Moving truck size and cost guide
Choose the Right Moving Truck Size
Renting a truck that’s too small is an expensive, stressful mistake. The fix is simple: estimate your load, match it to a truck size, and book early. Use this guide to pick the right moving truck, understand costs, and avoid last-minute scrambles.
Key tip to remember: if you’re torn between two sizes, choose the larger truck. Extra space is cheaper than a second trip.
Why truck size matters
Underestimating space leads to second rentals, extra mileage, delays and rushed packing. Planning your capacity up front keeps your move on schedule and on budget—especially for long-distance, one-way rentals where swapping trucks mid-move is difficult.
Where to rent a moving truck
Large national brands offer the widest fleets, locations and sizes. Popular options include U-Haul, Penske, Budget and Enterprise. For many long-distance moves, larger trucks can tow a car for an added fee—confirm hitch capacity, rates and availability in advance.
How to estimate the space you need
Walk through your home and list every furniture piece and oversized item (appliances, mattresses, tables) plus a rough box count. You’ll likely reserve before packing, so inventory first, then size the truck.
Use handy calculators like UPakWeShip’s Volume Estimator or Penske’s Truck Wizard. As a rule of thumb, plan for 150–200 cubic feet of truck space per furnished room. If unsure, call the rental company with your list for a second opinion.
Standard moving truck sizes (what fits)
Cargo van (about 250–320 cu ft)
Best for small loads and local moves. Generally fits a queen mattress and essentials for a studio or single room.
10–12 ft truck (380–450 cu ft)
Typical for studios or one-bedroom apartments. Depending on the brand, fits a king or queen mattress, ~5 medium furniture items and boxes.
15–16 ft truck (650–800 cu ft)
Good for a one-bedroom home or two-bedroom apartment. Fits two to three rooms or roughly 10 medium furniture pieces. Common loads include a king mattress, washer/dryer, fridge, dressers and a three-seat sofa.
17 ft truck (up to 865 cu ft)
A U-Haul size that adds extra breathing room for larger apartments/condos or two-bedrooms. Handles two king bed sets, a three-seat sofa, four-person dining set, love seat, TV stand and a coffee table.
20–22 ft truck (1,000–1,200 cu ft)
Works for one- to three-bedroom homes or three to five total rooms. Typically fits two king mattresses, a six-person dining set, sofa, dressers, end tables and plenty of boxes.
26 ft truck (1,700–1,800 cu ft)
The go-to for three- to five-bedroom moves (five to seven rooms) or ~15 medium furniture pieces. Expect room for three king mattresses, large sofa, nightstands, dressers, kitchen gear, washer and dryer, and more.
Quick comparison
| Truck size | Approx. capacity | Typical move | Example items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo van | 250–320 cu ft | Studio/1 room | Queen mattress, essentials |
| 10–12 ft | 380–450 cu ft | Studio/1 bed | King/queen mattress, ~5 furniture items |
| 15–16 ft | 650–800 cu ft | 1 bed home/2 bed apt | King bed, W/D, fridge, sofa, dressers |
| 17 ft | Up to 865 cu ft | Larger apts/2 bed | Two king sets, sofa, dining set |
| 20–22 ft | 1,000–1,200 cu ft | 1–3 bed home | Two king beds, 6-person dining, boxes |
| 26 ft | 1,700–1,800 cu ft | 3–5 bed home | 3 king beds, large sofa, appliances |
What it costs to rent a moving truck
Local moves (same pickup/return location) typically charge a daily fee plus mileage, often $0.50–$1.50 per mile. Smaller vehicles (cargo vans, 10–12 ft) commonly start around $20–$30 per day; larger trucks (20–26 ft) often run $30–$50 per day, with higher variability for 26-footers. Always compare quotes for your dates and location.
One-way and long-distance moves are pricier. As a reference point, a 16-foot truck for a short 30-mile move can cost roughly $62–$149. For long distances, average rentals often range about $500–$700 for a cargo van and $1,200–$2,200 for a 26-foot truck, depending on route, timing and demand. Get multiple online quotes tied to your starting point, destination and truck size.
What to watch before you book
A few checks now prevent hassles on moving day:
- Inventory big items and estimate boxes; use a sizing tool and the 150–200 cu ft per room guideline.
- If between sizes, go bigger to avoid a second trip or last-minute van add-ons.
- Confirm towing options, hitch requirements and fees if bringing a car.
- Review mileage charges, fuel policy, one-way fees and any per-day distance caps.
- Check truck dimensions, ramp/door size and height clearance for parking and loading areas.
- Ask about insurance/coverage and add moving gear (dollies, blankets, straps) if needed.
- Reserve early for weekends and month-ends when demand spikes.
Helpful extras: how to lift heavy boxes safely, and how to clean a new home before move-in. Comparing full-service movers? See the best moving companies of 2025.
FAQs
- How much space should I budget per room?
Plan on 150–200 cubic feet of truck space per furnished room; adjust up for bulky items. - What size truck for a two-bedroom apartment?
Start with a 15–16 ft truck; consider a 17 ft if you have extra furniture or large appliances. - Can I tow my car behind a rental truck?
Often yes on larger trucks for an added fee. Confirm towing capacity, equipment and availability. - What do local rentals usually cost?
Daily rate plus mileage. Expect roughly $20–$30/day for small trucks or $30–$50/day for larger, plus $0.50–$1.50/mile. - I’m between sizes—what should I do?
Choose the larger truck. Extra room costs less than a second trip or a last-minute extra vehicle.
Estimate your load, match it to a size using the table and tools, then book early. Verify mileage, one-way fees and towing needs, and when in doubt, size up. That simple plan keeps your move on time, on budget and headache-free.
