Moving Truck Size Calculator
Pick the right moving truck size from bedrooms, square footage, furnishing density, and heavy items. Outputs a cubic foot estimate and a 10, 15, 17, 20, or 26-foot truck recommendation.
Storing instead of moving? Run the Storage Unit Size Estimator for the right unit class.
Estimate your moving truck size
Enter the basics, then add heavy items if any. Results update as you type.
15-foot truck
2 bedrooms, 900 sq ft, moderate density, 2 heavy items.
How to use this calculator
Enter the bedroom count, total square footage, furnishing density, and a count of heavy items. The calculator multiplies floor area by the density factor to get a base cubic foot estimate, adds 30 cu ft per heavy item, then maps the total to the smallest standard rental truck class that fits with at least 5 percent buffer. Defaults are set for a 2-bedroom, 900 sq ft apartment with moderate furnishing.
Tips for an accurate estimate
- Pick density honestly. Most apartments and family homes are "moderate" (0.45 cu ft per sq ft). "Light" applies to recently moved-in or minimalist setups; "heavy" applies to homes with multiple sectionals, dense bookshelves, or full basements being moved out.
- Heavy items deserve their own count. Pianos, gun safes, treadmills, hot tubs, riding mowers, and full-size kitchen appliances each consume 30 to 50 cu ft and need extra blanket and dolly time. Underestimate this and the truck looks full halfway through the load.
- Long-distance moves favor larger trucks. A second trip is a deal-breaker on a 500-mile move. If the result sits within 100 cu ft of the next size break, take the larger truck.
- Sq ft does not include unfinished basements, garages, or balconies. If you are moving a workshop's worth of garage gear, add 200 cu ft to the result manually.
- Verify the truck's interior dimensions. A "15-foot" truck has 15 feet of cargo length but interior height and width vary 6 to 12 inches between brands. Check the brand's spec sheet before booking.
How truck size maps to home size
| Truck size | Cargo capacity | Typical fit | U-Haul / Penske analog |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | ~400 cu ft (11 m³) | Studio, dorm room, or 1BR with light furnishing | U-Haul 10', Penske 12' |
| 15 ft | ~764 cu ft (21.6 m³) | 1 to 2BR apartment, mid-density | U-Haul 15', Penske 16' |
| 17 ft | ~849 cu ft (24 m³) | 2BR with heavy items, or 3BR light | Budget 16', Penske 16' |
| 20 ft | ~1,016 cu ft (28.8 m³) | 2 to 3BR house | U-Haul 20', Penske 22' |
| 26 ft | ~1,682 cu ft (47.6 m³) | 4 to 5BR house, full home with garage | U-Haul 26', Penske 26' |
U-Haul vs Penske vs Budget
All three brands rent 10 to 26-foot trucks at every metro pickup point. Pricing structure differs.
- U-Haul: lowest base day rate ($19.95 to $39.95) plus per-mile charge ($0.79 to $1.09/mi). Best for short in-town moves under 30 miles. Largest network. Older fleet on average.
- Penske: higher day rate ($60 to $90) but unlimited miles for local moves and competitive cents-per-mile on one-way long-distance. Newer fleet, better fuel economy on average.
- Budget: middle ground on price, broader discount network (AAA, military, student). Selection varies by location more than the other two.
Common mistakes
- Sizing down to save 30 dollars. A second trip costs more in mileage, fuel, and time than the rental savings. Lean larger if the call is close.
- Ignoring heavy items. A piano or safe disrupts loading order and fills the truck faster than its volume suggests because nothing else can stack on it.
- Booking too late. Memorial Day weekend, end-of-month, and the first weekend in September sell out 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Book early or accept the leftover sizes.
- Forgetting moving blankets and a dolly. The truck is just the box. Add 24 furniture pads, two utility dollies, and one appliance dolly to the rental cart.
- Skipping the walk-around. Document existing damage on the truck before driving off. A 5-minute video saves a 500-dollar damage dispute later.
Practical note
Truck sizing is forgiving on the larger side and unforgiving on the smaller side. A 26-foot truck rented for a 2BR move costs maybe 30 dollars more per day than the right-size 15 foot, drives the same on the highway, and absorbs the inevitable underestimate without forcing a second trip. The calculator's output is a planning anchor; the real test is when half the kitchen is loaded and there is still a sectional waiting at the curb. When in doubt, size up.
FAQ
What size moving truck do I need for a 2-bedroom apartment?
A 15-foot moving truck is the standard pick for a 2-bedroom apartment, giving roughly 700 to 800 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for most 2BR setups with mid-density furnishing. If the apartment is fully furnished with a queen or king set, a sectional, and a heavy dining table, step up to a 17-foot or 20-foot truck. Run the numbers in this calculator with your real square footage and heavy items for a closer match.
How accurate is a cubic-foot estimate?
Within plus or minus 15 percent for a typical household. The rule of thumb (cubic feet equals square footage times density factor) holds for most apartments and houses. Outliers: dense art collections, lots of pianos or safes, or heavy bookcases push the estimate up; minimalist furnishing pushes it down. When in doubt, size up. A larger truck with extra cargo room costs 30 to 60 dollars more, while a too-small truck costs you a second trip or a U-Box add-on.
Should I rent the next size up just in case?
Yes when the estimate sits within 75 cubic feet of the next size break, no when there is clear daylight. The rental price difference between adjacent truck sizes is usually 20 to 40 dollars per day; a second trip in a too-small truck (fuel, mileage, time) typically costs 60 to 150 dollars and adds 4 hours. Long-distance moves (over 100 miles) bias even harder toward sizing up.
U-Haul vs Penske vs Budget, which is cheapest?
U-Haul typically wins on local in-town moves with the lowest base day rate (19.95 dollars to 39.95 dollars per day plus mileage). Penske is competitive on one-way long-distance moves and tends to have newer fleet trucks with better fuel economy. Budget falls between the two on price. Always compare with mileage included since long moves swing on cents-per-mile, not the day rate. AAA, military, and student discounts apply at all three.
Can I tow a car behind a moving truck?
Yes with a tow dolly (front wheels off the ground) or auto transport (all four wheels off the ground), available at all major rental companies for 60 to 200 dollars per day. Match the truck class to the towing weight: a 15-foot truck handles a sedan or compact, a 20-foot or 26-foot truck handles a midsize SUV or light pickup. Verify the truck's tow rating and the receiver before you book.
Do I need a special license for a moving truck?
No, all standard rental moving trucks (10 to 26 feet) are drivable on a regular Class C / non-commercial license in every US state. The trucks are governed at 65 to 75 mph, have a fuel cap on most models, and require an extra second of stopping distance versus a passenger car. Practice in an empty parking lot before the day of the move if you have not driven a box truck before.