You don’t move every six months. Most people don’t. It’s more like once every few years, a Saturday morning, too many cardboard boxes, and that one sofa you swear was smaller when you bought it. And that’s the real question : when you need to move *occasionally*, what car is actually the smartest choice ? A station wagon (estate), a SUV, or a minivan (MPV)? I’ve tried all three at different moments, and honestly… the answer isn’t as obvious as car ads want you to believe.
Second thing to be clear : even with the right car, a move is rarely “easy”. Boxes multiply, time disappears, and you always forget one last trip. That’s why some people mix car + help. If you want a practical overview of moving assistance options, this site explains it pretty well : https://www.aide-au-demenagement.net. It helps to know what you can realistically handle alone… and what you shouldn’t.
The station wagon (estate): discreet, efficient, and often underestimated
Let’s start with the one people forget too fast. The estate car. Not sexy. Not flashy. But wow, it can carry stuff.
I once moved a one-bedroom flat with a Volvo V70. No joke. Bed frame, washing machine (with help, obviously), about 20 boxes, and still room to see out the rear window. With the seats folded, you get a long, flat loading floor. That’s gold when you’re sliding in furniture instead of playing Tetris vertically.
Pros ?
– Low loading height. Your back will thank you.
– Long boot, perfect for shelves, planks, mattresses.
– Drives like a normal car. No stress in tight streets.
Cons ?
– Height is limited. A fridge standing up ? Forget it.
– Some newer estates have less space than older ones (sad but true).
Frankly, for an occasional move, I think the estate is one of the most balanced choices. Practical, discreet, and you don’t feel like you’re driving a truck the rest of the year.
The SUV: looks strong, but is it really that useful ?
Ah, the SUV. Big wheels, high driving position, “adventure” vibes… and yet, when it’s time to load boxes, reality hits.
I helped a friend move with a compact SUV. From the outside, it looked massive. Inside ? Short boot, sloping tailgate, awkward angles. We had to do more trips than expected, which is never fun when you’re already tired.
Pros ?
– Higher ground clearance, handy if you’re dealing with rough access.
– Comfortable on long drives between old and new place.
– Easy to resell, popular segment.
Cons ?
– Boot volume often disappointing for the size.
– Higher loading lip. Lifting heavy stuff gets old fast.
– More style than substance, sometimes.
Personally, I find SUVs overrated for moving. They *feel* capable, but they don’t always deliver when the boxes pile up. Unless you already own one, I wouldn’t choose it just for that use.
The minivan (MPV): the moving champion… if you can live with it
Now, if we talk pure efficiency, the MPV wins. No debate. Seats that fold into the floor, huge vertical space, sliding doors… it’s basically a small van in disguise.
I once borrowed a Ford Galaxy. We loaded a couch upright, bikes, lamps, plants, boxes everywhere. One trip. Done. It felt almost unfair.
Pros ?
– Massive interior volume, especially in height.
– Flat floor, square shape, easy loading.
– Fewer trips. That’s a big deal.
Cons ?
– Drives like… a big box. Let’s be honest.
– Parking can be annoying in cities.
– Not everyone wants to own one year-round.
For a family, or someone who moves things regularly, an MPV makes total sense. For a single move every few years ? Maybe overkill. Unless you already have one, renting might be smarter.
So, which one should YOU choose ?
Ask yourself this, honestly :
– How often do you move big stuff ?
– Do you live in a city with tight parking ?
– Do you want a “moving car” or a daily car that can handle a move ?
If it’s once in a while, my take is clear :
– Estate car: best compromise for most people.
– SUV: only if you already have one and accept extra trips.
– MPV: unbeatable for space, but not for everyday life.
In the end, the best car for moving is the one that saves you time, effort, and back pain… without making you regret it the other 360 days of the year. And if you’re hesitating, maybe that’s your answer already.
