A Guide to Moving Truck Sizes
Let’s face it: moving homes can be a major hassle, whether it’s across the country or just down the street. There’s so much to get done and never enough time. You have to load up on moving supplies, enlist the help of friends and family, purge your space, and box everything else up, all while making arrangements for kids and pets and lining up food and possibly hotel accommodations. The last thing you want to be thinking about when moving day arrives is whether or not your moving truck is big enough.
In this article, we will cover all the essential information about moving truck sizes and provide valuable tips to assist you in making the right choice.
What Size Moving Truck Do I Need?
When assessing the various moving truck sizes, there are three main types to consider:
Small Moving Trucks – These are typically rental pickup trucks that measure 5’ x 10’ x 8’ and are ideal for short, local moves. An ideal option for when you only have a few large items, like a desk, bookcase, and mattress.
Medium Moving Trucks – Usually measuring about 12’ x 4.5’ x 6.75’, a medium-sized cargo van has the capacity to transport roughly one room’s worth of possessions. Great for a college dorm, studio apartment, or small one-bedroom apartment.
Large Moving Trucks – The most common rental moving trucks you’ll come across are large box trucks. There are a variety of box truck sizes, some of which can hold enough furniture to fill a four-bedroom house. While every moving company offers different options, here’s a look at the standard sizes and the moving truck capacity equivalency:
- 10-Foot: Studio Apartment
- 12-Foot: 1-2 Room Capacity
- 15-Foot: 2 Bedroom Apartment
- 16-Foot: 2-3 Room Capacity
- 20-Foot: 2-3 Bedroom Apartment
- 22-Foot: 3-5 Room Capacity
- 26-Foot: 3-4 Bedroom House (multiple trips may be necessary)
Factors to Consider When Renting a Moving Truck
What is the Size of My Home or Apartment?
The size of your residence is perhaps the clearest indicator of what size moving truck you might need. The difference between moving out of a one-bedroom apartment and packing up the contents of a four-bedroom house is considerable. When in doubt, opt for the larger truck.
How Much Furniture and Belongings Do I Own?
Almost as important to consider when looking at moving truck sizes is how much furniture and stuff in general you own. For instance, if you have a two-bedroom place, but both rooms are jam-packed with furniture, and the closets are crammed with clothes and other personal items, it’s probably a good idea to rent a 20-foot box truck rather than a 15-footer just to be safe.
What Kind of Items Are You Moving?
The size and shape of tables, for instance, can greatly impact the holding capacity of a moving truck. So if you have many bulky items or even fragile items, you’ll want to consider that before renting a truck.
What is the Distance and Timeframe of the Move?
If you’re moving locally and are able to make several trips between the new homes, then you can opt for a smaller, cheaper moving truck. But if you’re traveling a long distance, and everything has to be loaded for one trip, then a larger truck is necessary.
How to Determine the Right Size Moving Truck for Your Needs
- Estimate the total cubic feet of your belongings (a rule of thumb is to allow 150-200 cubic feet of truck space per fully furnished room).
- Utilize a Moving Calculator to get an estimate of the moving truck size that you’ll need.
- Consult with an experienced moving company.
In this article, we’ve set out to answer any question you might’ve had about moving truck sizes, whether you were wondering, “How long is a moving truck?” or “What size moving truck do I need for a two-bedroom house?”
However, if you still need professional help or consultation, the Bennett Movers team has over 25 years of experience. We’re fully licensed and insured and have the equipment and moving trucks to handle furniture and belongings of any size or amount.
Reach out today to find out more about all our moving services!
Let’s face it: moving homes can be a major hassle, whether it’s across the country or just down the street. There’s so much to get done and never enough time. You have to load up on moving supplies, enlist the help of friends and family, purge your space, and box everything else up, all while making arrangements for kids and pets and lining up food and possibly hotel accommodations. The last thing you want to be thinking about when moving day arrives is whether or not your moving truck is big enough.
In this article, we will cover all the essential information about moving truck sizes and provide valuable tips to assist you in making the right choice.
What Size Moving Truck Do I Need?
When assessing the various moving truck sizes, there are three main types to consider:
Small Moving Trucks – These are typically rental pickup trucks that measure 5’ x 10’ x 8’ and are ideal for short, local moves. An ideal option for when you only have a few large items, like a desk, bookcase, and mattress.
Medium Moving Trucks – Usually measuring about 12’ x 4.5’ x 6.75’, a medium-sized cargo van has the capacity to transport roughly one room’s worth of possessions. Great for a college dorm, studio apartment, or small one-bedroom apartment.
Large Moving Trucks – The most common rental moving trucks you’ll come across are large box trucks. There are a variety of box truck sizes, some of which can hold enough furniture to fill a four-bedroom house. While every moving company offers different options, here’s a look at the standard sizes and the moving truck capacity equivalency:
- 10-Foot: Studio Apartment
- 12-Foot: 1-2 Room Capacity
- 15-Foot: 2 Bedroom Apartment
- 16-Foot: 2-3 Room Capacity
- 20-Foot: 2-3 Bedroom Apartment
- 22-Foot: 3-5 Room Capacity
- 26-Foot: 3-4 Bedroom House (multiple trips may be necessary)
Factors to Consider When Renting a Moving Truck
What is the Size of My Home or Apartment?
The size of your residence is perhaps the clearest indicator of what size moving truck you might need. The difference between moving out of a one-bedroom apartment and packing up the contents of a four-bedroom house is considerable. When in doubt, opt for the larger truck.
How Much Furniture and Belongings Do I Own?
Almost as important to consider when looking at moving truck sizes is how much furniture and stuff in general you own. For instance, if you have a two-bedroom place, but both rooms are jam-packed with furniture, and the closets are crammed with clothes and other personal items, it’s probably a good idea to rent a 20-foot box truck rather than a 15-footer just to be safe.
What Kind of Items Are You Moving?
The size and shape of tables, for instance, can greatly impact the holding capacity of a moving truck. So if you have many bulky items or even fragile items, you’ll want to consider that before renting a truck.
What is the Distance and Timeframe of the Move?
If you’re moving locally and are able to make several trips between the new homes, then you can opt for a smaller, cheaper moving truck. But if you’re traveling a long distance, and everything has to be loaded for one trip, then a larger truck is necessary.
How to Determine the Right Size Moving Truck for Your Needs
- Estimate the total cubic feet of your belongings (a rule of thumb is to allow 150-200 cubic feet of truck space per fully furnished room).
- Utilize a Moving Calculator to get an estimate of the moving truck size that you’ll need.
- Consult with an experienced moving company.
In this article, we’ve set out to answer any question you might’ve had about moving truck sizes, whether you were wondering, “How long is a moving truck?” or “What size moving truck do I need for a two-bedroom house?”
However, if you still need professional help or consultation, the Bennett Movers team has over 25 years of experience. We’re fully licensed and insured and have the equipment and moving trucks to handle furniture and belongings of any size or amount.
Reach out today to find out more about all our moving services!
