How to choose the right size moving truck
Moving companies often provide general guidelines to help customers decide what size moving truck they need based on the number of bedrooms they’re moving.
In general, these are the recommended moving truck sizes based on the size of your home.
| Home size | Moving truck size | Moving truck capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Studio to 1-bedroom apartment | 10 to 12 feet | 300 to 400 cubic feet |
| 2- to 3-bedroom home | 16 to 20 feet | 400 to 600 cubic feet |
| 4-bedroom home and larger | 20 to 26 feet | 600 to 800+ cubic feet |
It also depends on how much stuff you’re moving, explained Nick Valentino, vice president of market operations at Bellhop. “A very cluttered 1,500-square-foot home will probably need a bigger moving truck than a minimalist home of 2,000-2,500 square feet,” he said.
Jennifer Burton, general manager of Oaks Dumpster Rental in upstate New York, has a different approach. Burton said their rule of thumb is to “select and measure the three largest pieces of furniture in each major room. Think couches, shelves and coffee tables in living rooms [and] beds and wardrobes in bedrooms.” To get an estimate of the truck size you need, add these measurements in square feet and add a little extra for wiggle room.
Tips
“Picking the right size of moving truck is never going to be an exact science,” Valentino said. Some factors to keep in mind:
- Number of boxes
- Number of rooms you’re moving
- How much furniture you have and how big it is
- Distance of your move
Also consider whether you’re hiring a pro or doing a full DIY move. Professional movers are trained to pack well and fit everything tightly, while DIYers are less likely to have this skill. If you’re hiring movers, you can usually get away with renting a slightly smaller truck.
In general, you should book a moving truck that has 15% more space than you think you’ll need. This offers some leeway if you end up with more things to pack into the moving truck and ensures your move will be less stressful.
Types of moving trucks
There are two primary types of moving trucks: box trucks and pickup trucks. Box trucks are ideal for larger, long-distance moves because everything is contained in the back of the truck and won’t be damaged by weather or road friction. Pickup trucks have less capacity than box trucks and are open in the back, so they are best for smaller moves that involve a few bulky furniture pieces.
| Home size/type | Recommended truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio to 1-bedroom apartment | Small |
| 2-3 bedroom home | Medium |
| 4-bedroom home and larger | Large |
Box trucks come in small, medium and large. Choose the right size for your move by first calculating the volume of your belongings or using an online calculator to give you an estimate. Compare that number to the volume capacity of the truck to find one that’s the right size.
If you don't have a lot of furniture, you could use a small truck for studio or one-bedroom apartment moves. For a two- to three-bedroom home with lots of items and bulky furniture, you'd want a medium to large truck, and the biggest size truck for four-bedroom homes or larger.
| Truck type | Interior length, width, height | Sample items |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup truck | 7'10" x 5'2" x 1'9" | Boxes, small items |
| 10-foot truck | 9'11" x 6'4" x 6'2" | A king-sized bed, frame, loveseat, two end tables and a four-piece dining room table |
| 20-foot truck | 19'6" x 7'8" x 7'2" | Two king-size mattresses, a crib, tall or short dressers, a sectional sofa, a coffee table, end tables and a 6-person dining table with chairs |
| 26-foot truck | 26'2" x 8'2" x 8'3" | Up to three king-sized mattresses with box springs, nightstands, dressers, a sectional, a coffee table, an office desk, a kitchen table and a washer and dryer |
A 20-foot moving truck (or larger) can hold bulky items, like a washer and dryer. If you’re moving appliances, opt for a large truck.
While companies like U-Haul say their 10-foot truck can hold a king-sized mattress and box spring, you may not be able to fit many other items in the truck. Keep in mind all the boxes and other items you're moving to make sure everything can fit in one load, or plan to make multiple trips.
What size truck is right?
To determine the right size truck for your move, consider the following:
- Take inventory of your items.
- Consider the layout and accessibility of your new home (can the truck fit in the driveway?).
- Consider a professional consultation with a mover.
Stuck deciding between truck sizes? Valentino said it’s a good idea to go with a smaller moving truck to save money, especially if you can supplement with another vehicle, like your own or a family member’s.
“If the moving truck is your only vehicle, the bigger one is the safe choice,” Valentino said.
Keep in mind that you can rent an additional trailer to attach to the back of your car for extra space if you need it.
FAQ
How many passengers can ride in a moving truck?
The number of passengers that can ride in a moving truck ultimately depends on the size of the truck. Larger trucks can hold three passengers, while smaller ones may only be able to take one passenger.
Do you need a special license to drive a moving truck?
You can rent a moving truck without a commercial driver’s license (CDL) if it’s under 26,000 pounds. Most moving companies only require you to have a government-issued driver’s license to rent moving trucks and trailers.
Should I hire packers for my move?
Hiring professional packers costs extra but saves you time and energy, making your move less stressful. Hiring packers is smart if you have physical limitations because it means you’ll have to do less heavy lifting.
Bottom line
To determine what size moving truck you need, there are several factors to consider. Start by looking at the general guidelines provided by moving companies to get an estimate of the truck size you’ll need.
For a closer look, take inventory of your belongings and measure bulky items, then add the measurements together and compare it to the available sizes of moving trucks. Remember, opt for a truck that’s 15% larger than what you think you’ll need.
If you need help, reach out to a professional mover or two for a consultation to determine the right truck for you. And don’t forget you can always rent an additional trailer to hitch to your car if you need more space.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- U-Haul, “Choose the Right Size Moving Truck.” Accessed Nov. 20, 2025.
