Cargo Van Rental in Montreal: Best for Small Moves
When a Cargo Van Makes More Sense Than a Truck
If you're moving a studio, a small 3½, or a single room in a shared apartment, a cargo van is the smartest choice. A standard cargo van (Ford Transit, RAM ProMaster, Mercedes Sprinter) holds about the same as a 10-foot truck — roughly 50-60 medium boxes or a mattress, a small desk, and a dozen boxes. The advantage: it's far easier to drive, fits in normal parking spots, and costs less to rent and fuel.
A cargo van also makes sense for IKEA runs, furniture pickups from Facebook Marketplace, or supplementing a main truck load. Many Montrealers rent a van for the "second trip" of odds and ends that didn't fit in the first truck load.
Cargo Van Rental Prices in Montreal
Enterprise rents cargo vans starting at $25-$45/day for personal use — the cheapest option in Montreal. U-Haul charges $20-$30 base plus $0.79/km, which adds up fast if you're crossing the island. Budget and Discount Car Rental also offer cargo vans at competitive daily rates. For a local move within Montreal, expect $50-$100 all-in (rental + fuel + tax) for a single day.
Many rental locations on Jean-Talon, Saint-Laurent, and in Ville Saint-Laurent carry cargo vans. Communauto, Montreal's car-sharing service, also has cargo vans available by the hour — ideal if your move only takes 3-4 hours. Compare hourly vs daily rates based on your estimated move duration.
Maximizing Space in a Cargo Van
A cargo van's interior is typically 10-12 feet long, 5-6 feet wide, and 5-6 feet tall. Load heavy boxes first, against the bulkhead behind the cab. Stand a mattress on its side along one wall. Use every inch of vertical space by stacking boxes to the ceiling — just keep the heaviest boxes on the bottom.
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The lower loading height of a van (no ramp needed, just step up) makes loading faster and easier on your back compared to a truck with a ramp. If you're making two trips, prioritize fragile and valuable items on the first trip so they're safely at your new place while you handle the rest. A well-packed cargo van can handle a surprising amount of stuff — you may not need a truck at all.
