Here’s how to rent the right truck size for your move
Moving to a new home is exciting, but it can be stressful if your truck is the wrong size. Rent one that’s too small, and you’ll have to leave stuff behind or make extra trips. Get one that’s too big, and you’ll overspend and struggle to park. The key to a smooth move is picking the perfect truck size before moving day.
So, “What size moving truck do I need?” It’s a question many people ask when planning to work with a moving company. Let’s go over what you should know before booking a truck.
What size moving truck do you need?
The moving truck size you need depends on how many belongings you have to transport — and how big they are.
A good general rule? Look at the number of rooms in your current home. For example, a studio apartment or a small one-bedroom home may only require a cargo van or a 10-foot truck. A four-bedroom home, though, may need a 20-foot or even a 26-foot truck.
Moving truck sizes
Depending on your move size and budget, you have several options for moving truck sizes.
Here’s a quick overview of the most common moving truck types, along with their average costs and recommended move sizes:
|
|
Average cost*
|
|---|---|
| Cargo van | $25 to $70 per day |
| 10-foot truck | $70 to $80 per day |
| 12-foot truck | $80 to $100 per day |
| 16-foot truck | $100 to $120 per day |
| 17-foot truck | $120 to $150 per day |
| 20-foot truck | Around $150 per day |
| 26-foot truck | Around $170 per day |
|
|
Recommended move size
|
|---|---|
| Cargo van | Studio apartment or dorm room |
| 10-foot truck | 1-bedroom apartment |
| 12-foot truck | 2-bedroom apartment |
| 16-foot truck | 2-bedroom home |
| 17-foot truck | 3-bedroom home |
| 20-foot truck | 4-bedroom home |
| 26-foot truck | Homes with more than 4 bedrooms |
*Costs differ based on moving truck size, pickup/drop-off locations and the pickup date. For example, it may be more affordable if you’re doing a same-day move locally within the same city or more expensive if you’re moving to another city or state.
Cargo van
A 9-foot cargo van is ideal for moving out of a dorm or studio apartment. With an average cost of $25 to $70 per day, cargo vans offer a compact and affordable solution for small moves. These vans have a cargo volume of around 250 cubic feet and can fit a few pieces of furniture, like a twin mattress, a small couch and a couple of boxes.
10-foot truck
For those moving out of a one-bedroom home, a 10-foot truck is likely large enough. Renting a 10-footer costs around $70 to $80 per day. These trucks have a cargo volume of 402 cubic feet and can hold a king-sized mattress, bed frame, a dining set and a few boxes.
12-foot truck
A 12-foot truck could work for a two-bedroom apartment. It costs around $80 to $100 per day to rent. With roughly 450 cubic feet of cargo space, you can fit belongings like two queen-sized mattresses, a couch, a dining table and several boxes.
16-foot truck
For those moving out of a two-bedroom house, a 16-foot truck may be more suitable. Renting a 16-footer will set you back around $100 to $120 per day. These trucks have a cargo volume of up to 800 cubic feet and can hold the items mentioned above, plus appliances such as a refrigerator and washer/dryer.
17-foot truck
A 17-foot truck is a solid choice for a larger two- to three-bedroom house. The rental cost is around $120 to $150 per day. With a cargo volume of up to 865 cubic feet, a 17-footer can hold larger furniture and appliances.
20-foot truck
For those moving out of a three- to four-bedroom house, a 20-foot truck is often necessary. Renting a 20-footer costs an average of $150 per day. These trucks have a cargo volume of 1,016 cubic feet and can hold several large furniture pieces, appliances and numerous boxes.
26-foot truck
A 26-foot truck is perfect for large families moving from homes with more than four rooms. The rental cost for a 26-footer is around $170 per day. With a cargo volume of almost 1,700 cubic feet, these trucks can accommodate oversized furniture, multiple appliances and more boxes than a 20-footer.
Tips for choosing the right size moving truck
Renting the right moving truck size is essential for a stress-free moving experience. To help you make that decision, we’ve put together some handy tips.
Use the size of your home as a starting point
Your current home’s number of rooms is a good indicator of the truck size you’ll need. A studio or one-bedroom apartment will require a smaller truck, while a three-bedroom house or larger will call for a bigger truck.
Estimate how much stuff you have
To determine the right truck size, make a detailed inventory of your belongings, including furniture, appliances and boxes. Measure larger items like couches, mattresses and dining tables to ensure they’ll fit within the truck’s dimensions.
Use an online moving calculator
Many truck rental companies offer online moving truck size calculators to help you estimate the size you need based on the number of rooms in your home or the specific items you plan to move. Calculators like these aren’t perfect, but they give you a good starting point.
Talk to a professional moving company
If you’re still unsure about the right truck size for your move, ask a professional moving company representative for advice. They have experience with moves of all sizes and can offer expert guidance on the right truck size based on your specific needs.
Some moving companies, like North American Van Lines, even offer virtual estimates to determine exactly what size truck you should get for your move.
When in doubt, size up
Matt Graber, the managing owner of New York City-based Cool Hand Movers, suggests, “If it’s a close call, size up. If your items come to 890 cubic feet, get a truck with 900 cubic feet [to allow ample space].”
Everyone’s homes and belongings vary in size. Having extra room in your moving truck gives you the flexibility to ensure you can fit everything without making a ton of trips. So, if you’re between truck sizes and unsure which to choose, it’s best to go for a larger truck.
What else to consider as you choose a moving truck
Besides the size of your home and the number and size of your belongings, consider these factors when choosing a moving truck.
Cost
Moving truck rental prices vary based on the following:
- The size of the truck
- The duration of your rental
- The distance you’ll be traveling
In most cases, larger trucks cost more to rent than smaller ones. Remember to factor in the cost of fuel, which can add up quickly for longer distances.
Distance to your new home
The distance between your current home and your new one will affect your choice of moving truck.
Moving locally? A smaller truck may suffice, as you can make more than one trip if needed. But a larger truck may be more practical and cost-effective for a long-distance move.
Towing capacity
Planning on towing a car behind your moving truck? Check the truck’s towing capacity. Some moving trucks have a higher towing capacity than others, and you’ll want to choose one that can safely transport your vehicle.
If you plan to move your car with a truck, inform the truck company; it will equip you with the right truck with a suitable towing capacity.
Number of trips
How many trips are you willing to make between your current home and your new one? If you want to complete your move in one trip, you’ll need a truck large enough to fit everything you’re moving. But if you are okay with making several trips or are moving locally, you may be able to get away with renting a smaller truck.
Moving truck rental vs. moving company
When planning a move, you have two main options: Renting a truck and handling the move yourself or hiring a moving company to take care of everything. The best option for you depends on your specific needs and situation.
Self-moving truck rental
Pros
- More affordable
- Flexibility in scheduling
- Sense of control over the move
Cons
- Requires more time and effort
- No professional help
- Higher risk of damage to belongings (due to limited or no moving experience)
Professional moving company
Pros
- Expert packing and loading
- Efficient and time-saving process
- Comprehensive insurance coverage
Cons
- Higher cost
- Less control over the move
- Potential scheduling constraints
Paul Schepens, the operations manager at the UK-based moving and storage company Schepens Removals, explains that when you hire a pro mover, “they’ll pack up your house using proper packing boxes and professional materials. Boxes are labeled so it’s easy to find stuff when you’re unpacking, and your goods are safe in transit.” Moving companies also offer comprehensive insurance, giving you ultimate peace of mind.
On the other hand, he notes that you’re on your own if you rent a truck to move. “You’ll need friends or family to help you pack and load. And if your move is long-distance, you’ll need different help at the other end.” And that’s not all. “You’ll [also] need to plan the logistics, including when you pick up the truck and when and where you drop it off,” he says.
Ultimately, the choice between a moving company and a rental truck depends on your budget, the complexity of the move and your preferences.
Who are the best moving companies?
If you decide that hiring a professional moving company is the right choice for you, here are some of the best options to check out:
- Atlas Van Lines - Best overall
- North American Van Lines - Best for flexible pricing
- Mayflower - Best for large moves
- United Van Lines - Best for liability coverage
- Suddath Relocation Systems - Best for military moves
These companies offer services ranging from packing and loading to transportation and unloading.