What Size Moving Truck Do I Need is often the first question people ask when planning a move, and choosing the right size makes a huge difference in cost, time, and stress. In fact, many homeowners end up overspending simply because they don’t understand truck capacity or how much space their belongings actually take.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the state, picking the right truck can make the process smoother, faster, and safer. At Chamomile Go, we’ve helped many customers avoid costly mistakes by understanding how much space they truly need, and this guide will walk you through everything step-by-step.
Why Choosing the Right Truck Size Matters
Selecting the wrong truck size can create unexpected problems. A truck that is too small forces you into making multiple trips, burning extra fuel, wasting time, and increasing the risk of items being stacked improperly. A truck that is too large can cost more, be harder to drive, and leave large empty spaces where items may shift and break.
Many people underestimate how much furniture and how many boxes they actually have. That’s why choosing carefully can help control your budget and reduce moving day stress.
What Happens If You Pick the Wrong Truck
When you choose the wrong moving truck, a few problems are almost guaranteed to follow:
- Additional fuel costs and extra mileage fees
- Possible second day rental charges
- Increased risk of damage if items are squeezed into tight spaces
- Slower loading and unloading
- Stress, delays, and last-minute changes
If you’re hiring movers or even getting advice from a professional such as movers sherman oaks, the first thing they will consider is how much space your belongings will take, especially when you’re trying to answer What Size Moving Truck Do I Need for your move.
Simple Basics of How Moving Truck Sizes Work
Most truck rental companies use length in feet to define their truck sizes. Common options include:
- 10 ft
- 15 ft
- 20 ft
- 26 ft
A helpful rule of thumb is to estimate 150–200 cubic feet of truck space per room. This gives you a reasonable idea of how much space you’ll need for furniture, boxes, and large household items.
Some companies also list moving company truck size charts online, but these vary slightly, so it’s best to use a clear estimate based on your home’s size.
Quick Truck Size Cheat Sheet by Home Size
Here’s a simple way to match your home size to a truck size:
- Studio or dorm: Cargo van or 10–12 ft truck
- 1–2 bedroom apartment: 14–17 ft truck
- 2–3 bedroom home: 20–22 ft truck
- 4+ bedroom home: 24–26 ft truck
These estimates include average furniture and box counts. If you have heavier or larger furniture than usual, size up.
Detailed Truck Size Guide
Below is a clearer breakdown of what commonly fits into each truck size and how it relates to the related keyword truck sizes for moving. Chamomile Go has found this guide especially helpful for planning efficient and stress-free moves.
Cargo Van
- Best for small local moves
- Fits a mattress, a few small pieces of furniture, 10–15 boxes
10–12 ft Truck
- Great for studios and small 1-bedroom apartments
- Holds around 400–500 cubic feet
- 1–2 rooms of furniture and 20–30 boxes
15–16 ft Truck
- Ideal for 1–2 bedroom homes
- Around 650–800 cubic feet
- Fits appliances, sofas, dressers, and 40–60 boxes
20–22 ft Truck
- Perfect for 2–3 bedroom homes
- About 1,000–1,500 cubic feet of space
- Fits large furniture, big appliances, patio items, and lots of boxes
24–26 ft Truck
- Best for 3–4+ bedroom homes
- Up to 1,700–2,000 cubic feet
- Includes full household furniture, large wardrobes, and oversized items
If your move is handled by a rental service, they may also refer to these as moving company truck size categories.
How to Estimate the Size of Your Own Move
To get an accurate estimate of what size truck you need, start by counting rooms and noting which ones contain bulky or heavy items.
Ask yourself:
- Do you have a sectional sofa?
- Will you take major appliances?
- Do you store items in the garage or attic?
- Do you have patio or gym equipment?
- Do you own many plastic totes instead of lightweight boxes?
The more large items you have, the more cubic feet you will need.
Special Situations Where You May Need a Larger Truck
Certain situations automatically require a larger truck, even if your home is modest in size:
- Long-distance or interstate moves
- Families with bulky hobby equipment (gym gear, tools, music instruments)
- Businesses moving inventory or office furniture
- Homes with heavy wooden furniture or oversized bed frames
Sizing up is often more affordable than making multiple time-consuming trips.
When a Smaller Truck or Van Is Enough
A smaller truck may work well if you:
- Live in a furnished rental
- Are making a same-city local move
- Have mostly lightweight items
- Are downsizing or living a minimalist lifestyle
If two trips cost less than renting a large truck for the day, choosing a smaller size makes financial sense.
Safety, Weight Limits, and Driving Comfort
Weight limits matter more than people think. Overloading a truck can make it difficult to control, increase stopping distance, and create unsafe driving conditions. Larger trucks, especially those in the 20–26 ft range, require more careful turning and parking.
If you are not comfortable driving a large truck, choose the smallest size that still meets your needs.
Cost Factors Related to Truck Size
The cost to rent a truck depends on several factors:
- Daily rental rate
- Mileage fees
- Fuel consumption
- Insurance
- Add-ons like dollies, blankets, straps, and pads
Choosing “just enough” space avoids paying too much for unnecessary capacity while also preventing the risk of packing too tightly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Choose the Right Truck Size
Use this simple flow:
Step 1: Count the Rooms You Are Moving
Start by identifying how many full rooms are being moved, including bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, basements, garages, and storage spaces. The number of rooms gives you a basic estimate of the overall volume of your belongings. Even small spaces like a home office or walk-in closet can add several boxes or furniture items, so include them as well.
Step 2: Match Your Home to the Cheat Sheet
Use your room count and compare it to a standard truck size guide. For example, a studio usually fits into a 10–12 ft truck, while a 3-bedroom home often needs a 20–22 ft truck. This cheat sheet gives you a reliable starting point by pairing home size with typical moving truck capacities.
Step 3: Adjust for Extra or Oversized Items
Not all homes have the same amount of furniture. If you have bulky items such as a sectional sofa, large dressers, gym equipment, patio sets, or heavy wooden furniture, you’ll need more space than average. On the other hand, if you live minimally, you may need less space. Adjust your truck choice based on the size, weight, and number of your belongings.
Step 4: Consider the Moving Distance
Distance plays a major role in choosing the right truck. For long-distance or interstate moves, choosing a slightly larger truck is recommended because making multiple trips is not practical. If you’re moving locally within the same city, two smaller trips may still be cheaper and faster than renting a very large truck.
Step 5: Confirm with a Moving Professional
Once you have a general idea of the size you need, get a quick confirmation from a moving expert or rental company. A professional can review your inventory list, estimate the total volume, and confirm the best truck size for your situation. Many customers rely on experts like Chamomile Go to avoid miscalculations and ensure they choose a safe, cost-effective option.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right moving truck is all about understanding how much space your belongings truly take. Use the cheat sheet, count your rooms, and adjust based on any large or heavy furniture to avoid choosing the wrong size.
If you’re still asking What Size Moving Truck Do I Need, remember that the best choice depends on your home size and the volume of your items. If you need help estimating the right truck size for your move, feel free to reach out and contact us for guidance or support.
FAQs
Is it better to choose a bigger truck than I think I need?
Choosing a slightly larger truck is safer if you have bulky furniture, but for small local moves, the smallest size that fits your belongings is usually the most cost-effective.
Can a cargo van fit a queen-size mattress?
Most cargo vans can fit a queen mattress, but the fit may be tight and requires careful loading to avoid bending or damaging the bed.
What size truck works for a 2-bedroom apartment?
A 15–16 ft truck is usually enough for a standard 2-bedroom apartment, especially if you have average furniture and a moderate number of boxes.
How do I estimate the right truck size for a 3-bedroom house?
A 20–22 ft moving truck typically works for a 3-bedroom house, but consider the number of large furniture pieces and boxes. Overestimating slightly can prevent multiple trips.
Can I move everything in one trip, or will I need multiple trucks?
It depends on the total volume of your belongings and the truck size. For larger homes, multiple trips or a bigger truck may be necessary to avoid overloading and ensure safe transport.
