison, or view Residential Pricing for package sizes.