Moving Truck Size Calculator

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. See also our Average Speed Calculator.

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.

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.

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. You might also find our Fleet Mileage Tracker Calculator useful.

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.

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.

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.

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.