What Size Truck Do I Need For Moving is one of the first questions people ask when planning a relocation, and it makes perfect sense. Choosing the wrong truck can lead to extra trips, damaged furniture, or paying for more space than you actually need. Whether you’re preparing for a small apartment move or packing items from multiple rooms, selecting the right truck size saves time, money, and stress. At Chamomile Go, we’ve seen how the right truck transforms a move from overwhelming to efficient.
Understanding the correct size depends on your home’s square footage, the amount of furniture you own, and how many boxes you’ll be transporting. This guide breaks everything down in a friendly, easy-to-follow way so you can make the best choice for your upcoming move.
Understanding the Basics of Moving Truck Sizes
Before selecting a truck, it’s helpful to understand general moving truck sizes and how they relate to home types. Most moving companies offer trucks categorized by length, cubic-feet capacity, and weight limits. Since every home holds different items, you’ll want to consider not only the number of rooms but the bulkiness of your furniture and specialty items like mirrors, bedding, or kitchen tools. At Chamomile Go, we guide our clients in choosing the right truck size to make moving safer, more efficient, and stress-free.
Why Truck Size Matters
Choosing the correct truck size ensures:
- You avoid multiple unnecessary trips.
- Your furniture and fragile items have enough safe space.
- Loading and unloading is easier.
- You don’t overspend on a truck bigger than needed.
A reliable moving truck size chart helps you compare lengths and capacities across different home sizes. Since every move is unique, consider the standard recommendations below as a starting point, not a fixed rule.
Recommended Truck Sizes by Home Type
Each home size usually fits within a specific truck range. These suggestions ensure you have enough room without over-renting.
Studio or 1-Bedroom Home
A 10–12-foot truck typically provides 400–600 cubic feet of space. This is enough for smaller furniture pieces, 20–30 boxes, and items like a queen bed. Many people underestimate how many boxes they will have, so always account for bedding, kitchen items, or small appliances.
2-Bedroom Home
For two bedrooms, a 14–17-foot truck is usually recommended. With roughly 800–1,200 cubic feet available, it accommodates standard living room furniture, a dining set, and several closets’ worth of belongings. This size also handles most boxed fragile items with ease.
3-Bedroom Home
A 20–22-foot truck offers around 1,500 cubic feet of loading space, making it the perfect fit for larger homes with appliances, multiple bedrooms, and bulky furniture.
4+ Bedroom Home
For large families or moves from spacious homes, a 24–26-foot truck typically provides 1,700–2,000 cubic feet of space. This size handles heavy items, oversized furniture, and large quantities of carefully packed fragile belongings.
When browsing moving van sizes, remember that not all trucks have the same interior layout. Some may have wheel wells inside, while others provide flat loading floors. Always check the interior configuration when comparing options.
Important Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Truck
Count More Than Just Bedrooms
A small two-bedroom home with a lot of furniture may need the same truck as a larger three-bedroom home with minimal belongings. When planning your move, ask yourself What Size Truck Do I Need For Moving and always evaluate how much you own.
Consider Heavy or Bulky Items
Large appliances, gym equipment, heavy dressers, or large mirrors may require extra space. Even carefully packed fragile items need room to be padded and secured.
Estimate Your Box Count
From bedding to dishes to décor, boxes often take up more space than expected. A rough estimate helps avoid last-minute cramming.
Think About Weight Limits
Even if everything fits physically, trucks have maximum weight capacities ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 pounds. Overloading risks safety and added fees.
Long-Distance vs Local Moves
For longer moves, fuel efficiency matters. Choosing the smallest properly-sized truck saves fuel and money.
This is where professionals such as a relocation specialist in sherman oaks can offer guidance, especially if you’re unsure how your items compare to standard moving truck dimensions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Picking the Perfect Truck Size
Step 1: Sort Your Items by Room
Separate what belongs in each room and identify any large or valuable items. This helps estimate the total volume more accurately.
Step 2: Take an Inventory
Create a simple list of all furniture pieces, appliances, and approximate box count. This prevents choosing a truck that’s too small.
Step 3: Use a Volume Calculator (Optional)
Online calculators convert your inventory into cubic-feet estimates. They provide a close projection so you can compare it to the truck’s capacity.
Step 4: Add Extra Space
One of the golden rules of moving is to add 10–20 percent more space than your estimate. This protects fragile items and makes loading easier.
Step 5: Consider Driving Comfort
If you’ve never driven a large truck, size matters. A slightly smaller truck may be easier to handle for short local moves.
By following these steps, people often find the perfect match without stress. Whether you’re moving across town or planning a long-distance relocation, Chamomile Go encourages movers to choose comfort, safety, and practicality when making a decision.
Common Truck Sizes and What Fits Inside Them
Below is a simplified explanation, similar to what you’d see on a moving truck size chart, to help evaluate what each option typically carries:
| Truck Size | Ideal For | Key Items | Notes |
| 10–12 Foot Truck (Small Moves) | Studio apartments | Light furniture, 20–30 boxes | Compact, fuel-efficient, great for narrow streets, students, and single movers |
| 14–17 Foot Truck (Medium Moves) | Small homes or two-bedroom apartments | Medium furniture sets, moderate box count | Works well for most local moves with standard belongings |
| 20–22 Foot Truck (Large Moves) | Three-bedroom homes | Extra appliances, bulky items like sectionals or large dining sets | Best for reducing trips to just one |
| 24–26 Foot Truck (Extra-Large Moves) | Four or more bedrooms | Heavy or oversized furniture, multiple fragile or specialty items | Ideal for larger families or long-distance moves |
Understanding these ranges helps when comparing moving truck dimensions across rental companies.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right truck size doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you start by asking What Size Truck Do I Need For Moving, evaluate your home size, list your belongings, and follow the recommendations in this guide, you’ll find a truck that fits safely and efficiently. For professional guidance, support, or help planning your next move, feel free to contact us.
FAQs
How do I know if I need a larger truck?
If you have bulky appliances, oversized furniture, or a high number of boxes, renting the next size up helps avoid cramming and potential damage.
Are truck size charts accurate for every move?
Charts provide general estimates, but your actual needs depend on your belongings. Always consider adding 10–20 percent extra space.
Can I move a two-bedroom home with a small truck?
It’s usually not recommended. While minimalists may fit, most two-bedroom homes require a mid-size truck for safe and efficient loading.
What happens if my truck isn’t big enough?
If your truck is too small, you may need to make multiple trips, which increases time, fuel costs, and the risk of damaging furniture or boxes from overpacking.
Can I downsize my truck if I’m moving lightly?
Yes, if you have fewer items or minimal furniture, a smaller truck can save money and be easier to drive. Just ensure there’s enough space for all items without cramming.
