What Size Moving Truck Do I Need?

The right truck size depends on your home size, how much furniture you own, and whether you have already decluttered. This guide maps every home size to the correct truck, with cubic footage, weight limits, and rental cost estimates.

Updated 2026-06-15

Truck Size by Home Size

Home Size	Truck Size	Cubic Feet	Typical Weight	What Fits
Studio	10 ft	350-400	1,500-2,000 lbs	Mattress, small couch, desk, 10-15 boxes
1 Bedroom	12 ft	450-500	2,000-3,000 lbs	Queen bed, dresser, couch, dining set, 20-30 boxes
2 Bedrooms	15-17 ft	700-850	3,000-5,000 lbs	2 beds, full living room, dining set, 30-50 boxes
3 Bedrooms	20 ft	1,000-1,100	5,000-7,000 lbs	3 beds, living room, dining room, home office, 60-80 boxes
4 Bedrooms	22-26 ft	1,200-1,600	7,000-10,000 lbs	4 beds, full common areas, garage items, 80-100 boxes
5+ Bedrooms	26 ft (or 2 trucks)	1,600+	10,000+ lbs	Full household including garage, workshop, outdoor furniture

These are general guidelines. Actual capacity depends on how efficiently items are loaded and the density of your belongings.

When to Get a Bigger Truck

The table above assumes an average amount of furniture. Size up by one truck category if any of the following apply to you.

1.You have a packed garage, attic, or basement with tools, holiday decorations, sports equipment, or storage bins.
2.You own oversized furniture like a sectional sofa, king bed with a large headboard, or a piano.
3.You have a home office with multiple desks, filing cabinets, and monitors.
4.You are moving outdoor items: patio furniture, grills (empty the propane first), lawnmowers, bicycles.
5.This is a long-distance move where a second trip is not possible. The cost of one size larger is far less than a second load.

Truck Rental Costs

Truck Size	Local (per day)	Long-Distance (1,000 mi)
10 ft	$30-$50	$800-$1,200
12 ft	$40-$60	$900-$1,400
15 ft	$50-$80	$1,000-$1,600
17 ft	$60-$90	$1,100-$1,800
20 ft	$70-$110	$1,200-$2,000
26 ft	$80-$150	$1,500-$2,800

Local rates are per day plus mileage ($0.59-$0.99/mi). Long-distance rates are flat and include mileage. Fuel, insurance, and equipment (dolly, pads) are extra. Prices vary by provider, season, and market.

Renting a Truck vs. Hiring Professional Movers

DIY Truck Rental

Lower upfront cost ($30-$150/day local)
You handle loading, driving, and unloading
You are responsible for truck sizing
Minimal insurance (basic coverage only)
Risk of injury with heavy items
Must return the truck by the deadline
Best for: small local moves with help from friends

Professional Movers

Truck sizing handled for you automatically
Professional loading and unloading included
Licensed and insured with liability coverage
Furniture disassembly and reassembly included
Floor and doorway protection provided
No personal injury risk from lifting
Best for: moves with heavy furniture, stairs, or distance

See what movers cost →

How to Load a Moving Truck Efficiently

1.Heaviest items first. Load appliances, dressers, and heavy boxes against the back wall (closest to the cab). This keeps the center of gravity low and forward.
2.Furniture next. Sofas can stand on end to save floor space. Disassembled bed frames go flat against the walls. Wrap everything in moving blankets.
3.Boxes fill the gaps. Stack heavy boxes on the bottom, light boxes on top. Fill every gap to prevent shifting. Use soft items (pillows, blankets) as padding.
4.Distribute weight evenly. Avoid loading one side heavier than the other. Uneven loads make the truck harder to drive and increase the risk of cargo shifting.
5.Secure the load. Use ratchet straps or rope to tie down furniture and tall stacks. Most rental trucks have anchor points along the walls for this purpose.
6.Load last-off items near the door. Items you need first at the new place (essentials box, cleaning supplies, toolkit) go in last so they come out first.

Quick Tips

Reserve early in peak season

Truck availability drops significantly from May through September. Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead during these months or you may be stuck with the wrong size.

Declutter before you measure

Get rid of items you do not need before deciding on truck size. Every piece of furniture you eliminate could drop you to a smaller, cheaper truck.

Check height, not just length

Cargo height varies from 6 ft (10-ft trucks) to 8 ft (26-ft trucks). Tall items like bookcases and armoires may not fit upright in smaller trucks.

Consider total cost, not just rental

Add fuel ($100 to $400 for long-distance), insurance ($15 to $50/day), equipment rentals ($10 to $30), and tolls. The sticker price is rarely the final price.

Full moving cost breakdown →

Frequently Asked Questions

What size moving truck do I need for a 1-bedroom apartment?+

A 12-foot truck is the standard choice for a 1-bedroom apartment. It holds roughly 450 cubic feet and can fit a queen bed, a dresser, a small couch, a dining set for two, and about 20 to 30 medium boxes. If you have minimal furniture, a 10-foot truck may work. If you own bulky items like a large sectional or a home gym, step up to a 15-foot truck.

What size truck do I need for a 3-bedroom house?+

A 20-foot truck fits most 3-bedroom homes. It provides roughly 1,000 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for a full living room set, dining room furniture, three bedrooms worth of beds and dressers, and 60 to 80 boxes. If you have a packed garage, workshop, or lots of outdoor furniture, consider a 26-foot truck instead.

Should I rent a moving truck or hire professional movers?+

It depends on your budget, distance, and physical ability. Renting a truck is cheaper upfront, typically $30 to $150 per day for local moves. But you handle all loading, driving, and unloading yourself. Professional movers cost more but include labor, equipment, and insurance. For long-distance moves or homes with heavy furniture, professional movers usually save time and reduce injury risk. Trunk lets you compare professional mover quotes in minutes.

What happens if I rent a truck that is too small?+

You will have to make multiple trips, which adds fuel costs, mileage fees, and hours to your move. For long-distance moves, a second trip is usually impractical. It is better to size up by one truck category than to risk running out of space. Most rental companies charge $10 to $20 more per day for the next size up.

How much does it cost to rent a moving truck?+

For local moves (under 100 miles), truck rental typically costs $30 to $150 per day plus $0.59 to $0.99 per mile. A 10-foot truck runs about $30 to $50 per day, while a 26-foot truck costs $70 to $150 per day. For long-distance moves, pricing switches to a flat rate based on distance. A 1,000-mile move in a 16-foot truck typically costs $1,200 to $2,000. Add fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals (dolly, furniture pads) to your total.

Do professional movers bring their own truck?+

Yes. When you hire a full-service moving company, the truck is included in the quote. The movers select the correct truck size based on your inventory. You do not need to worry about truck sizing, fuel, or driving. This is one of the main advantages of hiring professionals over renting a truck yourself.

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