Moving a studio or a small apartment doesn’t require a heavy-duty truck. A 10 m3 truck is sufficient in most cases, provided you understand what this volume actually represents and how to maximize its use. Here’s what you need to know before booking, loading, and hitting the road with this type of vehicle.
Payload and total weight: what the B license really allows
Competitors often talk a lot about volume, but rarely about the factor that actually limits the load: the payload, not the volume, is often the real ceiling. On a 10 m3 truck, it hovers around 1.4 tons. This means you can fill the compartment without reaching the maximum volume if your belongings are heavy (books, appliances, tools).
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Why does this detail matter? Because exceeding the payload exposes you to a fine, but more importantly, to degraded braking and unpredictable handling. Before loading, mentally weigh your heaviest items: a washing machine weighs between 60 and 80 kg, and a refrigerator about the same.
For everything you need to know about the dimensions of a 10m3 truck, keep in mind that the rear compartment typically offers an interior length close to 2.80 m, a width of about 1.75 m, and a ceiling height of around 1.80 m. These dimensions vary slightly depending on the model (Fiat Ducato, Renault Master, Citroën Jumper), but the general scale remains stable.
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Actual volume of the 10 m3 truck: what do these dimensions correspond to
Imagine a parallelepiped about 2.80 m long, 1.75 m wide, and 1.80 m high. In theory, you have 10 m3. In practice, the usable volume often drops to around 8 m3 once the irregular shapes of the furniture are taken into account.
This truck is typically suitable for the contents of a 20 to 30 m2 residence. Specifically, this represents a double bed, a two-seater sofa, a refrigerator, a washing machine, a television, and about twenty standard boxes. If your inventory significantly exceeds this list, a 12 m3 or 20 m3 truck will be more appropriate.
Height of the tailgate and loading access
The height of the loading threshold is generally between 50 and 70 cm from the ground. Without a liftgate, you have to lift each item to this height. For a washing machine or a sofa, consider a loading ramp or an extra pair of hands.
Check for the presence of a liftgate or ramp at the time of booking. This detail drastically changes the physical effort required, especially if you are moving alone or with one other person.
Loading technique in a 10 m3 moving truck
Loading a truck is not just about stacking boxes. The method influences both road safety and the number of trips needed.
- Place the heaviest and most stable items at the back of the compartment, against the driver’s wall. A washing machine, refrigerator, and bed base form a solid foundation that prevents the rest from sliding during braking.
- Stack the boxes by decreasing weight: the heaviest at the bottom, the lightest on top. A box of books placed on a box of clothes will end up crushed.
- Fill every empty space with blankets, pillows, or soft bags. A load without lateral movement does not shift in turns.
- Secure the entire load with the tie-down points present in the compartment. Most 10 m3 rental trucks have four to six tie-down rings on the floor.
Dismantled or whole furniture: the right balance
Dismantling a wardrobe or bed takes time but frees up considerable volume. A flat-pack double bed can lie flat against a wall and leave space for several boxes above. However, dismantling an antique dresser with mortise joints risks damaging it. Dismantle furniture designed to be taken apart, keep the others whole.
Chronotachograph and regulations 2026 for light commercial vehicles
Since July 1, 2026, light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized mass exceeding 2.5 tons must be equipped with a chronotachograph for international transport. This requirement, reiterated by the Moving Trade Union, concerns some of the 10 m3 trucks used for cross-border moves (France to Belgium or Switzerland, for example).
Are you moving within France? This constraint does not directly concern you. However, if your route crosses a border, the rental company must provide a compliant vehicle. Ask the question before signing the rental contract.
This regulatory change brings light commercial vehicles closer to the heavy vehicle regime regarding mandatory driving and rest times. On a long international journey, plan for mandatory breaks that will extend the total duration of the move.
Boxes and furniture protection: prepare before D-day
The available volume in a 10 m3 truck can be wasted quickly if the boxes are poorly sized. Use standard boxes (approximately 55 x 35 x 33 cm) for most of your belongings. They stack neatly and utilize the width of the compartment without loss.
- Prepare moving blankets to protect the corners of furniture and fragile surfaces (mirrors, table tops).
- Wrap dishes in newspaper or bubble wrap, and store them in reinforced boxes placed high.
- Label each box by destination room. During unloading, you will save considerable time.
A well-prepared move in a 10 m3 truck can be completed in half a day for a studio. The key is to know the actual limits of the vehicle, both in volume and weight, and to adapt the loading accordingly rather than forcing in the last box.