What size moving truck do I need?
Quick Answer
Studio to 1-bedroom: 10 to 12-foot truck. 2-bedroom: 15 to 17-foot truck. 3-bedroom: 20 to 22-foot truck. 4+ bedroom: 26-foot truck. When in doubt, go one size up - returning with a half-empty truck is better than making two trips.
Choosing the right truck size is one of the most important decisions for a DIY move. Too small means multiple trips (expensive and time-consuming). Here are the guidelines.
Truck sizes and capacity: 10-foot truck (holds ~400 cubic feet) - studio apartment, dorm room, or small 1-bedroom with minimal furniture. 12-foot truck (holds ~450 cubic feet) - 1-bedroom apartment with standard furniture. 15-foot truck (holds ~800 cubic feet) - large 1-bedroom or small 2-bedroom. 17-foot truck (holds ~850 cubic feet) - 2-bedroom apartment or small house. 20-foot truck (holds ~1,100 cubic feet) - 2-3 bedroom house. 22-foot truck (holds ~1,200 cubic feet) - 3-bedroom house. 26-foot truck (holds ~1,700 cubic feet) - 4+ bedroom house or large 3-bedroom with a lot of furniture.
When to size up: if you have a garage, attic, or basement full of items that are easy to forget when estimating. If you have oversized furniture (sectional sofas, king beds, large dressers). If you are not confident in your loading ability - professionals can fit more in less space.
Driving considerations: 10-15 foot trucks handle like large vans - most people are comfortable immediately. 17-20 foot trucks require more care on turns and parking - practice in an empty lot. 22-26 foot trucks require significant driving adjustment - wider turns, more braking distance, and height clearance awareness (10-12 feet tall). Check bridge and overpass clearances on your route.
Rental costs: one-way long-distance rentals are priced by distance and size. A 26-foot truck one-way from New York to Dallas might cost $2,000-$3,500. A 15-foot truck for the same route might cost $1,200-$2,500. Local rentals (returned to the same location) run $30-$100 per day plus mileage ($0.59-$0.99 per mile).