Moving Truck Size Calculator
A studio or 1-bedroom needs a 10–12 ft truck, a 2-bedroom needs a 15–17 ft truck, a 3-bedroom needs a 20–22 ft truck, and a 4+ bedroom home needs a 26 ft truck. When in doubt, go one size up — making two trips costs more than a slightly larger truck.
Truck Size = Total Cubic Feet of Belongings ÷ Truck Capacity (with 15% buffer for loading inefficiency)
Choosing the wrong truck size is one of the most common DIY moving mistakes. A truck that's too small means making multiple trips (or leaving items behind), while an oversized truck wastes money and makes loading harder as items shift during transit. Our moving truck size calculator matches your home size and inventory to the ideal rental truck, with specific recommendations for U-Haul, Penske, and Budget truck sizes.
Rental trucks range from 10 ft (250 cu ft) to 26 ft (1,611 cu ft). Getting it right the first time saves both money and stress.
What This Means
The recommended truck size includes a 15% buffer for loading inefficiency — even professional loaders can't fill a truck 100% due to irregular furniture shapes. If your results fall between two sizes, choose the larger truck. The cost difference between a 15 ft and 20 ft truck is typically only $20–$40/day, far less than the cost of a second trip. Compare prices at U-Haul, Penske, and Budget Truck.
Moving Truck Sizes Compared (2026)
| Truck Size | Cargo Space | Best For | U-Haul Rate/Day | Penske Rate/Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | 402 cu ft | Studio, small 1-bedroom, dorm room | $19.95 | $59–$89 |
| 12 ft | 450 cu ft | 1-bedroom apartment | $29.95 | N/A |
| 15 ft | 764 cu ft | 1–2 bedroom apartment | $29.95 | $69–$99 |
| 17 ft | 865 cu ft | 2-bedroom apartment or small house | $39.95 | N/A |
| 20 ft | 1,015 cu ft | 2–3 bedroom home | $39.95 | $79–$119 |
| 22 ft | 1,200 cu ft | 3-bedroom home | N/A | $89–$129 |
| 26 ft | 1,611 cu ft | 3–5 bedroom home | $39.95 | $99–$149 |
Note: U-Haul daily rates shown are base rates for local/in-town moves. One-way rates are significantly higher ($100–$2,500+) depending on distance and route demand. Penske rates shown are typical ranges including basic insurance.
How to Choose the Right Truck Size
- Count your rooms. Include bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, home office, garage, and storage areas. Each furnished room averages 150–200 cubic feet of belongings.
- Inventory large items. Make a list of major furniture: beds, dressers, sofas, tables, appliances. These items determine the minimum truck size.
- Calculate total cubic feet. Use the rule of thumb: rooms × 150 cu ft for lightly furnished spaces, or rooms × 200 cu ft for heavily furnished spaces.
- Add 15% buffer. Multiply your total by 1.15 to account for irregular shapes and loading inefficiency.
- Match to truck capacity. Choose the smallest truck that exceeds your calculated total.
Quick Reference by Room Count
| Room Count | Estimated Cu Ft | Recommended Truck |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 rooms | 200–400 | 10–12 ft |
| 3–4 rooms | 400–700 | 15–17 ft |
| 5–6 rooms | 700–1,100 | 20–22 ft |
| 7–8 rooms | 1,100–1,500 | 26 ft |
| 9+ rooms | 1,500+ | 26 ft + trailer or two trucks |
Worked Example: Sizing a Truck for a 3-Bedroom Home
The Garcia family is moving from a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a furnished living room, dining room, and home office. Here's how they calculated their truck size:
| Room | Major Items | Estimated Cu Ft |
|---|---|---|
| Master Bedroom | Queen bed, 2 nightstands, dresser, armoire | 200 |
| Bedroom 2 | Full bed, desk, bookcase | 150 |
| Bedroom 3 | Twin bed, dresser, toy chest | 120 |
| Living Room | Sectional sofa, coffee table, TV stand, 55" TV | 250 |
| Dining Room | Table with 6 chairs, china cabinet | 180 |
| Home Office | L-shaped desk, filing cabinet, bookcase | 130 |
| Kitchen | 50 packed boxes, small appliances | 120 |
| Garage | Tools, lawn mower, bikes, storage bins | 150 |
| Subtotal | 1,300 cu ft | |
| + 15% Buffer | 1,495 cu ft | |
Recommendation: A 26 ft truck (1,611 cu ft capacity) is the right choice. A 22 ft truck (1,200 cu ft) would be too small. The 26 ft truck provides enough room for everything with space to spare for proper loading.
Tips for Loading a Moving Truck Efficiently
- Load heavy items first. Place appliances, dressers, and heavy boxes against the front wall (cab end) of the truck. This improves weight distribution and driving stability.
- Stand mattresses and sofas on end. This saves significant floor space. Place them along the side walls and secure with straps.
- Fill gaps with boxes. After placing large furniture, fill spaces with boxes. Stack heaviest on bottom, lightest on top.
- Use furniture pads. Wrap all wood and finished surfaces. Most rental companies include or rent furniture pads ($10–$20 for a set of 12).
- Secure with ratchet straps. Strap loads at multiple points to prevent shifting. Rental trucks include tie-down points on the walls.
- Create tiers. Think of loading in layers — furniture tier to the ceiling, then box tier to the ceiling. Each tier should be flat on top before starting the next.
- Keep essentials accessible. Load items you'll need first at the destination (cleaning supplies, tools, bedding) last, so they come off first.
Sources and Methodology
Our truck size calculator is based on:
- Cargo capacity specifications from U-Haul, Penske, and Budget Truck Rental.
- Room-by-room cubic footage estimates based on professional mover packing data and the American Moving & Storage Association inventory guide.
- Loading efficiency factor (85%) validated through real-world loading tests with rental trucks of various sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size moving truck do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?
A 2-bedroom apartment typically requires a 15–17 ft truck (764–865 cu ft). This accommodates approximately 500–700 cubic feet of furnishings including beds, a sofa, dining set, and 30–45 packed boxes. If your apartment is heavily furnished or you have a large closet/storage unit, consider a 20 ft truck for additional breathing room.
Is it better to get a bigger truck than I need?
Yes, going one size up is almost always the right call. The price difference between adjacent truck sizes is typically $10–$30/day — far less than the cost and hassle of making a second trip or renting a trailer. A truck that's too small can also lead to improper loading, shifting cargo, and potential damage to your belongings.
How much does it cost to rent a moving truck?
Local (in-town) truck rental costs $20–$150/day plus $0.59–$0.99/mile. One-way rentals for long-distance moves cost $100–$2,500+ depending on distance and truck size. For example, a 26 ft U-Haul from Chicago to Los Angeles costs approximately $1,800–$2,500 one-way in 2026. Add fuel costs of $200–$600 (see our fuel calculator) and insurance ($15–$45/day) for the total cost.
Can I tow a car behind a moving truck?
Yes, most 15 ft and larger rental trucks can tow a car using an auto transport trailer or tow dolly. U-Haul charges $200–$500 for a one-way auto transport and $50–$100 for a tow dolly. The towed vehicle adds to fuel consumption and requires a longer stopping distance. Not all vehicles can be flat-towed — check with your rental company for vehicle compatibility.
What size truck do I need for just furniture (no boxes)?
If you're moving only furniture without boxes, you typically need a truck one size smaller than our standard recommendation. A bedroom set (bed, dresser, nightstand) takes about 100–150 cu ft. A full living room set (sofa, chairs, tables, TV stand) takes 200–300 cu ft. A dining set (table + 4–6 chairs) takes 80–120 cu ft. Add up your pieces and match to the truck capacity chart, still adding a 15% buffer.