Moving Truck Size Calculator

Renting a moving truck that's too small means multiple trips; too large means wasted money — the Moving Truck Size Calculator matches your belongings to the right truck size before you book. Select your home type, enter your room counts, major appliances, basement/attic items, and packing efficiency to get a recommended truck size in feet. Secondary outputs include your estimated volume, truck capacity, and space utilization so you know exactly how tight the fit will be.

Check if you have piano, gun safe, or other very heavy items

Results

Recommended Truck Size

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Estimated Volume

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Truck Capacity

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Space Utilization

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Frequently Asked Questions

What moving truck dimensions are available?

Most rental companies offer trucks in sizes from 10 feet to 26 feet. Common sizes include 10', 12', 15', 16', 17', 20', 22', 24', and 26' trucks, with varying cargo capacities from 400 to 1,600 cubic feet.

How do I match truck capacity with my home size?

As a general rule: studios need 10-12' trucks, 1-bedroom apartments need 12-16' trucks, 2-bedroom homes need 16-20' trucks, 3-bedroom homes need 20-22' trucks, and 4+ bedroom homes typically need 22-26' trucks.

What happens if I choose the wrong truck size?

Choosing too small means multiple trips, extra time, and potentially leaving items behind. Choosing too large costs more money for unnecessary space. Using our calculator helps you find the optimal size to avoid both problems.

Should I factor in packing efficiency when choosing truck size?

Yes, packing efficiency greatly affects space utilization. Professional packing can achieve 90-95% efficiency, while poor packing may only use 60-70% of available space. Our calculator adjusts recommendations based on your packing approach.

Do I need a bigger truck for long-distance moves?

For long-distance moves, consider going one size larger to avoid multiple trips, which become much more expensive over long distances. Local moves allow more flexibility with smaller trucks and multiple trips if needed.

How much does truck size affect rental cost?

Rental costs increase with truck size, but the difference between sizes is often $10-30 per day. The savings from avoiding multiple trips or hiring additional help usually outweigh the size upgrade cost.

What if I have a piano or very heavy items?

Heavy items like pianos, gun safes, or large appliances require special consideration. They take up less cubic space but may require specific truck features like lift gates or ramps. Factor in both weight limits and loading requirements.

Can I downsize if I'm getting rid of items before moving?

Yes, if you're donating, selling, or discarding items before the move, you can often go one size smaller. Be realistic about what you'll actually get rid of, as people often keep more items than initially planned.