What Size Moving Truck Should You Get?

If you’re planning to take on a DIY move, one of the very first questions you’re going to have to ask yourself is what size moving truck you need. It can be hard to predict just how much space you’ll require to fit all of your furniture, boxes, and other belongings, but guessing wrong can mean not having all the room you need or wasting money on a truck that’s too big. If you work with a professional moving company, they’ll handle the task of figuring out what size moving truck you’ll require based on the inventory you provide them with. But if you’re on your own, it’s on you to make this important decision. So where do you start? We’ll walk you through it.

Why what size moving truck you rent is so important

Having a truck that is too big or too small is more than just an inconvenience—it’s also a safety hazard. Too-small trucks lead to improper stacking and a higher potential for both damaged belongings and a risk of injury when loading and unloading. Too-large trucks on the other hand mean that things are probably going to be shifting around in transit, once again leading to a potential for damage or injury. Selecting what size moving truck you need is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when organizing your DIY move, and it’s not a decision you should wing.

Start with an inventory

Just like professional movers would ask you to do, to figure out what size moving truck you’ll need you’ll want to start by getting a good idea of how much you have to transport. Factors to consider include:

How many rooms are in your house.
The size and type of furniture you’re going to be moving (list each bulky item—even if it’s relatively small when compared to the rest of your furniture. This includes couches, tables, TVs, nightstands, dressers, bookshelves, bed frames and mattresses, etc.).
How many boxes you’ll have (our moving box calculator can give you a good idea of what you’ll be working with).

Of course, unless you’re a pro yourself you’re probably not going to be able to deduce exactly how many cubic feet of truck space you’re going to need based on your inventory. But this information is still invaluable when it comes to working with the truck rental company to determine what size truck you’ll need. As a general rule of thumb, if they think you’ll be in-between sizes, go for the larger truck. It’s better for you (and way less stressful) to work with a little bit of extra space than a little bit too small of a space.

Moving truck sizes

Most truck rental companies offer consumers multiple types of trucks. So which one is right for your move? Here’s a quick breakdown of standard rental truck offerings.

Pick-up trucks

If you only have a couple things to move (think: a twin mattress and a few boxes), then you could get away with simply renting a pick-up truck. They’re ideal for people who are moving to or from dorm rooms or who only have a small studio to move. Expect a volume of space around 76 cubic feet and a maximum weight load of just under 2,000 pounds.

Cargo van

For the studio apartment mover who has a full-size or queen-sized bed, a cargo van is usually sufficient. It’s also recommended as one of the most fuel efficient options for those who are moving a limited amount of items, particularly if they’re moving locally. Expect a volume of space around 245 cubic feet and a maximum weight load of around 4,000 pounds.

Small moving trucks

A small moving truck is about 10 to 12 feet in length and works well for those moving studio or small one-bedroom apartments, as well as for those moving in or out of dorms. If you’re moving nearby and are worried about driving a larger truck, you could also consider renting a small truck and doing multiple trips. Expect a volume of space around 380 to 450 cubic feet and a maximum weight load of around 3,000 to 3,500 pounds.

Medium moving trucks

At 14 to 17 feet in length, moving trucks in the medium-sized range are a good fit for those moving out of apartments or small homes (one or two bedrooms). They’re one of the most popular choices for DIY moves, and capable of handling both short or long distance transports. Expect a volume of space around 650 to 850 cubic feet and a maximum weight load of around 3,000 to 6,000 pounds.

Large moving trucks

The largest moving trucks for consumer moves are generally about 20 to 26 feet in length. They’re what you’ll want to rent if you’re moving out of a three-bedroom house or larger, or if you live in a two-bedroom house with a lot of possessions. Expect a volume of space around 1,000 to 1,600 cubic feet and a maximum weight load of around 5,000 to 7,000 pounds.

Keep in mind that truck sizes and capacities vary from rental company to rental company. When you inquire about what size moving truck you should get, ask about specifics around available cubic feet of space and maximum weight loads. Some trucks—especially smaller ones—may have some of their space taken up by rear wheel wells or other truck features.

What if you need an even larger truck?

If your move is large enough that the largest consumer moving trucks won’t cut it, it may be time to give up on your DIY move plans and hire a moving company. Most trucks larger than 26 feet require a special license to operate and cannot be safely driven by consumers. To find qualified movers in your area just submit your move request information at Moving.com.

Other things to consider when preparing for your move

Whether you’re renting a moving truck or hiring movers, always be sure to get quotes from at least three companies. Overall costs can vary widely based on availability, demand, and general pricing, so to make sure you’re getting the best deal it’s important to evaluate multiple options. When planning your relocation, start the process of gathering quotes sooner rather than later. You don’t want to be forced to scramble when the time comes to book your truck or movers.

In terms of selecting your moving truck size, again: larger is usually better (as long as it’s not too large). For local moves, the difference in price between one truck and another is usually just about $10 to $20 a day, so it makes sense to spend a bit of extra money and get more space. Also, keep in mind that movers are available for a wide range of services. If you’re concerned about efficiently getting all of your stuff packed on to the truck, hire moving labor to come load it for you and take care of the rest of the move yourself. You’ll spend a bit more, but it could save you hours of time and ease off a lot of stress, too.

Ready to get started on locating your ideal moving truck? Visit our truck rental finder to quickly view rental companies in your area. Don’t forget that you usually need to be at least 18 years of age to rent a moving truck, and you will also need a valid driver’s license.