Moving Truck Size Calculator

Find the right size moving truck for your home. Tell us about your home and furniture for a personalized recommendation.

Size of home you're moving

How much furniture you have

Affects cost calculation

Truck size based on home size and furniture amount; Studio: 10-12 ft (450 cu ft), 1BR: 12-15 ft (700 cu ft), 2BR: 15-20 ft (1,000 cu ft), 3BR: 20-26 ft (1,600 cu ft), 4BR+: 26+ ft (2,000+ cu ft); Minimal = 70%, Full = 130% of average
Example: 2 bedroom, average furniture, local move; Recommended: 15-20 ft truck; Estimated volume: 1,000 cu ft; Box capacity: ~125 small or ~67 medium; Estimated cost: $64 (base + mileage)

What size moving truck do I need?

Truck size by home size: Studio apartment: 10-12 ft truck (350-500 cu ft), 1 bedroom: 12-15 ft truck (600-800 cu ft), 2 bedrooms: 15-20 ft truck (900-1,200 cu ft), 3 bedrooms: 20-26 ft truck (1,400-1,800 cu ft), 4+ bedrooms: 26 ft truck + trailer or multiple trips (1,800+ cu ft). General rule: 150-200 cubic feet per room. Better to go slightly larger than too small - you can't fit more into a full truck. Most rental companies (U-Haul, Penske, Budget) offer size guides. When in doubt, size up - the extra $20-40 is cheaper than a second trip.

How many boxes fit in a 15-foot moving truck?

A 15-foot truck has approximately 750-800 cubic feet of space. Typical capacity: Small boxes (1.5 cu ft each): 100-120 boxes, Medium boxes (3 cu ft each): 50-60 boxes, Large boxes (4.5 cu ft each): 35-40 boxes, Mix of sizes: ~40 small + 30 medium + 15 large. Plus furniture: Queen mattress set, sofa, dining table, 5-8 pieces of medium furniture. A 15-foot truck is ideal for a 1-2 bedroom apartment or small house. Loading technique matters - stack heavy boxes on bottom, light on top, fill gaps with soft items, and load furniture vertically to maximize space.

How much does a moving truck cost to rent?

Local move (within same city): 10 ft truck: $20-$40/day + $0.59-$0.99/mile, 15 ft truck: $30-$60/day + $0.69-$1.19/mile, 20 ft truck: $40-$80/day + $0.79-$1.29/mile, 26 ft truck: $50-$100/day + $0.89-$1.49/mile. Long-distance (cross-country): 15 ft truck: $500-$1,500 flat rate, 20 ft truck: $800-$2,500 flat rate, 26 ft truck: $1,000-$3,500 flat rate. Additional costs: Insurance: $15-$35/day, Dollies/pads: $10-$30 each, Gas: $50-$150 (depending on distance), Environmental fees: $5-$10. Budget $100-$300 for a local move, $1,000-$3,000 for cross-country.

Should I rent a bigger truck than I think I need?

YES - almost always. Reasons to size up: People consistently underestimate their stuff by 20-30%, Furniture can't be disassembled or compressed, You need walking space in the truck to rearrange items, Better to have unused space than items left behind, Cost difference between sizes is only $20-$40/day. When to go bigger: If you're between two sizes, choose the larger one, If you have unusual items (pianos, exercise equipment, pool tables), If you're moving long distance (can't do a second trip easily), If you're packing the truck yourself (pros pack tighter). Only exception: Studio/very small apartment with minimal furniture - 10 ft may be perfect.