Choosing the right moving truck size can save you hundreds of dollars, reduce stress, and prevent one of the most common moving mistakes: renting a truck that’s too small.

While every move is different, most moving trucks are designed to accommodate a specific range of home sizes. The key is to estimate the amount of furniture and boxes you’re actually moving, not just the square footage of your home.

If you’re unsure, it’s usually better to rent a slightly larger truck than one that’s too small.

Here’s how to determine what size moving truck you need.

Quick Moving Truck Size Guide

These are general guidelines. The amount of furniture you own matters more than the number of bedrooms.

10-Foot Moving Truck

Best For:

• Studio apartments
• Dorm rooms
• Small one-bedroom apartments

Typically Fits:

• Mattress set
• Small sofa
• Dresser
• Dining table
• Boxes
• Small appliances

Ideal If:

You have minimal furniture and are moving alone or with limited help.

15-Foot Moving Truck

Best For:

• One-bedroom apartments
• Small two-bedroom apartments
• Small homes

Typically Fits:

• One or two bedroom sets
• Sofa
• Dining room furniture
• Appliances
• Multiple boxes

This is one of the most popular truck sizes for apartment moves.

20-Foot Moving Truck

Best For:

• Two-bedroom homes
• Three-bedroom homes
• Larger apartments

Typically Fits:

• Multiple bedroom sets
• Living room furniture
• Dining room furniture
• Appliances
• Garage items
• Outdoor furniture

For many families, the 20-foot truck provides the best balance of capacity and drivability.

26-Foot Moving Truck

Best For:

• Three- to five-bedroom homes
• Large family households

Typically Fits:

• Entire household furniture
• Appliances
• Garage storage
• Outdoor equipment
• Home office furniture

This is usually the largest truck available through major rental companies.

Estimate by Home Size

Remember:

A minimalist three-bedroom home may require less space than a fully furnished two-bedroom home.

What Affects the Truck Size You Need?

Several factors influence your truck size requirements.

Amount of Furniture

Ask yourself:

• Do you have large sectionals?
• Multiple TVs?
• Garage storage?
• Outdoor furniture?
• Home gym equipment?

These items can dramatically increase space requirements.

Appliances

Large appliances require substantial truck space.

Examples include:

• Refrigerators
• Washers and dryers
• Freezers
• Large entertainment centers

Storage Areas

Don’t forget:

• Basements
• Garages
• Attics
• Storage units

Many people underestimate how much these areas contain.

Packing Style

Professional loading techniques maximize space more efficiently than most DIY moves.

If you’re loading yourself, extra truck space can help.

Should You Size Up?

In most cases:

Yes.

A truck that’s slightly too large is usually better than one that’s too small.

Benefits include:

✔ Fewer loading problems

✔ Less risk of damage

✔ No second trip

✔ Easier loading

The cost difference between truck sizes is often smaller than the cost of renting a second truck.

Common Truck Size Mistakes

Many people run into problems because they:

❌ Base truck size only on square footage

❌ Forget garage and storage items

❌ Underestimate the number of boxes

❌ Ignore outdoor furniture

❌ Rent the smallest truck possible

When in doubt, go up one size.

What About Moving Containers?

If you’re using a moving container instead of a truck:

Container companies can often recommend the right size based on your inventory.

How to Estimate Your Inventory

Before reserving a truck:

Walk Through Every Room

Count:

• Beds
• Sofas
• Tables
• Dressers
• Appliances
• Large boxes

Check Storage Areas

Include:

• Garage items
• Seasonal decorations
• Sports equipment
• Tools

Create a Basic Inventory List

A room-by-room inventory helps produce a much more accurate estimate.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Before renting a truck, ask:

✔ Am I moving appliances?

✔ Do I have garage storage?

✔ Will I be loading the truck myself?

✔ Do I have large furniture?

✔ Would I rather have extra space than run out?

The answer to the last question is usually yes.

Quick Reference Chart

The Bottom Line

The right moving truck size depends on:

✔ How much furniture you own

✔ Whether you’re moving appliances

✔ Storage and garage contents

✔ Your loading experience

✔ How much flexibility you want

For most moves, it’s safer to rent a truck that’s slightly larger than you think you’ll need.

The inconvenience and expense of running out of space usually outweigh the cost of upgrading to the next truck size.

Planning Your Move?

Bellhop offers flexible moving options, including labor-only moving, local moving services, and long-distance moving support.

Whether you’re renting a truck, using a moving container, or planning a full-service move, Bellhop can help make the process easier.

Get your moving quote today.

Call +1 (888) 498-1085 or book online today to get started.

• About
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Nick Valentino

VP, Market Operations at Bellhop

Nick Valentino handles day-to-day operations at Bellhop, ensuring our customer's moves go smoothly. When not knee-deep in moving logistics, Nick enjoys The Bachelor, Georgia Football (Go Dawgs!) and traveling. He lives in Atlanta, GA.

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