These are estimates based on data we've calculated so please check with your local truck rental experts to make sure you get the size you need.
What Size Moving Truck Do I Need?
We calculate moving truck size according to the number of rooms in your house, square footage of your home, and how many belongings you have. Take a look at our moving truck size chart for how much can fit in a moving truck based on home size.
Your Home Size | Your Recommended Truck Size |
|---|---|
Studio Apartment | 10-foot moving truck |
1-Bedroom Apartment or House | 12-foot moving truck |
2-Bedroom Apartment or House | 15 to 17-foot moving truck |
3-Bedroom Apartment or House | 17 to 22-foot moving truck |
4-Bedroom Apartment or House | 20 to 26-foot moving truck |
Tips for Renting a Moving Truck
The right moving truck size for you depends on the size of your home, the number of rooms, and the amount of belongings you have. A good rule of thumb is to have 100-150 cubic feet of space in the moving truck per fully furnished room in your home. When choosing a moving truck rental size, consider these points:
Count all the rooms in your home—including bathrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, and garages—and consider the size of each.
Take inventory of your items. Start by counting boxes and noting their sizes, then measure any large items that won't fit in a box.
Use a moving calculator like the one above to calculate how big of a moving truck you need.
For smaller apartments with minimal belongings, consider renting a pick-up truck or van instead of a moving truck.
Determine whether you are able to transport some items in your own vehicle.
If you're moving a short distance, consider renting a smaller truck and making multiple trips.
Leave a 10-15% space margin for miscalculations, unexpected items, and less-than-perfect packing.
What Box Truck Sizes Are Available?
Box truck sizes typically range from as small as 10 feet to as large as 26 feet. Take a look at our box truck size chart to see how big of a moving truck you need and what can fit.
Box Truck Size | Dimensions | Cubic Feet | Weight Limit | Best For | Gas Tank |
10-Foot Box Truck | 9'11" x 6'4" x 6'2" | 397.3 | 2,850 lbs | Studio apartment | 12 MPG, 31 gallons, 372 miles/tank |
12-Foot Box Truck | 12' x 6'6" x 6'1" | 474.5 | 3,610 lbs | Studio apartment or 1 bedroom | 12 MPG, 35 gallons, 420 miles/tank |
15-Foot Box Truck | 15' x 7'8" x 7'2" | 824.17 | 4,300 lbs | 2 bedrooms | 10 MPG, 40 gallons, 400 miles/tank |
17-Foot Box Truck | 16'9" x 7'8" x 7'2" | 920.32 | 5,160 lbs | 2-3 bedrooms | 10 MPG, 40 gallons, 400 miles/tank |
20-Foot Box Truck | 19'6" x 7'8" x 7'2" | 1071.42 | 5,700 lbs | 3 bedrooms | 10 MPG, 40 gallons, 400 miles/tank |
22-Foot Box Truck | 21'11" x 8'1" x 8'1" | 1432.04 | 10,000 lbs | 4 bedrooms | 10 MPG, 40 gallons, 400 miles/tank |
26-Foot Box Truck | 26'2" x 8'2" x 8'3" | 1762.98 | 12,850 lbs | 5 bedrooms or more | 10 MPG, 60 gallons, 600 miles/tank |
What to Consider When Choosing a Moving Truck Size
From the belongings you have to the distance you need to travel, here are some things to think about before choosing a box truck rental.
Cost
Moving truck rentals are charged per day and include a fee per mile. The larger the size and the longer the rental period, the more expensive the truck. Additionally, most moving truck companies require you to fill up the gas tank after use, which increases the overall cost—and the larger the truck, the more fuel it takes. If you need a large truck to transport your belongings, it might be helpful to schedule your pick-up and drop-off times within the same day to reduce costs.
Distance
If you’re moving within the same city and don't mind making more trips, you can save some money on your rental by selecting a smaller moving truck. However, if you’re relocating to another city with a one-way truck rental, it would be a better option to select a larger truck. That way, you have buffer space to make sure all of your items can fit without having to make multiple trips.
Towing Capacity
Thinking of towing a cargo trailer or personal vehicle with your moving truck? You'll need to rent a large enough truck with proper towing capacity. Make sure to check with your moving truck company to see what size requirements are for towing additional weight.
Amount & Size of Items
How big are the items that you’re planning to move? Consider a larger truck if you have bulky items to transport, such as a refrigerator, a king-size bed, large bookshelves, or sectional couches. Similarly, think about the number of rooms in your home, as this can help you estimate the amount of items you need to move. If you're in a one-bedroom apartment, for example, you can probably get away with renting a smaller 10-foot or 12-foot box truck.
Passengers
Standard moving trucks hold two to three passengers, including the driver. If you have more than that number of passengers, you may have to consider making multiple trips or commuting to your final destination separately. This is something to keep in mind if you're moving long distances.
Tips for Packing Your Moving Truck
Loading your moving truck properly helps ensure that your items arrive safely and in good condition at your destination. Here are some tips to make this process smoother!
Get Packing Supplies
It’s important to get good packing supplies for your move so your items are sealed and well-protected during transportation. Pick up packing essentials like moving boxes, moving blankets, bubble wrap, packing tape, furniture wrap, and more.
Disassemble Furniture
To maximize your moving truck space, disassemble furniture and appliances, if possible. This also reduces the weight of each individual piece and makes it easier to carry heavy items. Take the legs off your dining table, desks, couches, and dressers, and take apart bed frames and shelving units.
Use Moving Straps
With moving straps, you can keep all items secure so that they don't slide around in the back of your moving truck during transport. Not only does this protect your items, but it also makes maneuvering your moving truck rental easier, as cargo weight won't be constantly shifting. Be sure to strap your items one tier or layer at a time to better secure items in the truck.
Load Heavy Items First
To ensure items won’t get crushed, you should start loading the heaviest and largest items first. These would be things like bed frames, mattresses, tables, couches, appliances, and heavy boxes. Then, load in your lighter items like moving boxes and small home decor. Additionally, try to distribute the weight evenly so that one side of the truck isn't heavier than the other.
Leave Room to Close the Door
Make your loading and unloading process easier by leaving some space near the door so you can close and open it without difficulty. This also ensures that your items won’t topple over or fall out of the truck during transit or when you open the door to unload later.
Rent Self Storage for Your Move
Need somewhere to store belongings during your move? Extra Space Storage has convenient, secure self storage locations across the U.S. that provide the solution you need while transitioning into your new home.
Moving Tips
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